Shirley's POV
The woodland floor was covered in dappled light as the morning sun passed through the trees. I stretched, experiencing an unprecedented surge of energy. Strangely, I felt as though I had a fire burning inside of me, warming me from the inside out. I felt stronger every day. I could feel the breeze as though it were whispering secrets to me, and I could hear distant animal sounds. Strangely enough, I also sensed something else, something deep and strong, almost like the forest's own heartbeat.
The sensation intensified while I worked with Ryder, and I began to question what was going on with me.
I broke the quiet by saying, "Ryder." "I feel like something is different. I feel as though I can sense things around me that I was before unable to.
He halted in the middle of his stride, studying me with narrowed eyes. "In a different way?"
I tried to put it into words and said, "It's hard to explain." "I feel as though I can sense everything around me, including you, the trees, and the wind."
Ryder scanned the trees as though he could sense the energy I was talking about. "Shirley, this isn't normal. Powers like that are uncommon. People would want to control you if they knew. They would take advantage of you.
As I considered what he had said, a shiver went down my spine. Being someone's tool was the last thing I wanted. "But why am I experiencing this?" I looked up at him for answers as I inquired.
He crossed his arms and moaned. "I'm not sure. I do know one thing, though: you must conceal this. Keep your abilities hidden from everyone, including your former pack.
"Why? I retorted, "They're not here, and I doubt they even care about me."
He stated confidently, "Because power attracts attention." Not the good sort, either. Continue to practice, but exercise caution. Have faith in me.
I nodded, feeling the impact of what he had said. I would have to safeguard this unique and hazardous power that I possessed.
Eric, meantime, was pacing his office back at the pack. He tried to concentrate on his responsibilities as Alpha, but his thoughts kept straying, returning to the last glimpse of Shirley as he threw her out. There was something inside of him that wanted to find her and see her again, even though he didn't understand it.
"Are you listening, Eric?" Eric was startled out of his reverie as one of his advisors cleared his throat.
When he realized he had missed some of the meeting, Eric shook his head. I apologize; I became sidetracked. Let's go on.
The advisor gave him an odd look, but Eric dismissed it. The strange sensation pulling at him was beyond his explanation. However, it grew stronger the more he attempted to push it away. Even though he had rejected her as his mate, it seemed as though he was somehow related to her. However, that isn't possible, is it?
Observing his discomfort, another counsellor proposed, "Maybe a vacation would be beneficial, Alpha."
"No," Eric snapped, bringing himself to concentrate. "We need to talk about some important issues."
But even while he was talking, he continued thinking about Shirley, as though he had an inner voice telling him to look for her. He made an effort to ignore it, to tell himself that he had already made up his mind. He was no longer worried about Shirley. That's what he told himself, anyway.
Elara kept a tight eye on Eric near his workplace. She observed how his eyes kept straying and how he appeared to be deep in concentration. Her rage was simmering beneath the surface as she tightened her teeth. Something was upsetting Eric, even though he had rejected Shirley and cast her out. Was it possible that he still had a connection to her?
Elara's hands clenched as jealousy tore at her. It can't continue," she whispered to herself. "He ought to be concentrating on me, not some misfit."
She snuck away to meet with someone who could assist her since she was determined to permanently remove Shirley's influence. Elara was aware of Lucien, a renegade commander who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. He was the kind of ally she needed, strong and deadly.
As the sun began to drop, Ryder and I sat there, my thoughts still racing from the energy I sensed within. I was worn out from the hours we spent training and pushing the boundaries of my newly discovered strength. However, I couldn't get rid of the sensation that I was missing something, something more profound.
"What are you thinking about, Shirley?" Ryder noticed my averted gaze and inquired.
"I simply... Something more, something strong, seems to be inside of me. However, I acknowledged that I had no idea how to get there.
He gave a contemplative nod. "Power like that doesn't appear out of thin air. You are a part of something greater that is just waiting to be discovered. However, you must exercise patience. It could be risky to rush it.
I felt the weird energy buzzing beneath my skin as I glanced down at my hands. "I get it. I simply I'm curious about my capabilities. I want to demonstrate my strength.
Ryder steadied his gaze and put a hand on my shoulder. Shirley, you're not weak at all. You are not aware of your strength. But exercise caution. Power can lead to problems, and I would hate to see you suffer as a result.
I nodded, a mixture of fear and resolve in me. Though I was aware that I needed to exercise caution, my desire to comprehend my abilities was becoming more and more intense every day. Although I had no idea where this voyage would take me, I was eager to find out.
Elara and Lucien met late that night in a shadowy, obscure area of the woodland. With a scar across his face and a chilly glare in his eyes that chilled her, he was tall and commanding. Elara chose to ignore her dread and concentrate on her objective.
She tried to speak steadily as she greeted him, "Lucien." "I need your assistance."
Lucien crossed his arms and arched an eyebrow. "What gives you the impression that I might be interested?"
Elara grinned and took a step forward. "Because I can give you access to the resources and territory of the pack, which is something of value." I only ask that you assist me in getting rid of a particular issue.
Lucien's eyes were bright with curiosity. "Continue."
With a tone full of contempt, Elara clarified, "There's an outcast." A girl by the name of Shirley. She is helpless and feeble. However, she continues to exert an odd influence over our Alpha. I want her gone for good.
Lucien gave a sombre laugh. "You want me to eliminate some competition, then?"
Elara frowned. "She is not a rival. She is nothing. However, I need someone who can ensure she doesn't return because I don't want her around.
A mischievous smile grew across Lucien's lips as he thought about her proposition. Excellent. However, I will require something in exchange. Access to the boundaries of your pack and a portion of any resources I discover there."
Despite her hesitation, Elara's determination to break free from Shirley's influence prevailed. "All right. Deal.
Elara sealed their agreement by shaking Lucien's extended hand. With a menacing smile, he replied, "Consider it done."
I felt as though something was stirring in the air around me when I woke up the following morning. I looked at Ryder, who was already awake and keeping a suspicious eye on the forest.
"What's wrong?" I sensed his stress and asked.
Slowly, he shook his head. "Not just yet. But watch out. I suspect that trouble may be closer than we realize.
I felt cold as I thought about what he had said. I had the uneasy impression that someone or something was pursuing me, too, deep down. However, why? Who is it?
Ryder faced me with a stern expression. "Remember what I told you, Shirley, no matter what. Don't reveal your abilities. Don't reveal your abilities to anyone.
I swallowed my dread and nodded. "I get it."
However, I was aware that concealing my abilities was just the first step even as I uttered those remarks. I would need to be prepared for whatever was coming if Elara and her allies were plotting something.
Somewhere in the forest, Lucien was preparing for his next move, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He was coming for me, and I knew that I couldn't run forever.