Behind the willow

Ocean views

Sophia spent the following morning on the balcony, watching the waves crash against the shore, her mind heavy with lingering thoughts of her dream and James’s cryptic words. She couldn’t shake the feeling that her life was poised on the edge of something vast and unexplainable.

Her solitude was interrupted by the sound of tires crunching over gravel. Sophia leaned over the railing to see a sleek black car pulling up to the house. A tall, striking woman stepped out, her silhouette sharp against the brightness of the day. She was dressed in black jeans and a leather jacket, her long, jet-black hair pulled into a high ponytail that swayed as she moved. Her confidence was palpable, each step measured, deliberate.

Sophia watched as the woman strode toward the front door, carrying an air of authority that set Sophia on edge.

Downstairs, James opened the door and immediately tensed.

“Amanda,” he said, his voice calm but lined with a sharp edge.

“Hello, James,” Amanda replied, her voice smooth and honeyed, but with a bite underneath. “It’s been a while. I’d say you look good, but... you seem distracted.”

James stepped aside, allowing her in, but his movements were stiff, reluctant. “What are you doing here?”

Amanda’s gaze swept the room before landing on James, her lips curling into a knowing smile. “I heard whispers. Something about you taking in a human. I had to see it for myself.”

Sophia descended the stairs cautiously, her curiosity outweighing her unease. Amanda turned as she approached, her piercing green eyes locking onto Sophia.

“And this must be her,” Amanda said, her tone dripping with amusement. She extended a hand. “Amanda. Old friend of James’s.”

Sophia took her hand, noting the strength in Amanda’s grip. “Sophia,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Old friend,” James interjected, his tone sharp, “isn’t exactly the word I’d use.”

Amanda’s smile widened. “Oh, James. Always so quick to downplay our history. But let’s not bore your guest with old stories.” She turned back to Sophia, her gaze assessing. “You’ve stirred up quite the storm, haven’t you?”

Sophia frowned, confusion flickering across her face. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

Amanda’s eyes narrowed slightly, her expression turning predatory. “You really don’t know, do you?” She glanced at James, her smile fading. “You haven’t told her.”

“Told me what?” Sophia asked, her voice firmer now.

James’s jaw tightened, and he avoided her gaze. “Amanda, this isn’t your concern.”

“Oh, but it is,” Amanda shot back, her voice laced with sharpness. “You’ve brought her into this world without a clue about what she’s walking into. Do you think they’ll let her stay by your side when they find out?”

Sophia looked between them, frustration bubbling to the surface. “Someone needs to tell me what’s going on. Now.”

Amanda stepped closer to Sophia, her presence almost overwhelming. “James’s pack has rules. And you, my dear, are breaking them simply by being here. But that’s not even the worst of it.”

Sophia’s breath hitched. “What do you mean?”

Amanda tilted her head, her gaze softening, though her tone remained calculating. “There’s a prophecy, tied to the wolves and the moon. A human bound to a wolf could either save us... or destroy us. And I’d wager James hasn’t told you which one you are yet.”

“Amanda, enough,” James growled, his voice low and dangerous.

But the damage was done. Sophia stared at James, her heart racing, her mind spinning with Amanda’s words.

“You knew about this,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

James finally met her gaze, his expression a mix of regret and determination. “I was trying to protect you.”

Amanda smirked, stepping back toward the door. “Good luck with that, James. You’re going to need it.”

With that, she was gone, leaving Sophia and James alone in the charged silence of the room. Sophia’s hands trembled at her sides as she tried to process what she’d just heard.

“Is it true?” she asked, her voice trembling.

James hesitated, then nodded. “It’s complicated, but yes.”

Sophia’s eyes burned with unshed tears. “Then you’d better start explaining.”