Shirley's POV
My thoughts were racing with the rogue's warning and my mother's letter as I walked back to Merida's cabin. Though there was a lot to take in, one thing was certain: I was stronger than I had ever thought. And now I had to get even stronger.
Merida was waiting outside her door with alert eyes when I arrived.
She smiled a little and added, "I knew you'd be back."
With a determined tone, I answered, "I have a lot to learn." "I can't flee or hide. I want to be prepared if they come for me.
Merida put a reassuring hand on my shoulder and her gaze softened. "All right, let's begin. You have a lot to learn and no time to waste.
Merida led me through a series of exercises inside that helped me access my healing potential. I sensed a warm, throbbing power that was unlike the energy I had previously experienced.
As I tried to concentrate on the energy flow, Merida stated, "Your power is like a well." You must carefully take conclusions from it. If you do too much, it will exhaust you.
"How can I tell when it's enough, though?" I questioned, struggling to keep my composure as frustration pricked at me.
"Shirley, it's all about trust," Merida remarked quietly. "Have faith in yourself and your gut feelings. They will lead you.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, concentrating on the warmth within. My body gradually became calmer, and when I opened my eyes, I felt stronger and more rooted.
Merida smiled. Shirley, you're learning. You will soon be able to defend not only yourself but also the people you love.
Rumours and whispers were spreading like wildfire around the pack grounds. I was unaware at the time, but Eric was dealing with his issues while I was training with Merida.
"Alpha Eric," Simon, a pack member, said gravely as he walked up to him. "People are conversing. They're suggesting that Shirley isn't the reason you're picking a Luna.
Eric's mouth clenched. He answered, "Shirley isn't the reason for anything I do," even though he was aware that the reality was more nuanced.
But, Eric, the pack is restless. "They need to know that you're leading us with strength, without... distractions," Simon said cautiously as if he were hesitant to exert too much pressure.
With a look of frustration on his face, Eric inhaled deeply. "Simon, I'm acting in the pack's best interests. No one else has the right to challenge my choices.
Although Simon nodded, he didn't appear persuaded. "Alpha, I get it. However, clarity is needed for the pack. And a lot of people think that picking a powerful Luna would stop the gossip.
With the burden of his responsibility bearing down on him, Eric tightened his fists as he left. Even though I was no longer a member of the pack, my name continued to cause friction. However, why?
In the council chamber of the pack, Elara was busily sowing mistrust. Every word in her beautiful voice was intended to influence and manipulate.
Elara flashed her eyes at the council members and said, "Shirley's presence is a danger to us all." "She is an rogue in our domain, possessing abilities that none of us fully comprehends."
Aldric, an older wolf and one of the elders, raised his voice. However, Elara hasn't done anything to hurt us. She has avoided contact.
"Just for the time being!" Elara persisted. What occurs if she loses control of her abilities? She poses a risk to our safety and is erratic.
Another council member, obviously influenced by Elara, gave a contemplative nod. Elara might have a point. Recently, rogues have attacked us. Shirley's presence may make things considerably riskier.
Elara took advantage of the moment, her face triumphant. "Exactly. She should be permanently removed from our grounds if we are concerned about the Greenmoss Pack's safety.
Some members of the council were already influenced by her remarks, and they whispered among themselves. Elara's power was increasing, and she was drawing them nearer to her with every word.
Despite his caution, Aldric was not entirely persuaded. "Elara, kicking her out is a harsh measure. What if this is just a short-term situation? Maybe she could be watched instead.
Although Elara's eyes narrowed, she spoke calmly. "She will always be a threat, whether or not she is supervised. It's time for us to act.
Once I was back in the jungle, a strange feeling that I couldn't get rid of made me feel cold. I sensed a change in the atmosphere, but I had no idea what was going on with Eric or in the council.
I broke the silence by whispering, "Merida, something doesn't feel right."
Merida's eyes were full of understanding as she gazed at me. "Your intuition is becoming more acute. Well done, Shirley. What are they telling you, though?
I hesitated, attempting to express how I felt. "I sense that there is danger." It's not far. And the pack is in danger, not just me.
Merida's face was lined with worry as she nodded. People with abilities like yours can occasionally be sensitive to shifts in energy. You might be feeling something significant. Perhaps Elara has been preparing something.
I clenched my fists, feeling worried and angry. Even though the flock may have abandoned me, I couldn't deny this sensation. "I can't just stand by and watch them get hurt. I'll defend them even if they don't want me.
Merida put a reassuring hand on my shoulder as her gaze grew softer. Shirley, that's the essence of a real Luna. Even though they have rejected you, you are prepared to fight for them.
Her remarks made me feel proud, but then we both became tense when there was a sudden rustle in the bushes. I turned toward the sound, prepared to protect myself, my heart pounding.
But it was a little fox scuttling among the leaves, not a rogue or a menace. Half relieved, half irritated at my jitteriness, I let out a breath.
Merida gave a little laugh. "When tensions are high, even the smallest things can feel like threats."
I forced a tiny smile, but the uneasiness persisted. "I'll exercise caution, Merida. And I'll be prepared.
Merida gave me a tiny amulet as I prepared to leave her hut later that evening.
With a whisper, she stated, "It's for protection." "It might help you concentrate your strength, particularly if you're in danger."
With gratitude, I nodded and put the amulet around my neck. I'm grateful, Merida. For everything.
She grinned, but then her face darkened. "Remain alert, Shirley. There will be dark days ahead.
Her comments reverberated in my head as I walked back through the forest, blending with my mother's letter and the rogue's warning. I could feel the storm building in the heavy air around me.
Then I heard a faint voice Lucien's in the forest's silence.
"Shirley," he yelled in a derisive tone. Every muscle in my body tensed as I froze, trying to find him. With a cunning smile on his face, he stepped out of the darkness.
"Lucien," I murmured cautiously, attempting to maintain a steady tone.
"Oh, you're so courageous now, aren't you?" He crossed his arms and sneered. "However, courage won't protect you from what lies ahead."
"What are you discussing?" Despite the shiver of anxiety running up my spine, I made a firm demand.
"Oh, there's nothing to be concerned about. Quite yet," he said, grinning broadly. But Shirley, Elara has a big idea. Greenmoss Pack will be brought to its knees by it.
With my heart racing, I retreated a step. "You're playing a bluff."
Lucien's eyes were cruel and icy as he chuckled. "Consider what you desire. You'll see, though, soon. You will never again be able to find a position in the pack thanks to Elara's next move.
His voice was low and menacing as he stepped closer. "Every wolf in Greenmoss will turn against you very soon. And nobody will be around to save you.
I was left alone with his words reverberating in my head as he turned and vanished into the night.
Fear and determination swirled inside me as a chill descended and I gripped the amulet Merida had given me.
Although I was unaware of Elara's strategy, I was certain that I would not allow her to ruin everything. Even if I were to stand by myself, I would fight.