Shirley's POV
As I stood next to Luna Merida, the woodland seemed to come to life around me. Energy filled the air, and I inhaled deeply as I sensed my inner strength rising. On the first day of my actual training, I felt both anxious and eager.
"Pay attention, Shirley," Merida murmured softly as her sage eyes watched me intently. You must connect with your power before you can control it. It is as natural to you as your heartbeat.
I tried to follow her instructions and closed my eyes. I gradually started to feel a warm feeling, like a tiny fire getting brighter, rising in my chest. As Merida had instructed me, I opened my palms and visualized my energy passing through them.
"Well," she said. Allow the warmth to now find its way to your fingertips. Send it out as softly as you can. Let things happen naturally; don't push it.
I inhaled deeply and sharpened my focus. My hands began to glow softly, flickering like candles. Despite my racing heart, I maintained my composure and let the energy flow.
Merida grinned. Fantastic, Shirley. You're using your abilities faster than I anticipated.
With a fresh sense of pride, I smiled. "I'm grateful, Luna. I feel... strange. More powerful.
"Remember, this power comes from within you. Your strength will only increase with time and patience," Merida reassured me. It's a component of your identity. It will soon feel as instinctive as breathing.
With greater confidence than ever, I nodded. I genuinely thought I could master this weird, potent energy for the first time.
Things were less tranquil back in the Greenmoss Pack, though. Concern weighed heavily on Eric's mind as he sat in the council room. The council members were seated around him, their faces solemn.
One elder forcefully stated, "Alpha, you cannot wait any longer." "Elara is the ideal candidate to be the Luna that the pack needs." She is devoted, strong, and ready to take the lead with you.
Eric rubbed his temples and moaned. "I recognize the demands of the pack, but this isn't a straightforward choice. I don't want to rush becoming Luna since it's a significant commitment.
Leaning forward, another senior said in a quiet but firm tone. "We've given you time to think things out, but the pack gets more agitated the longer you put it off. Elara has arrived and is prepared to assist. Alpha, you have to make a decision.
Eric's mouth tightened. He felt in his heart that they were correct. He could feel the weight of the pack's expectations pressing down on him, and the pressure was increasing. But his heart ached every time he thought about Elara.
Knowing he couldn't wait much longer, he finally said, "I will... think about it."
I resumed my workout in the wilderness. Every day I worked with Merida, learning how to channel my energy, heal minor wounds, and even surround myself with a barrier of light. Every lesson made me feel like I was evolving. Slowly but surely, the shy girl who had been scared was becoming stronger and more self-assured.
I succeeded in enveloping my body in a silver-shimmering shield one afternoon. With excitement, I glanced at Merida. "I succeeded! I did it!"
Merida had pride in her eyes. Indeed, Shirley, you did. You're growing more strong than you think.
I had never experienced such bliss in my heart before. I had felt weak and insignificant for a large portion of my life. Now, I was finding a strong, capable side of myself. I felt alive for the first time.
"Don't forget, Shirley," Merida stated gravely. Although it might be a target, your power is a gift. Other people might sense that and not want what's best for you.
I understood the warning and nodded. "Luna, I'll exercise caution."
Elara was sitting in her room nearby, a tinge of discomfort in her veins. Something odd had changed in the air, something she couldn't understand. She had keen senses and sensed Shirley's strength increasing. She was unable to disregard that menace.
"Elara? From beyond her door, a voice called. She greeted him with a fake smile as she opened the door to see it was one of the council members.
"What is it? Her tone was cold as she asked.
He stated, "The council has been talking to Eric about selecting a Luna." "He's almost ready to make a choice."
A cunning smile appeared on her face. "All right. I was aware that he wouldn't last forever. He needs to understand what's best for the pack.
However, a glimmer of uncertainty lingered in her mind as she spoke. Shirley may pose a serious threat if she were growing in strength. Elara's jealousy boiled inside her as she clenched her hands. Darkly, she thought, I can't let her destroy this for me. I will have to stop her at all costs if she becomes more powerful.
When I got back to the hut that night after training, I saw Merida staring at me with an odd expression on her face.
"Shirley," she continued softly, "I think you should know something." You might soon encounter a situation that will try your fortitude and resilience.
I blinked, my stomach churning with anxiety. Luna, what do you mean?"
She clarified, "There are forces that will try to separate you from your destiny, from your pack." "And they'll do everything in their power to prevent you from reaching your full potential."
Her words lingered in the atmosphere. I felt a strong wave of resolve as I gulped. I tried to seem brave as I said, "I'm ready to face whatever comes my way."
Merida smiled somewhat, but her eyes were still filled with dread. Shirley, I have faith in you. But you must use caution, particularly in concerns of the heart.
Elara went to Eric's room later that evening. She was aware that she needed to move fast to guarantee her place as Luna. She forced a charming smile, trying to look genuine.
"The council has been putting pressure on you, Eric," she remarked quietly. I want to help you feel less burdened since I can see how much you're carrying.
With weary eyes, Eric gazed at her. It's a tough decision, Elara. I need time to reflect.
Elara inhaled deeply while feigning comprehension. I understand, but I'd like to assist you, Eric. As Luna, I wish to stand by your side and help you.
She extended her hand and lightly touched his arm. "Let's formally announce it. Let's break off your relationship with Shirley. Both you and the pack need closure.
Eric paused, his eyes glimmering with turmoil. However, he was greatly burdened by the expectations and pressure. His voice was low as he nodded slowly. Maybe you're correct. Perhaps it's time to go on.
Merida gave me a distressed face the following morning.
"Shirley," she said cautiously, "I've just noticed a change in the pack. Eric has been persuaded by Elara to carry out a ceremony—a ritual—to break his connection to you.
Her words struck me so hard that I was out of breath. Was Eric going to turn me down and sever our relationship forever?
Between astonishment and sadness, my thoughts were racing. There would be no turning back if he carried it out. I would be completely alone as the connection that had held us together would no longer exist.
Merida's eyes were furious as she put a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Shirley, this is only the start of your adventure. And you will also survive this if you are strong enough.
However, the idea of Eric formally rejecting me made me shiver in my gut and made me feel a fear I couldn't get rid of.