Chapter 6: I Don't Need Your Help

I folded the old document and placed it inside my bag.

I still had questions about the words written on it, but I wasn't ready to spend another day worrying about my past.

For once, I wanted to think about myself.

I wanted to know who I was without Damon, without Blackthorn territory, and without constantly trying to please someone.

Most importantly, I wanted to understand the strange wolf living inside me.

After breakfast, I decided to explore Alexander's garden.

The moment I stepped outside, I noticed how peaceful everything looked. Flowers lined the pathways, birds moved between the trees, and a small pond reflected the morning sunlight.

I sat on a bench and closed my eyes.

You are thinking too much.

I opened my eyes.

There it was again.

My wolf.

"You're becoming quite comfortable talking to me," I whispered.

Would you prefer silence?

I almost smiled.

"After ignoring me for years? You don't get to complain."

I felt something like amusement inside my mind.

I never ignored you.

"Then where were you?"

Waiting.

"Waiting for what?"

There was a pause.

For you to stop believing you were weak.

I looked down at my hands.

I had spent years comparing myself to other wolves. While others could communicate with their wolves and transform, mine had remained silent.

I had thought something was wrong with me.

"Well, I'm listening now," I whispered. "So perhaps you should start explaining."

But she didn't answer.

I sighed.

Apparently, my wolf had a talent for appearing whenever she wanted and disappearing whenever I had questions.

I was still sitting in the garden when I noticed Alexander approaching with two cups.

"Good morning," he said.

I glanced at the second cup.

"What's that?"

"Tea."

"I can see that."

He gave me an amused look.

"I brought you some."

I hesitated before accepting it.

"Thank you."

He sat on the opposite end of the bench.

"How are you feeling today?"

"Better."

"Good. Maeve wants to assess your strength later."

I immediately frowned.

"Does everyone in this house have a meeting about my health?"

Alexander laughed.

"No. But Maeve has made it her personal mission to stop you from collapsing again."

"I didn't plan to collapse the first time."

"Then let's avoid a second performance."

I tried not to smile, but failed.

For a moment, we sat quietly.

Then Alexander asked, "Have you decided what you want to do after you leave here?"

I looked at him.

"I haven't decided when I'm leaving."

"That's fine."

"I just don't want to stay here forever."

"I wouldn't expect you to."

His answer surprised me.

Most people would have insisted that I needed help or reminded me how difficult life outside a pack could be.

Alexander simply accepted that I wanted my independence.

"I want to find something to do," I continued. "Something that belongs to me."

"Then you should."

I looked at him suspiciously.

"That's all?"

"What else would you like me to say?"

"I don't know. Perhaps tell me it's impossible."

He shook his head.

"Serena, I have enough problems running my own territory. I don't need to start running your life too."

I laughed.

And for the first time, I noticed how easily conversation with him could happen when I wasn't busy defending myself.

Later, Maeve took me to the training grounds.

Several wolves were practicing with wooden staffs while their trainer corrected their movements.

"Don't expect too much from yourself today," Maeve warned. "We're only checking your recovery."

"I understand."

She asked me to perform a few simple movements.

At first, everything went well.

Then, while reaching for a wooden staff, I felt a sudden rush of warmth travel through my arms.

My fingers tightened around it.

For one brief moment, I heard a low growl inside my head.

Let go.

Before I could understand what was happening, the staff cracked in my hands.

I stared at the broken pieces.

Maeve immediately stepped forward.

"Serena, are you hurt?"

I shook my head.

"What just happened?"

She examined my hands.

"You may have released more strength than you intended."

"But I barely did anything!"

"Exactly. That's why we need to teach you control."

I looked at the broken staff.

A few wolves nearby had stopped to watch.

I suddenly felt uncomfortable.

"I want to go back inside."

Maeve nodded.

"All right. That's enough for today."

As we turned away, I noticed Alexander standing near the entrance.

He had clearly seen what happened.

I immediately felt embarrassed.

"Don't say anything," I warned.

He raised both hands.

"I wasn't going to."

"Good."

His lips twitched.

"Although I think the training staff would appreciate an apology."

I stared at him before bursting into laughter.

Even Maeve laughed.

It was such a ridiculous moment, and somehow, it made me feel better.

That evening, I sat beside my bedroom window.

I had been thinking about what happened at the training grounds.

I hadn't tried to break the staff. I hadn't even known I could do something like that.

"Are you responsible for that?" I whispered.

You were frightened.

"That doesn't explain anything."

Your strength responded before you could control it.

I leaned against the pillow.

"Then teach me."

I will. But you must stop fighting yourself first.

I considered her words.

Perhaps she was right.

I couldn't keep treating my wolf like something I needed to hide.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.

"Serena?"

Alexander's voice came from outside.

"Yes?"

"Maeve asked me to remind you about tomorrow's training. She also said you should get some rest."

"I'll be there."

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Alexander."

His footsteps slowly faded.

I turned back towards the window, feeling strangely peaceful.

I was still afraid of what lay ahead, but perhaps that was normal.

For the first time, I had someone willing to help without demanding anything in return.

And I had a wolf who was finally speaking to me.

Then her voice suddenly interrupted my thoughts.

Serena, tomorrow, I want you to try something different.

I sat up.

"What?"

Tomorrow, don't hold back because you're afraid of what you might become.

My heart began beating faster.

Before I could ask another question, she added:

Tomorrow, we begin your first real training.