Chapter 4
591words
Hope. And perhaps something more.
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Morning sunlight streamed through the window of my guest room. I'd slept better than I had in years, despite the tension of last night's confrontation. Something about being in Derek's territory made me feel... safe.
A knock at the door startled me. A young woman entered with fresh clothes and a breakfast tray.
"Alpha Derek asked me to bring these for you," she said with a shy smile. "He's busy with pack matters this morning but hopes to meet you for lunch."
My heart fluttered at the mention of his name. I pushed the feeling away, reminding myself why I was here. Revenge, not romance.
After breakfast, I decided to explore the grounds. As I walked through a quiet courtyard, I heard angry whispers.
"Why is she staying in the main house? She's just an Omega!"
I recognized Kayla's voice immediately. I stepped behind a column, not wanting another confrontation.
"The Alpha has his reasons," a male voice replied.
"She accused my father of murder!" Kayla hissed. "And now Derek's treating her like an honored guest? I won't stand for it."
Their footsteps faded away, but Kayla's words lingered. I wasn't safe here, not really.
I continued exploring, eventually finding myself in a secluded garden. The peaceful setting was disrupted by a pained groan. Behind a hedge, a young man sat clutching his arm, his face pale with agony.
"Are you okay?" I rushed to his side.
He looked up, startled. "I'm fine," he said through gritted teeth. "Just a training accident."
But I could smell the blood—and something else. Silver. His wound had been caused by a silver blade, which explained why it wasn't healing.
"Let me see," I said gently.
Reluctantly, he showed me his arm. A deep gash ran from wrist to elbow, the edges blackened from silver poisoning.
"I need to get to the healer," he muttered.
"I can help you," I said before I could stop myself.
*"Lena, are you sure?"* Silver warned in my mind.
*I can't just let him suffer.*
I placed my hands over his wound, closing my eyes. I called to Silver, feeling her energy flow through me. A warm, tingling sensation spread from my chest to my fingertips. The young man gasped as silver light emanated from my hands.
The healing took only seconds, but it drained me. When I opened my eyes, the gash was gone, leaving only a faint silver line.
The young man stared at me in awe. "How did you...?"
"You should go," I said quickly. "Please don't tell anyone what happened."
He nodded, still stunned, and hurried away. I leaned against a tree, suddenly dizzy.
"That was impressive."
I whirled around to find Derek standing a few feet away, his amber eyes intense. How long had he been watching?
"You have a silver wolf spirit," he said. It wasn't a question.
My heart pounded. "I don't know what you mean."
He stepped closer, his gaze never leaving mine. "Silver wolf spirits are incredibly rare. They're said to be blessed by the Moon Goddess herself."
"Please," I whispered, "you can't tell anyone."
"Why hide such a gift?" His voice was soft, curious rather than accusing.
"Because Victor would use me for my abilities," I admitted. "Just like he used my father."
Understanding dawned in his eyes. "Your father had healing abilities too."
I nodded. "That's what his research was about—how to extend healing powers to all werewolves."
