Moonlit heart

Chapter 7: A Fractured Bond

The aftermath of the Festival of the Moon brought a wave of uncertainty to the pack. While the celebration had unified many, Elena could sense an undercurrent of doubt lingering among some of the wolves. The victory they had achieved against the rogue werewolf felt fragile, especially as whispers began to surface about her place among them.

Elena ventured into the training grounds early one afternoon, determined to continue honing her skills. She needed to prove that she was not just a burden, but an asset to the pack. As she practiced her forms, focusing intently on channeling the energy of the forest, she was startled when a voice broke through her concentration.

“What are you doing here, human?”

It was Derek, a younger wolf of the pack, known for his brash attitude. His tone dripped with skepticism, and he stepped forward, flanked by a couple of others who had also shown reluctance to accept Elena.

Elena straightened, swallowing her initial response and reminding herself that she was stronger than their doubts. “I’m training,” she said evenly, refusing to let her nerves get the best of her. “I want to learn how to protect our home and assist the pack.”

Derek crossed his arms, his expression defiant. “You’ll never be one of us. You may have some magic, but that doesn’t change what you are.” His words cut deep, and her heart sank, but she held her ground.

“I’m not trying to replace anyone,” she replied, her voice steady. “I want to work together with the pack. We all need to protect Silverwood, and I can help.”

The group murmured amongst themselves, but Derek shook his head. “You think you can just step in and play hero? This isn’t your story, it’s ours. You’re not welcome here, and you never will be.”

Before Elena could respond, Kellan emerged from the tree line, his presence commanding attention. “What’s going on here?” he asked, sensing the tension in the air.

“We were just—discussing,” Derek stammered, clearly intimidated by Kellan’s arrival.

Kellan’s gaze moved from Derek to Elena, and he could see the hurt in her eyes. “Elena has every right to be here. She’s proven herself in ways you haven’t even begun to understand. We’re not just a pack of wolves.