Shirley's POV
Eric was unable to get rid of the sensation. The strength, fierceness, and indisputable power he had sensed from Shirley during the ceremony was not typical. He sat in his chambers and mentally reenacted the scene. He couldn't ignore her strength and presence.
He frowned and said to himself, "What was that?"
Eric had faced many strong wolves in his role as Alpha, but none had thrown him back like the surge. A curious mixture of perplexity and admiration stirred inside him. Shirley had always been sweet and gentle to him, but now she seemed like something more. And he was uneasy about that.
"What kept her from telling me?" He ran a hand through his hair and spoke.
He was troubled by the memory and, for the first time, questioned whether he had been mistaken to have doubted her.
I sprinted in the meantime, tears stinging my eyes and my heart pounding. I was unable to be there any longer. Eric and the others were the last people I wanted to see. Shame was all I could feel.
When I came to a remote area of the forest, I halted to collect my breath. Anger, pain, and a tremendous, burning desire to get stronger were all swirling around in my thoughts. Those I had cared for had abandoned me, doubted me, and damaged me. But not anymore. I felt a surge of resolve and tightened my hands.
"I'll get stronger," I muttered angrily. "I will no longer be dependent on anyone."
I felt a sense of calmness descend upon me as the cool wind stroked against my face. I would learn to use my skills if they were real and I was genuinely destined for something more. I would develop myself, train, and defend myself.
I turned back toward Merida's hut after having that thought, prepared to ask for her assistance.
Merida was waiting with a knowing expression on her face when I got back.
She patted the seat beside her and murmured, "I knew you'd come back." "Sit down, kid. We must speak.
Still feeling the weight of everything, I took a seat. Merida inhaled deeply as her face became serious.
"Shirley, there's something you have to know," she said. It's not only about your abilities. It goes beyond that.
I stared at her in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Merida touched me with her hand. Shirley, there is a prophecy. It describes a healer with a clean heart and tremendous strength. This healer can develop into a strong Luna, a leader capable of enacting change and defending her flock.
My eyes got big. "A Luna, huh?"
She gave a nod. Yes, but only if you believe in yourself and accept your abilities. Shirley, you can be that leader, but it won't be simple. Some people will oppose you because they are afraid of who you could turn into.
My pulse raced at what she said. A Luna? Me? Something inside of me felt correct, like a puzzle piece that had been missing and was now coming together, even though it seemed unreal.
Merida's eyes were hard but kind. I will help you if you agree. You must be strong, though. You must meet the challenges that lie ahead.
I inhaled deeply as a fresh resolution began to blossom inside of me. "I'd like to learn." I want to get more powerful.
Merida grinned, pride shining in her eyes. Then tomorrow is when we start. There is a lot to discover.
Lucien and Elara were deep in conversation in the shadows of the pack's main grounds, far from the forest. Elara's face was contorted in fury and rage.
"That girl made it through the ceremony." With narrowed eyes, she spit out, "She should be out of our way by now."
Leaning back, Lucien's eyes were icy. "She is stronger than we initially believed."
Elara's gaze flickered. "We'll have to try again after that. I will not allow her to sabotage my goals. Her power is a hazardous one. Before she gains the ability to govern it, we must crush it.
Lucien grinned. "We'll organize a second assault. However, we won't undervalue her this time. We'll strike quickly and forcefully to prevent her from retaliating.
A ruthless smile curved Elara's lip. Indeed. Shirley won't know what hit her by the time we're finished. Eric won't either.
As they consolidated their strategy, intent on getting rid of me permanently, their laughing reverberated through the night.
As I got ready for training with Merida the following morning, I noticed something. There was a folded piece of old, yellowed paper on a little table by my bed.
"What is this?" I picked it up and murmured.
I carefully unfolded it and started reading. When I recognized my mother's handwriting, my pulse raced.
It started, "If you're reading this, it means you're ready to know the truth, my dearest Shirley."
As feelings surged through me, the words became hazy. At a power I didn't fully comprehend, my mother had left me this letter from the past that alluded to my ancestry.