Chapter 4: Rebirth
982 Words
Teresa’s POV
Warmth was the first sensation I experienced. Not suffering. My flesh is not being torn by claws. Not the icy chuckles of roguess.
I gasped as I opened my eyes. I sat awake with my hand leaping to my heart as my chest heaved. It was gone, the forest, the blood, the betrayal.
I looked around and blinked. My chamber. It was the same small, dusty room at my dad's house. The thick blanket, the ripped drapes, and the wooden beams above me. It was all the same.
"No," I said softly while putting my hands to my face. "This isn't possible."
I recalled passing away. I recalled the claws of the rogues digging into me. I recalled the Moon Goddess's voice and the silver light.
“Child, your story is not yet finished.”
I could hear what she said.
I tossed the blanket aside and sprinted over to the tiny, broken mirror in the corner. Whole, my reflection looked back at me. No blood. No wounds. Not a single bruise. Despite being pale, my skin was intact.
My eyes filled with tears. "I'm still here. However, how?”
I limped over to the window. The pack house was bustling with preparations outside. They were lighting torches and hanging banners. My stomach rumbled loudly.
The ceremony for the Alpha was held on this day.
Jordan turned me down in front of everyone that day.
I had trembling hands. "The Goddess sent me back, She gave me another chance.”
Feeling overwhelmed, I knelt down. My father's icy visage as he accepted the rogues' wealth was one of the memories that struck like a hurricane. Evelyn's sly smile when she said I wasn't suitable for the role of Luna. With a razor-sharp voice, Jordan said, "I reject you, Teresa."
Each syllable etched itself into me once more. I sobbed while putting my hands to my ears.
Not this time, though.
My inner wolf awoke, more powerful than ever. Her voice had changed from the feeble whimper I had usually heard to one that was sharper and clearer.
"We are no longer weak," she said angrily. We won't be pathetic once more.
I dabbed at my tears. Even though my chest hurt, there was a fire burning beneath it. Jordan was destined to be my partner, and I was powerless to stop it. I could, however, prevent myself from being the same defenseless girl who had been degraded and deceived.
I balled my fists up. "I'll not make the same mistakes twice. Never again.
The day went by in a flash. As usual, my father yelled commands without even looking at me. It was all right. I didn't require his blessing.
As previously, I acted modestly and bowed my head when others went by. But my mind was burning inside.
When the house fell silent that evening, I crept out. The forest was gilded by the silvery moon that hovered high above.
"Are you certain?" I said into the shadows.
My wolf replied “Indeed. Put me to the test. Feel my power.”
I closed my eyes, concentrated. Fur rippled across my skin and made my body tremble. I moved in a matter of seconds. The silver-gray coat of my wolf form was brighter than I remembered, and she stood higher. My muscles throbbed with power, sure and steady.
I took off running. Quicker than I've ever been. My lungs were filled with cool, crisp air as my paws tore through the ground. Each leap was liberating.
My reflection, no longer little and no longer feeble, stared back at me when I paused beside the river. My wolf's eyes were bright with power.
Gasping, I shifted back and said quietly, "We're stronger. This gift was given to us by the Moon Goddess."
The voice of my wolf was firm “Next, put it to use. Don't waste it. Remember that we are not the same Teresa, even if you must pretend.”
A little smile tugged at my lips as I nodded. "No, we're not."
I carried a basket of clothes across the training yard the following morning. I made sure to look like the same helpless girl that everyone knew by keeping my eyes down. Nearby, grunts from warriors filled the air as they sparred. I heard murmuring, laughter, and Evelyn's piercing voice giving orders.
I dropped my head, hurriedly. I wouldn't be noticed if I were careful.
But I couldn't hide for long because of fate.
Over me, a gloom descended. I went cold. I slowly raised my eyes to meet golden eyes.
Jordan.
My heart skipped a beat. In an instant, the mate link ignited, pulling at me and around me like chains and flames. In a desperate attempt to jump into his arms, my inner wolf howled.
This time, he gave me a strange look. Not with contempt. Not quite yet. His eyes narrowed in curiosity, as though he was surprised by me.
There was silence between us for a moment. My throat tightened with each breath. I was wounded by memories of his rejection, but I pushed my face into the same docile mask. I swiftly bowed my head and lowered my sight.
"Alpha," I said. My voice shook, but it was out of control, not weakness.
He remained still. He only looked at me, his eyes keen and his mouth clenched. His presence was tremendous, and the air was heavy with authority.
I waited for him to turn away and disregard me. But he didn’t. As though something about me unnerved him, he scrutinized me for almost too long.
When I dared to eyes again, our eyes met once more. The golden glow of his wolf flared in his eyes.
He mumbled something beneath his breath, almost like he was talking to himself, and his lips parted.
What is causing her to feel... differently?
- Writer
