Shirley's POV
My hands shook a little when I unfolded the letter. Even though my mother was long dead, her handwriting was delicate and recognizable, and every letter felt like a whisper from her. I steadied myself with a long breath and started reading.
"If you are reading this, my dearest Shirley, it indicates that you are prepared to learn the truth."
My head was full of questions. What made her leave me such a letter? What truth was she referring to?
"Our family has a long and strong history. A lengthy line of supernatural healers precedes you. This implies that you possess unique and valuable abilities, such as the capacity to heal and defend, my love.
Healer? They were the wolves I had heard about, wolves who could heal the spirit and the body with their energies. However, I never thought it would be me.
The letter went on to say: "This authority carries a lot of responsibility and could be dangerous. It might be used, controlled, or destroyed by others.
The words sank in like stones as I swallowed. As I read the final lines, my heart raced.
"My dear Shirley, make good use of your gifts and never forget that you are stronger than you realize. You are destined for greatness, so have faith in yourself.
I felt an odd mixture of pride and terror after hearing my mother's words. Maybe if I had inherited her talents. Something more, something that may benefit others, was what I was supposed to do.
I folded the letter with renewed resolve and muttered, "Mother, I won't let you down."
Eric paced his office across the pack grounds, his head aflutter with ideas he couldn't put aside. Even though he tried to ignore it, he had been drawn back to me by an odd connection he had felt ever since the ceremony.
"Why is she always on my mind?" He whispered.
Recalling the strength he had experienced throughout the ritual, he drummed his fingers on the desk. More than just the girl he had once turned down, there was something about me that he had never seen before.
At last, he concluded that he required answers.
He wondered out loud, "Perhaps someone in her family was aware of this power."
Resolved, he left his office and went to the pack's record keeper, an elder who was familiar with the backgrounds of every family.
As Eric walked in, the elder looked up. "Alpha Eric," he nodded in greeting. "Why have you come here?"
Eric answered, hoping the elder wouldn't ask too many questions, "I need to know more about Shirley's family."
Despite raising an eyebrow, the elder started to retrieve ancient records. He spoke softly as he remarked, "Shirley's family was... unique." "Her mother had a reputation for healing, which is uncommon among our kind."
A beat skipped in Eric's heart. "The capacity to heal?" He was unaware.
The senior gave a nod. Yes, but her mother didn't say anything about it. Such authority can lead to problems.
Eric's bewilderment grew as he tightened his jaw. What had he been missing? And why did he feel so protective of me because I was special?
He whispered, "Thank you," and walked out of the room. He was starting to regret ever letting me go because he had discovered more about me.
I wandered by myself close to the forest's edge as the sun started to set, trying to process what I had discovered. Even though I had my mother's letter securely in my pocket, I could still hear what she had to say.
"Hey, you over there!" I was startled to see a man standing a few feet away when I heard a gruff voice shout out. With his ragged clothing and suspicious expression, he appeared to be a renegade.
"Who are you?" I stepped back and asked.
The rogue held up his hands as though to indicate that he was harmless. "I am aware of you, Shirley. His voice was anxious as he stated, "I... I came to warn you." "There is a scheme to hurt you. I believe you ought to be aware.
I squinted as a cold shiver ran up my spine. "What do you mean?"
As if to make sure we were alone, he looked over his shoulder. "Your pack members are conspiring against you. I can take you to a secure location.
A tiny part of me wanted to believe him, even though my gut told me something was wrong. Perhaps he wanted to assist. I hesitated, only a little.
"Come on," he said, taking a step forward. "Believe me."
However, I noticed a gleam in his eyes as he walked, and it chilled me to the bone. Then I realized that this was a trap.
Without saying another word, I turned and ran through the trees, my heart thumping. The rogue chased after me, his breath loud and quick, and I heard footsteps thundering behind me.
He said, "Come back here!" with rage in his voice.
My legs burned as I ran, pushing myself harder. I sensed that my terror was changing into something stronger. My hands started to tingle, and I felt a burst of energy that I didn't entirely comprehend.
My body hummed with the weird energy as I staggered and soon got my bearings. The rogue's footsteps were becoming louder as he approached.
My heart pounding, I halted and turned to face him with a sudden bravery. I held out my hands while concentrating on my inner energy, even though I had no idea what I was doing.
"Remain back!" I sounded a steady warning.
Unimpressed, the renegade laughed. "Little girl, what are you going to do?"
But before I could respond, my inner force burst into a faint glow around my hands. Shock took the place of the rogue's smirk.
He stepped back and muttered, "What… what is that?"
I felt the warmth grow through my arms and concentrated harder, even if I didn't comprehend it myself. The rogue was knocked off his feet and sprawled after a sudden burst of light from my palms.
I saw him gasp for air as he stumbled to his feet, a mixture of wrath and terror on his face. But he hesitated before striking.
"Shirley, this isn't over," he said, dismissing himself. "You're right in the heart of Elara's broader intentions. You'll soon come to repent ever believing that you could obstruct her.
I was left feeling unsettled and alone as he turned and vanished into the forest's depths.
His words replayed in my head as I stood there, my heart still pounding. Elara has a plan, a plan that would put the whole pack in jeopardy. What would she want with me, though? And why did it seem like a more sinister threat was approaching?
I experienced an odd mix of anxiety and resolve as I walked back. I had to be prepared for whatever Elara had planned. For me, my pack, and my mother.