Hidden Power

CHAPTER 1: The Healer With the Forest Packlands in view, the sun began setting down as it colored the surrounding world in the warm shades of gold. The trees grew high, and we are talking about century-old trees. For sure, they were like a sentinel of the land. Its strong branches stretched across, and the trees left only small holes for the sunlight to pierce through. Selene tread gently over their faces, and the damp earth shrouded her so she could not be seen. She enjoyed the early morning, particularly the cool morning air, as most activities worldwide are still sluggish. The forest was her privacy; she could always be herself there, and the pack's scrutiny did not bother her. Selene was the pack's healer. She had been since she was old enough to understand the herbs and roots her mother had taught her about. But despite her skills, she was seen as weak. Unlike the others, she wasn't strong or fast. She couldn't fight like the warriors or lead like the alphas. She was small, her wolf forms more fragile than fierce, and she often felt out of place in the pack, which valued strength above all else. Today, as in many others, Selene was out foraging for herbs. Handsome, she steamed freshly baked, strode purposefully, and appraised the forest floor for the plants she sought. She picked the herbs so softly, ensuring that the root part of the herbs was not harmed in any way. While working, she sang quietly and inherited this from her mother. It quietened her, and it assisted her in concentrating. She was filling the basket almost to its capacity when she heard a sound coming from her. It was the sound of something stirring the bushes, leaves shifting under a boot. Her heart began to throb violently. She believed she was familiar with the noises that concisely are associated with the forests, and this was not a usual one. She began to rotate around slowly; she opened her eyes and tried to focus to find out what made the sound. Initially, she could not discern anything. She could only hear her breathing as the forest was tranquil. As she tried to check that, she glanced to the side and saw something out of the corner of her eye. She held her breath as she spotted them—three wild wolves coming out of the dark; their eyes were filled with ill intention. Rogues were dangerous. These people were shift wolves, so they were kicked out of the packs. This led to a marginal existence, which forced them to become criminals and use force to get what they wanted. These three looked especially ferocious; the fur on their bodies was clumped, and their eyes were glowing. Selene realized that she was in deep trouble. She was no fighter, and there were so many of them that she could not even hope to hold them off, assuming she could. The lead rogue, a big gray wolf with dark blotches, scars around his muzzle, and yellow eyes, tilted his head to the side and growled threateningly. Selene found herself in a blind spot, and her mind went blank on what to do. Running was out of the question; she would be in their clutches within a few seconds. More often than not, fighting was out of the question. She began to panic, but she needed to suppress it. She had no option but to remain cool-headed. "Please," she replied, shaking, "I did not come here to cause any trouble. I came for herbs." For a moment, the midair tension was increased by the clenching of the muscles in the rogue leader, who intended to leap at her; the profound booming sound of a dominant male ruined this moment. The rogues nearly perished into ice at the sound of the voice; even their heads began to whirl around in the indicated direction. Selene's heart felt a ray of light at this, and there was life again. She heard that growl. From that gloom arose what appeared to be a massive black wolf. He was sleek-black-coated and had slitted fiery silver eyes. In terms of size, he was way taller than Selene had seen any wolf; be it physically, he was a man to respect. But, as the Alpha, Damien was the head of their pack. The rogue wolves' rage was slightly tamed when they shifted their gaze to the man before them, who was much stronger than any of them. But Damien didn't hesitate. He turned and sprang at the people's leader, bared his teeth aggressively while holding his spearhead to the bump. The rogue stiffened when Damien bit his shoulder, and the other two no longer wanted to duel Damien with their bare hands and backed away. That was the end of the fight, which had hardly started. The rogues escaped for their dear lives and were immediately absorbed into the thick forest and out of sight. He tried to appear taller in the clearing and watched them walk away into the thickets; Damien was out of breath. He was physically back in the form of a man and was intently looking at the place where the rogues went. Even now, Selene could hardly believe what had just occurred and was still shaking as she did so. She had nearly