Shirley's POV
With my heart racing, I made my way across the forest to Eric's cabin. I kept thinking about what Lucien had said: "Elara has a grand plan." Even if Eric didn't trust me, I had to warn him.
When I finally arrived at his cabin, I knocked hard on the door. When it opened a moment later, Eric was standing there, appearing shocked to see me.
"Shirley," he remarked in a cautious tone. "Why are you in this place?"
To regain my composure, I inhaled deeply. "I must speak with you. It has to do with Elara.
Eric's face became angry, but he moved out of the way to let me in. I looked about, observing his apparent tension. A hefty weight seemed to be dangling in midair.
He folded his arms and said, "What do you want to say?"
Observing his face intently, I started, "Elara has teamed up with Lucien." "Eric, she's planning a horrible thing. Their goal is to harm the pack.
He shook his head and gave me a doubtful look. And Shirley, how would you know this? Lucien? Elara? These are grave charges.
"I heard it directly from Lucien," I demanded, my voice growing urgent. He said that Elara's next action would endanger the entire pack, and he threatened me. Eric, I couldn't ignore it.
Unconvinced, he sighed. "Is it my understanding that Elara, who has consistently been a pack member, would support a renegade like Lucien?"
I clenched my hands and argued, "People change." "You are aware that she has changed since I returned."
Eric averted his gaze, his annoyance was evident. "This isn't helpful, Shirley. I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish. You cannot simply enter this room and expect me to betray one of my most dependable allies.
I stepped forward, speaking steadily and quietly. "I'm not requesting that you betray her. I want you to exercise caution. At least be vigilant if you don't believe me. For the benefit of the pack.
He said nothing, his face unreadable. Even though I knew I had done everything I could, I could still feel the disappointment growing inside of me.
"All right," I muttered, taking a step back. "I'll just have to defend the pack myself if you don't believe me."
Eric went in search of Elara after I left his cabin. Perhaps he just wanted to disprove me, or perhaps I had sowed doubt in his mind. In any case, Elara was busily sorting some papers in the council chambers as he briskly walked there.
"Elara," he remarked abruptly, causing her to raise her head. "We must speak."
With a composed smile, she lifted an eyebrow. "Eric. What are you thinking about?
Eric crossed his arms and gave her a stern look. "Today, Shirley approached me. You're working with Lucien, she said.
Something sinister briefly appeared in her eyes, but she swiftly covered it up with a quiet laugh. "Lucien? Do you think she's real, Eric?
"Elara, I'm asking you. With a serious tone, he answered, "I need to know if there's any truth to this."
She looked hurt as she sighed. I've always been devoted to you and the pack, Eric. Why would I ever take that chance?
He mumbled, sounding uncertain himself, "Shirley seemed certain."
Elara took a step forward, her voice gentle and comforting. "Shirley has experienced a great deal. She is bewildered and even afraid. You know how she feels about going back to the pack. She would naturally see danger when none exists.
Eric paused, his eyes losing their doubt as Elara went on.
At last, he nodded slowly and murmured, "You're right." "Shirley has experienced a great deal of stress. Elara, I shouldn't have questioned you.
With a glimmer of victory in her eyes, she grinned. "Don't be concerned, Eric. I'll take care of it. Shirley simply requires some direction.
My heart ached with sadness and frustration as I left Eric's cabin. I was aware that he didn't trust me. He thought I was just a crazy, paranoid rogue.
However, I had to stop Elara's scheme. I would have to convince the pack of the truth on my own if Eric refused to listen.
My hands clenched as I felt a wave of resolve wash over me. Perhaps it was time to let them know that I wasn't powerless and to show them what I could do. They might realize that I wasn't a threat and that my purpose was to keep them safe if they witnessed my abilities.
There was a familiar voice calling, "Shirley, are you okay?" When I looked around, Merida was coming toward me with a worried expression on her face.
"I'm not sure, Merida," I said. "Eric doesn't think I'm real. He believes that I'm making things up.
Merida gave a contemplative nod. "People can occasionally become blinded by the people they trust." However, Shirley, you still have the power to change things.
I felt the weight of her words as I gazed down. "I'm considering telling the pack about my abilities. Perhaps they will recognize that I am more than just a defenceless stranger if they see what I am capable of.
Merida touched me on the shoulder. "I'll be there for you if you're prepared for that. But Shirley, be ready. No matter what you do, you won't be accepted by everyone.
As her words sank in, I nodded. I'm grateful, Merida. I simply must do this. Both for myself and the pack.
I made the resolute decision to defend them, even if they never fully accepted me.
A startling disturbance occurred close to the pack's boundary that night as the moon rose high above the woodland. Growls and shouts reverberated through the woods, filling the air.
My pulse thumping, I hurried toward the sound without thinking. When I got there, the pack was being attacked; rogues under Lucien's command were tearing across the area, their teeth and claws gleaming in the moonlight.
Fear and rage swirled inside me, tightening my chest. It was this. I knew the attack was coming, and I couldn't allow the Greenmoss Pack to be destroyed by Lucien and Elara's scheme.
A rogue came at me with its teeth bared as I took a step forward. A surge of energy erupted from my palms, knocking the renegade back as I closed my eyes and concentrated on the warmth inside.
Around me, the other wolves let out a gasp and opened their eyes wide in surprise. However, there was no time to elaborate.
I confronted the rogues one by one, exerting all my strength to drive them away. Energy tingled through my body, the warmth intensifying with each strike. Even if they didn't understand why, I could feel my powers freely protecting others around me.
Suddenly, a voice cried out from close by Eric. "Shirley! What are you doing?
He was standing in the middle of the fight when I turned around, watching me with a shocked expression on his face. However, a new wave of rogues pushed forward before I could respond, forcing me to return my attention to the battle.
As the fight continued, the pack started to come together in support of me with every rogue that was taken down. They viewed me as an ally rather than an outsider, and we fought back together, forcing Lucien's forces to flee.
I finally lowered my hands, fatigue sweeping over me as the dust settled and the final rogue ran away into the darkness. The pack stood around me in stunned stillness, looking at me with a mix of wonder and perplexity.
Eric took a step closer, and I couldn't quite interpret the range of emotions in his eyes.
"Shirley," he uttered softly, his tone full of awe. "How did you do that, exactly?"
I tried to catch my breath as I stared at him, my heart racing. Eric, I told you. I came here to keep the pack safe.
He looked from me to the other wolves who had seen my abilities as if he was at a loss for words.
I briefly felt a glimmer of hope. It's possible that he would finally realize me for who I was.
I was about to feel a little relief, though, when a low voice broke through the throng.
"Elara will not tolerate this," Lucien's icy, sour voice resounded. He had come back and was staring at me with hate in his eyes. Shirley, you've made up your mind. You and everyone you care about will now be the targets of Elara's fury.
We stood in silence as he disappeared into the trees, grinning menacingly.
I felt his menace crashing down on me as I looked about. Even though the battle was won, a more sinister storm was on the horizon.
Eric's queries filled his eyes as he continued to stare at me. However, there was no time for responses.
Because I was more aware than ever that I needed to be prepared for whatever Elara had in store for me next.