Cassia's POV
The world was a haze of whispers and shadows. My side still hurt, but it seemed far away, like I was teetering on the brink of death. The woman squatted next to me, her bright eyes gleaming in the shadows.
"Cassia," she said in a firm, authoritative voice. "Want to survive?"
I breathed shallowly and blinked slowly. "Who are you?" I was able to whisper.
She gave a slight smile, but it wasn't a friendly one. It was dangerous, shrewd, and knowing. She introduced herself as Evelyn. "And your only hope of surviving is me."
"Why?" I asked, having trouble concentrating. "What are you doing to help me?"
Evelyn's bright eyes never left mine as she cocked her head. "Because I have been waiting for ages because of the curse that runs through your family. Cassia, you are the last of your species, and you don't realize how important it is that you survive.
I lacked the strength to dispute, although her words made no sense. "What's the curse?" I croaked.
Evelyn's face grew serious. Your family was enslaved to a force beyond their control. It's been lying dormant for generations, waiting for someone with the strength to use it. You are that person.
Weakly, I shook my head. "I don't get it."
She firmly stated, "You don't need to understand now." The fact that you are dying, Cassia, is what counts. You need to make an agreement with me if you wish to survive and regain the strength to reclaim what was taken from you.
I felt cold after hearing her comments. "What's the deal?"
Evelyn lowered her voice to a whisper as she leaned closer. "I'll awaken your inner strength and rescue your life. But you have to fulfill your bloodline's destiny in exchange. The repercussions will be greater than death if you fail.
My body felt like it was sliding away, but my heart was racing. "What... occurs if I don't succeed?"
Her smile came back, nasty and piercing. "To put it mildly, you won't want to know."
I paused. Evelyn screamed danger in every way, but what could I do? After all that had been done to me, I couldn't die here, in this manner.
I shook my voice and mumbled, "I'll do it." "I'll negotiate."
Evelyn stretched out and covered my wound with her hand as her eyes brightened. She said, "Good," with an odd echo in her voice. But keep in mind that there will be a cost to this power, Cassia. Remember what you have committed to.
Her palm gleamed with an unearthly light, and I felt pain. I yelled because I felt like my veins were burning. My eyesight went black, and suddenly nothing was there.
The first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes was the silence. A weird warmth that permeated every part of my body took the place of the anguish. I gently sat up and looked around. Even though the jungle was still dark, it seemed as though the shadows had lifted, and I could see everything well.
"What happened?" I touched the spot where the dagger had pierced my side and whispered. There was no blood or wound.
Evelyn, a few steps away, said, "You're alive." She appeared at ease, almost bored, as though saving my life had just been a small inconvenience.
My legs felt stronger than ever as I stood unsteadily. I flexed my fingers and replied, "I feel... different."
"You ought to," Evelyn stated in a neutral tone. "I've awakened your bloodline's power." Your wolf is now stronger, quicker, and more resilient. Don't get arrogant, though. This is just the start.
Confusion and uneasiness swirled in my chest as I turned to face her. "You mean the beginning?" I asked.
Evelyn squinted her eyes. "Cassia, you have been given a gift, but it has restrictions. You will have to prove yourself if you wish to become an expert. Survival is the first step.
"Survival?" With a knot in my stomach, I repeated.
She gestured toward the shadows. "They are pursuing you. Ronan's rogues are gaining ground and won't give up until they've completed the task he began. You will have to battle for your life.
My heart began to race. "I am unable to."
I was interrupted by Evelyn, who said, "Yes, you can." "This authority isn't merely symbolic. Have faith. Make use of it. or perish.
Although her remarks were harsh, they gave me a fire. I felt the strength pumping through my veins as I tightened my hands. "All right," I said in a firm voice. "I'll engage in combat."
Evelyn grinned. "All right. Let's check out your abilities.
I heard footsteps approaching, far away but getting louder. My senses were keener than ever when I turned. The air was heavy with the smell of six, perhaps seven wolves.
I looked at Evelyn and remarked, "They're close."
She gave a nod. "Then move and stop talking."
I launched myself into the trees, moving more quickly and fluidly than I ever imagined. As I ran, the trees became blurry as the wind swept by me.
The growls of the rogues reverberated through the darkness as they pursued me. I sensed their desire for blood and their will to complete the task Ronan had begun.
I abruptly stopped and turned to look at them. I mumbled, my heart racing, "Come on." "We'll see what this power is capable of."
With his claws aimed at my throat, the first rogue sprang at me. I spun around and slammed my hand into his side as I dodged. He let out a horrible crack and flew into a tree.
I was prepared, but another rogue charged. My claws dug into his shoulders as I jumped into the air, landing on his back. He collapsed under me, howling in agony.
The surviving rogues paused, their self-assurance wavering.
"Go on!" I bared my teeth and yelled. "Is that all you have?"
With a roar, they regrouped for another assault.
Despite the brutality of the struggle, I never felt more alive. My attacks were strong, my movements accurate. The rogues fell one by one, their bodies strewn across the woodland floor.
However, a new, more potent, and frightening smell entered the air just when I thought it was finished. When I recognized what it was, my heart fell.
Ronan.
His eyes gleamed with venom as he emerged from the darkness. "Amazing," he murmured, his tone brimming with derision. "Cassia, you've become stronger. However, it won't be sufficient.
I stiffened, my body prepared for battle. Even though I was terrified, I said, "I'll take you down, Ronan," in a firm voice.
Taking a dagger from his belt, he grinned. "We'll check on that."
Ronan came at me, his blade aimed for my heart, before I could respond. I kept hearing Evelyn say, "Trust the power." But was surviving the beast that had ruined my family enough?