been set upon, possibly murdered, and now she was here, safe and sound, all because of Damien. Her heart started thumping. Although she wanted to run, she could not; therefore, she slowed down, breathing heavily. Straightening up, Damien faced her, looking directly into her eyes, which shone like silver. Now that he appeared to be a man, he was fearsome. He had a good height and broad shoulders; his muscles were clearly outlined through the dark fabric of his clothing. He was pretty formal and almost rigid, but there was a gentleness in his gaze towards her. "Are you hurt?" he asked huskily. Selene could not speak a word, and she shook her head. The intensity of his eyes on her person self-consciously made her want to cover herself up. She gripped the basket with more force, as if using it to shield herself from the buildup of emotions. He looked at her and stepped closer, his eyes and face showing he wanted to ensure she was not harmed. He eased slightly when he appeared to be sure that she was all right, but his face remained serious. "You should not be out here alone," he said assertively. "I … I was just picking herbs," Selene tried to defend herself; her voice was hesitant and low. She did not know what to say or do anymore about the situation because she did not know what fascinating look Damien had in his eyes, concern, and something else she could not differentiate. Turning around, he saw Damien nod his head. "It's not safe for you to go to the forest now. I heard rogues have been seen near the borders, and they are getting more aggressive. You should not go alone," he said. Selene shut her mouth, not knowing what to say. Anxiety welled up in her throat, and a spike of guilt throbbed in her lips. She understood Damien was correct, but she was never comfortable doing her job independently. At least she was alone; no one could scold or remind her about her inability to experience anything substantial. But she also understood that she could not challenge the Alpha. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble. " Damien's face relaxed a little. "Just be careful," he said more softly this time: "Your safety is important." Selene could not help but look up to him, shocked to her own heart by the concern she found in his voice. His subordinates highly feared Damien, as he was known to be a strict commander who rarely displayed feelings. But at that moment, she noticed that he had a side that cared about other things apart from the force of his pack. "Thank you," she whispered, looking like she meant it. "For saving me." She noted something like a smile passing Damien's lips, although it was quickly wiped off his face. His sentiments were similar to those of his pack: 'I must protect the pack.' "That includes you, Selene." Selene felt something stir in her chest as he said her name, and she glanced at him. Like everyone in the pack, she had always been attracted to him. He was tall, muscular, and self-assured, thus her opposite in every way that she could wish for. However, she never thought that he would even glance at a girl like her, more so save her. Damien nodded, but his gaze didn't soften." The forest isn't safe right now. Rogues have been spotted near the borders, and they're becoming bolder. You should have someone with you. Selene bit her lip, feeling a pang of guilt. She knew Damien was right, but she always preferred to work alone. It was easier that way, without anyone around to judge her or make her feel inadequate. But she also knew that she couldn't argue with the Alpha. "I am sorry ,I didn't mean to cause any trouble," She whispered. Damien nodded. "I'll walk you home," he said assertively. Selene didn't protest. She also understood that an Alpha would never force anything on her, but she could accept his offer. They strode silently, and the trees gradually became gloomier because of the setting sun. The tension slowly left Selene's body, although her heart still pounded. She got the feeling every time she walked beside Damien; she was in a position she did not know if she wanted to be in, but she felt secure again. Finally, after what seemed like the entire day, the trees started to get less dense, and the makings of the pack land could be seen. Their territory was large and covered with hills and meadows, and the largest concentration of the pack was in the middle of the land. Many small cottages were scattered all over the place, and from the chimneys, thick fumes of smoke could be seen as most of the pack members dragged their tired bodies to rest. When they reached the last trench just outside the forest compound, Damien halted, extended his hand, and forced her to turn and face him. He said, "It is advisable to sleep close to the village tonight." "So then, in case of getting herbs, do it in the evening, always accompanied by someone." Selene nodded, feeling the burden of his concern on her slender shoulders. "I will," she promised.