Strength ?

The powerful voice that had commanded the attention of everyone around.

Belonged to Scarlet, the Luna of our pack. Her presence and aura made the world seem like it stopped.

Like we were all frozen, holding our breaths, waiting for what was about to follow.

As she was approaching Amanda. Her chin was held high as she walked slowly and gracefully.

However, her gaze never once wavered off Amanda.

Like that of a predator surrounding its prey, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.

Her rich red hair was perfectly styled, and her eyes held a sharp intelligence that could see slice you open and dissect your thought.

As she approached Amanda, her finger fell below Amanda’s chin, lifting her head and forcing her to look into her eyes.

“Amanda, right” she asked, her voice calm yet authoritative.

Scarlet held her hand out towards me, urging me to join the conversation. I looked up at Xander hoping he would save me from whatever this si or whatever this was going to be.

He just nodded. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You don’t have to be scared anymore,” she said.

Making my eyes dart back to her. I wasn’t scared of scarlet, but I had very little to do with her.

I knew very well what she was capable of.

We all heard the stories of her victory at Mount Olympus as we grew up.

However, I didn’t know her and where her morals were laid. My mother was always fond of her, as they were best friends.

I knew what she did for my mother at to that I will always be grateful.

But I knew what my father did to her and I guess I always felt guilty and ashamed of his actions. Like I had to make up for what he had done.

Something that felt impossible to do. Her smile brought me out of my thoughts. Her eyes filled with a kindness that nearly brought tears to my eyes. But I refuse to let them stain my cheeks.

I refused for Amanda to see me weak. To see me cry. In all the years that she had been tormenting and torturing me, I have never shown her my tears and today would be no different. I will not let her think she broke me.

I will not let her think she’s won.

Scarlet then turned back to Amanda. “Amanda, what sets our pack apart from the rest?” she asked, her tone now more icy and demanding.

Amanda mumbled, “Our professionalism in war strategy and not restricting ourselves to traditional standards.”

“And...?” Scarlet asked, holding her hands behind her back as she circled Amanda like a shark.

Amanda shook her head, clearly unsure of what Scarlet wanted to hear.

I gathered my courage and spoke up.

“To have mercy and know when a battle is won without death being the deciding factor,” I said. My voice was steady despite the nerves swirling inside me and making me nauseous.

Scarlet’s lips curved into a small smile. “Exactly. Well said, Dawn. Thank you.”

She then addressed Amanda once more.

“That’s what separates us from the Blood Stone pack. What makes us not pray for those we deem below us? The petty acts you’ve been playing all these years.

Ive seen them and hoped for your parents’ part you would grow out of it and turn into a respectable member of our pack. However, you have become a misrepresentation of our pack. I see my mistake now.

I should’ve bent the tree whilst it was still young.” Scarlet said, her voice laced with disappointment. “I’m sure the Blood Stone pack would welcome an unmated young she-wolf who seems to be cruel. I would gladly make the arrangements for you.”

Amanda’s face paled. Her head shook slowly in disagreement. “But my family’s status as a Delta...”

Scarlet cut her off.

“While I am grateful for the services of your mother and father and their great work, I will not hesitate to send you to the Blood Stone pack. Your actions reflect poorly on us on your alpha. If I was to let you continue on like this, how far would this go? Would you carry on like this in front of other packs? Would you do this to another packs member and possibly cost us an alliance with your selfishness one day if you were to take your father’s place on the council?”

Amanda’s eyes filled with tears as she begged, “Please, Luna Scarlet, I was only defending you.”

“I don’t need you to defend me. Especially not like this,” Scarlet replied coldly.

Her eyes filled with disdain.

“Please don’t send me away. I promise I’ll change.” Amanda begged as she fell down to her knees.

Scarlet’s expression softened slightly. “I will only accept your apology through changed actions. Show me you can be the wolf we expect you to be. What the pack needs you to be.”

Amanda nodded, tears streaming down her face, and Scarlet dismissed with the wave of her hand. Amanda quickly got to her feet and disappeared into the school building.

Probably scared Scarlet would change her mind if she lingered too long. Scarlet then turned back to me, her gaze gentle. “Are you alright, Dawn?”

I nodded, feeling uncomfortable with all the special attention. “Thank you, Luna Scarlet, but I’d prefer if you treated me like any other pack member. That’s exactly what I am.”

Scarlet smiled and cupped my cheek, her touch soothing. “I differ, in my opinion. You are special, but that isn’t why I stood up for you. I’ve been waiting for you to find your own strength. However, it seems you’re running away from it.”

Her words struck a chord within me. “I’ll try to be stronger,” I promised.

Scarlet nodded. “Take care of her, Xander,” she said before walking away towards the pack house.

Xander and I continued our walk in silence, the tension from earlier slowly dissipating. The morning air was crisp and carried the scent of pine and earth, mingling with Xander’s woodsy aroma.

I tried to focus on anything insignificant, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Scarlet’s words.

Just before Xander headed to his class, he turned to me. “My mother is right, you know. You are special. Way more than you know or care to admit.”

His words warmed my heart, but they also reminded me of the secret I was keeping from him. I managed a small smile and nodded, feeling a mix of emotions mingling and clashing within me.

As he walked away, I wondered if I would be swallowed whole by the secret I keep or if maybe … just maybe it would set me free.

The day passed in a blur. I tried to focus on my classes, but my mind kept drifting back to this morning’s events.

Scarlet’s intervention had left a lasting impression, and I replayed her words over and over in my mind. I wanted to be stronger. To prove all of them wrong.

As I sat in my last class for the day, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease.

The whispers and glances from my classmates were more frequent than usual. I knew the rumor mill would travel fast, however; I had hoped I would be spared until tomorrow.

I knew they were talking about what had happened this morning. I felt more like an outside than I’ve ever felt before. The label of “traitor’s daughter” hung over me like a dark and heavy cloud.

With the added luna event of this morning, it didn’t help ease that burden.

When the bell rang. I gathered my things and headed for the door, desperate to escape the stares and whispers.

As I stepped outside, the afternoon sun warmed my skin. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Hoping that the scent of nature eases my mind, even if only a little.

I spotted Xander waiting for me by the school’s gate. A small smile tugged at my lips. One I couldn’t help.

“Ready to go?” he asked, his eyes filled with concern.

I nodded, grateful for his presence. We walked in comfortable silence for a while, the familiar path to our homes providing a sense of normalcy.

If I could even call it normal. His scent was so addictive. And my wolf keeps begging me to get closer to feel his touch.

My body was drawn to him like a magnet drawn to metal.

When we reached the step of my porch, Xander turned to me with a smile. “See you at Dusk?”

I nodded, returning his smile. “It’s a date.”