Whispers of the wild

CHAPTER 5

The chill of the night was biting into Sienna’s flesh when she stood in the middle of the clearing that bordered the forest. She had not said anything since the encounter with the rogue wolves. Kane was standing right behind her, observing her, the waiting for her to make the first move. But Sienna was at a lost of words, of emotions. The bitterness of power did not fade away from her mouth, it was a taste that was toxic.

“You’re not going to ask me about it?” Kane’s voice was low, and spoke over the hush.

Sienna didn’t turn. “Ask you what?”

“About why I sent you out there alone,” he said to me. “About why I watched you nearly lose control.”

Sienna’s jaw clenched as she stood with her hands curled at her sides. “You think I don’t know? You just wanted to know if I could take it.” There was unmistakable bitterness in her tone but it wasn’t directed only at him, at Kane. A small part of her was angry at herself for allowing herself to be so close to losing everything to the beast within her.

Kane moved closer and the snow crunched beneath the soles of his boots. “You are wrong,” he replied, his voice still calm, though the volume had gone down. I wasn’t just curious to know whether or not you can take it. I just wanted you to know what you’re dealing with here. What you’re becoming.”

She raised her brow and looked directly at him, ‘You know Sienna?’ “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

Kane’s gaze didn’t waver. “You’ve felt it, haven’t you? That darkness that comes creeping in every time you use your power. It is not just strength, it is something beyond age, something beyond the domesticated animal. Something dangerous.”

Sienna’s heart pounded against her chest cavity. He was right. Each time she used power she had, it seemed to her that she was becoming less of herself, that the beast was growing within her. But what was she supposed to do? Without that power she was nobody.

“I can control it,” she said, but the words sounded more like an echo of herself.

The two of them stared at each other for a moment, and then Kane’s face became impassive. “Maybe. But the council had seen what you were capable of before you did. That is why they exiled you, Sienna? Because you betrayed them is not the reason but because they were scared.”

The burden of his words lay on her like a stone in the stomach. The council had feared her? It was unthinkable – she had been obedient, a soldier who did exactly as she was told. And Alaric… he had trusted her once. If he knew the truth, why had he allowed them to evict her?

“Alaric,” she whispered under her breath, not really to Kane or anyone else. “He … he wouldn’t have gone along with it.” He will not do that to me.”

Kane’s expression darkened. What you are still holding on to that silly dream of yours? You really believe that Alaric did not understand what he was doing when he banished you? You think he didn’t know what you were?

Sienna stepped back, realizing the truth that Kane has just told her. It was like someone has stabbed her in the back and twisted the knife. She had loved Alaric once, and despite everything, part of her had hoped that he had been coerced, that he hadn’t wanted to turn against her. But now…

“You don’t know him,” she said angrily and her voice was shaking.

Kane’s eyes flashed. “I know enough. And so do you.” He breathed heavily, the silence between them become electric. “Alaric didn’t choose you, Sienna. He chose his position. His power. And if you ever meet him, he will choose it again.”

Sienna sensed tears pricking her eyes, but she fought them back, determined not to cry. She was no longer the girl who had faith in loyalty and love. She had learned better from the wilderness.

She looked away from Kane and gazed into the shadowy woods. “Why are you sharing this with me?” she inquired softly, her voice barely audible.

Kane inched nearer, until he stood directly behind her. Being close to him felt both safe and risky, his presence a mix of protection and danger. “Because it’s important for you to identify your true adversaries.” His voice was soft, nearly gentle. “They are not only present in the wilderness.”

Sienna felt her heart wrench at what he said. She hoped that Alaric was innocent and had not actually betrayed her, attributing his actions to being in unfortunate situation. Although she attempted to hide it, the truth was emerging and she couldn’t ignore Kane’s words.

“You’re not aware of everything,” she murmured, yet her certainty was diminishing.

“I am knowledgeable,” Kane whispered. You will also witness it in due time.

An ominous quietude lingered between them, burdened with unsaid truths. Sienna could sense the tug of her previous life, the recollections of her losses, and the harsh, cutting aspect of her current situation. She was no longer the warrior who had previously battled to defend her pack. Now, she was another person. And she was frightened by that thing.

“What comes next?” she inquired, her tone lacking emotion.

Kane passed by her, his gaze moving through the dimly lit trees like he could feel the hidden threat in the shadows. “Now, we get ready.”

Sienna lifted one eyebrow. “What for?”

Kane looked at her, a faint smile appearing on his lips. “For the council to search for you.”

She felt her heart skip a beat. "The council?" What could be the reason for their actions—"

"Kane interrupted, stating that their error was the reason." They believed they could manipulate you through banishment. Now that you're outside, getting more powerful, they will view you as an even more significant danger. And they will desire to complete what they initiated.

Sienna felt a chill in her blood. She had been extremely concentrated on staying alive in the wilderness, neglecting to consider the repercussions once the council discovered she was still alive. The battle had only just started, not ended yet.

Kane's voice lowered and his eyes shone in the moonlight. Sienna, you must be prepared for their arrival. Because if they do, they will not be forgiving.