Chapter Five
1183 Words
Gaining Strength
Emily’s declaration hung in the air, her gaze fixed firmly on Arthur. He studied her for a moment, his intense green eyes searching hers.
“What powers do you have?”
“I do not know, I can't name it… but someone from my pack had said no other werewolf had possessed such power. When Evergreen attacked us, I… uhmmm… unintentionally burnt up one of the vampires when he was about to kill me.” Emily said
“hmmm?” Arthur asked, confusion etched on his face.
“Yep, the fire just came out of my hands and in seconds, he was reduced to ash. I couldn't explain, that is why I got banished from my pack, because they saw me as a threat.” Emily concluded.
“That's crazy, well, you're here now.” he said at last. “And if you’re going to face the Evergreen Clan, if we’re going to win this fight, you need to understand your powers.”
Emily nodded, relief washing over her at his agreement. But the uncertainty remained. “How do we even begin?”
Arthur leaned back, running a hand through his hair. “There’s someone who might be able to help.”
“Who?”
“Eleanor White,” he said. “She’s a witch, a very powerful one. She’s helped the Woodland Territory before. If anyone can guide you, it’s her.”
Emily’s stomach churned. The idea of seeking help from a witch was unsettling, but the order in Arthur’s voice gave her pause. “Where do we find her?”
Arthur’s lips tightened. “She lives deep in the Ashen Woods. It’s a dangerous journey, but we don’t have a choice. If we want to stand a chance against Theodore Shawn, we need her on our side. Your powers would be very helpful once you have been able to master them.”
Emily swallowed hard. “When do we leave?”
Arthur’s mouth quirked into a small, reassuring smile. “At dawn.”
The journey to the Ashen Woods was grueling. The dense forest seemed to stretch endlessly, its towering trees blocking out much of the sunlight.
Arthur led the way, his movements sure and purposeful, while Emily struggled to keep up.
“I don’t understand,” Emily said, breaking the silence. “Why would a witch help us? What’s in it for her?”
Arthur glanced over his shoulder. “Eleanor has her reasons. She’s not like the stories you’ve heard. She doesn’t take sides easily, but when she does, her loyalty is unchanged.”
“That doesn’t exactly reassure me,” Emily muttered.
Arthur’s gaze softened. “Trust me. If anyone can help you harness your powers, it’s her.”
They pressed on, the forest growing darker and more ominous as they ventured deeper. The air grew colder, and the silence became oppressive, broken only by the crunch of leaves beneath their boots.
Finally, they reached a small clearing where a modest stone cottage stood. Smoke curled from the chimney, and the faint scent of herbs wafted through the air.
Arthur knocked on the door, the sound echoing in the stillness.
After a moment, the door creaked open to reveal a woman with striking silver hair and piercing violet eyes. She wore a simple robe, but there was an undeniable aura of power about her.
“Arthur Neville,” she said, her voice smooth and commanding. “It’s been a long time.”
“Eleanor, no time for pleasantries,” Arthur replied with a nod. “We need your help.”
Her sharp gaze shifted to Emily, “I would ask who this is, but I know her already,” her lips curved into a knowing smile. “She is the reason you are here.”
Emily bristled at her words but held her tongue.
Eleanor stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter. “Come in. We have much to discuss.”
Inside the cottage, the walls were lined with shelves filled with jars of herbs, vials of glowing liquids, and ancient tomes. Eleanor motioned for them to sit at a wooden table in the center of the room.
“You’ve come a long way,” Eleanor said, her eyes fixed on Emily. “But the road ahead will be even harder.”
Emily met her gaze, trying to mask her unease. “Arthur said you can help me control my powers.”
“I can,” Eleanor replied, her tone matter-of-fact. “mind showing me what you can do?”
“I can't control it, it was more like instinctual, just fire from my hands and that was it.” Emily responded.
“So you can't even bring out a spark right now?”
“mm, mm” Emily responded negatively.
“Well, this won’t be easy. Your abilities are unlike anything I’ve heard of before. It seems raw, unpredictable, and dangerous.”
Emily frowned. “I didn’t ask for them. I don’t even know what I am.”
Eleanor studied her for a moment before nodding. “Oh my dear, you’re a hybrid, a rare combination of wolf, lycan, and vampire. Your powers are a gift, but they’re also a curse. If you don’t learn to control them, they’ll consume you.”
Emily’s stomach twisted at the witch’s words, but she forced herself to nod. “What do I need to do?”
Eleanor rose from her seat and began gathering various items from the shelves. “We’ll start with the basics, understanding your abilities. Once you know what you’re capable of, we’ll work on control.”
Arthur leaned forward, his expression serious. “How long will it take?”
Eleanor shot him a sharp look. “That depends on her. Magic and power don’t adhere to schedules, Arthur. This isn’t a battle you can rush.”
Arthur nodded, though his jaw tightened in frustration.
Eleanor walked toward one of the shelves, grabbed a vial and brought it back to the table, placing the small vial of shimmering liquid in front of Emily. “Drink this. It will help you connect with the parts of yourself you’ve been suppressing.”
Emily hesitated, eyeing the vial warily.
“It’s safe,” Eleanor assured her. “But it won’t be pleasant.”
Taking a deep breath, Emily picked up the vial and drank. The liquid was cold and bitter, sending a shiver down her spine.
Suddenly, her vision blurred, and a surge of heat coursed through her body. Images flashed before her eyes, memories, fears, and emotions she couldn’t name.
She saw herself as a child, alone and crying, her pack’s rejection like a physical wound. She saw fire, bright and uncontrollable, consuming everything around her.
Emily gasped, clutching the edge of the table as the visions overwhelmed her.
“Focus,” Eleanor said sharply. “Don’t fight it. Embrace it.”
Emily clenched her jaw, forcing herself to breathe through the chaos. Slowly, the images began to fade, leaving a strange sense of clarity in their wake.
Eleanor smiled faintly. “Good. That’s a start.”
- Writer
