Chapter Six: Secrets Unveiled
The forest felt different after the fight—quieter, but somehow more alive. Evelyn's heart was still racing from the confrontation, her body humming with the aftereffects of adrenaline. The scent of blood lingered in the air, sharp and metallic, but the other wolf's body had already been left behind, discarded like an unwanted thing. In the aftermath of the battle, there was no room for sentimentality—only survival.
Alaric's powerful frame moved alongside her, his presence a constant, comforting reassurance. She had fought alongside him, and even though she wasn't fully prepared for the dangers that awaited her in this wild new world, there was something in the way he moved—something in the way he protected her—that made her feel like she was more than just a fragile, human girl who had run away from her past.
She was someone who could stand her ground. Someone who could fight.
The wind had picked up, carrying with it the scent of distant storms and something else—something unfamiliar. Evelyn's heightened senses caught it before Alaric did: the faint trace of other wolves in the air.
Alaric, sensing her unease, slowed his pace. We need to keep moving. There's more danger nearby.
Evelyn nodded, her fur bristling at the thought of more enemies, but there was something else on her mind, something that had been nagging at her since the moment the fight had ended. She had seen the other wolf—the one who had challenged Alaric—and something about the way it had spoken to her, something in the way it had looked at her, unsettled her.
That wolf had known her—known exactly who she was.
She turned to Alaric, the question burning in her mind. "Who was he? The one who challenged you?" she asked, her voice a low growl, though she wasn't sure if the wolf inside her or the woman was speaking. She wanted answers, and she needed them now.
Alaric's golden eyes flicked to her, his expression unreadable. He seemed to hesitate for a fraction of a second before answering, his tone calm but heavy with unspoken weight. His name is Darius. He's from another pack, one that believes in using force to control. They don't respect the old ways. They only respect power. He knew exactly who you are, Evelyn. And that's why he came after you.
Evelyn's pulse quickened. Why? Why would he want me?
Alaric's gaze softened, his voice tinged with a sadness she hadn't expected. Because you're the last of your bloodline. Your family—your true family—was one of the most powerful Alphas in this region. You have blood in you that makes you a target, Evelyn. Darius came after you because of what you represent.
Her breath caught in her throat. What do you mean? What bloodline?
Alaric stopped in his tracks, his golden eyes fixing on her, piercing and full of emotion. You don't remember, do you? Your past? Your true heritage?
Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. What do you mean? I don't remember anything about my family. I was raised by my adoptive parents. I don't—
That's exactly it, Alaric interrupted, his voice suddenly hard. Your memories were erased. When you were just a child, your parents—your real parents—sent you away. They did it to protect you, Evelyn. From what, I don't know. But they erased your memories, made sure you grew up believing that you were nothing more than a human girl with no connection to our world. They tried to keep you safe. But it was all a lie.
Evelyn's world seemed to tilt beneath her. Her breath became shallow, the weight of his words crashing down on her like a wave. You're saying my parents—my real parents—are wolves? That I'm…
An Alpha. You're the heir to the largest pack in the region, Evelyn. You are a descendant of the oldest bloodline of wolves. Your true family was one of power, of leadership, and of honor. You were born to lead, Evelyn. And Darius knows that.
Evelyn stumbled backward, her mind reeling. The pieces of her life, the parts that had always felt incomplete, were starting to fall into place, but they were dark pieces, filled with secrets and shadows. Why didn't you tell me before? she thought, hurt flooding her voice.
Alaric's expression softened with regret. I didn't want to burden you. You had enough to deal with. You were already struggling with your transformation, with learning who you were. But I should have told you sooner. I just… I didn't want to overwhelm you. I thought you needed time to process everything. But Darius… he's not the only one who wants to find you.
Evelyn's mind was in turmoil, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and disbelief. The family she had always thought was hers—her adoptive family—wasn't her real family at all. And the world she had been thrust into wasn't just some random happenstance. It was her legacy, her birthright. A birthright that had been hidden from her for as long as she could remember.
The full weight of what she was starting to understand pressed heavily on her chest. But why? she thought desperately. Why would they hide all of this from me? Why would they erase my memories?
Alaric's voice was gentle, but firm. I don't have all the answers, Evelyn. I don't know why your parents did what they did. But I do know this—you are not just anyone. You are a force. You are destined for greatness. And with that comes danger. You can't hide from who you are forever.
Evelyn clenched her jaw, her heart pounding in her chest. So, what now? She turned to Alaric, her eyes fierce. What do I do with this knowledge?
Alaric stepped closer, his presence calming but unwavering. Now, we keep moving. We can't afford to stay in one place for too long. There are others—other wolves—who will come after you. The more they know, the more dangerous it becomes. But we'll stay ahead. We'll protect you.
Evelyn swallowed hard, the uncertainty still lingering in her mind. She didn't know if she was ready for this. But one thing was certain: the life she had once known was gone. Her adoptive parents, her past, everything she thought she understood about who she was—it was all a lie.
But the new truth that was unfolding before her, the one Alaric was leading her into—it felt more like home than anything she had ever known.
As the night grew darker, Evelyn's resolve hardened. There was no turning back now. Whatever this world was, whatever her legacy meant, she would face it head-on. With Alaric by her side, she would learn to embrace the power that flowed through her veins.
She had a family to avenge. A legacy to reclaim.
And nothing—no one—was going to take it from her.