Wolves of Betrayal

Chapter : 37. Awakening the wolf within..

For a long moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, slowly, Amara felt it—a pulse, a surge of energy that flowed through her veins like fire. Her heart quickened, and she could feel something stirring deep inside her, something that felt like an awakening.

Darius watched with bated breath as a faint glow seemed to emanate from Amara, her face peaceful yet determined. “That’s it,” he encouraged softly. “You’re almost there.”

Amara’s eyes snapped open, and for a brief second, they glowed a deep, fiery amber. She felt the presence within her grow stronger, more tangible. A feeling of power and confidence surged through her, a connection she had never felt before.

“I… I can feel her,” Amara whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “She’s… she’s there.”

Darius’s face broke into a wide smile, his heart swelling with pride. “You did it, Amara,” he said, his voice filled with awe. “You found her.”

Amara’s lips curved into a tentative smile, tears of joy filling her eyes. For the first time in a long time, she felt whole—like a part of her that had been missing was finally coming home. She didn’t know what the future held, but with her wolf by her side and Darius’s unwavering support, she knew she could face whatever came next.

The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow over the meadow where Darius and Amara stood. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of dew on grass and the distant chatter of birds in the forest canopy. Amara’s heart pounded in her chest, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through her veins. She had felt the presence of her wolf deep within her—a connection that had eluded her for so long. Now, she was determined to bring that presence to the surface, to finally meet her wolf and take that first step toward becoming whole.

Darius stood beside her, his expression calm but attentive. He knew this was a pivotal moment for her, a test of her courage and resolve. She had already shown incredible strength in the face of everything she had endured, but this was different. This was about unlocking a part of herself that had been hidden away for years.

“Are you ready, Amara?” he asked, his voice steady and reassuring. His eyes were warm, filled with a quiet confidence that helped steady her nerves.

Amara nodded, swallowing hard. “I’m ready,” she replied, though her voice trembled slightly. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to center herself. She could feel the presence of her wolf, faint but there, waiting for her to reach out and make contact.

“Good,” Darius said, stepping back a little to give her space. “Remember, this is about finding that connection and letting it grow. Don’t force it. Just let it happen naturally. Your wolf is a part of you, Amara. She’s always been there, waiting.”

Amara took another deep breath, focusing on the rhythm of her breathing and the feel of the earth beneath her feet. She let the tension in her body melt away, her mind reaching out into the depths of her being, searching for that spark of energy she had felt before.

Minutes passed, and she concentrated harder, her brow furrowing with the effort. She imagined her wolf—strong, fierce, and protective—deep inside her, waiting to be called. She focused on the memory of that voice she had heard during her fight with Killian, the voice that had urged her to stand up and be strong.

But nothing happened. She felt no surge of energy, no sense of the wolf coming closer to the surface. Her body remained still, her mind frustratingly blank. She opened her eyes, a sigh of disappointment escaping her lips.

“I can’t do it,” she said softly, shaking her head. “I felt her before, but now… it’s like she’s not there at all.”

Darius stepped forward, his hand resting on her shoulder. “It’s okay, Amara,” he said gently. “These things take time. You’ve just started reconnecting with her. Don’t rush it.”

Amara nodded, biting her lip to keep the frustration at bay. She knew Darius was right, but it was hard not to feel discouraged. After all the progress she had made, she had hoped for more. She had hoped to shift, to finally feel the full strength of her wolf within her.

Darius looked at her with thoughtful eyes. “Let’s try something different,” he suggested. “Instead of focusing on the shift, why don’t you try to communicate with her first? Find her, see her, talk to her. Understand her. You need to build that bond before you can become one.”

Amara looked up at him, her eyes widening slightly. “You think that will work?” she asked, a spark of hope igniting in her chest.

Darius nodded. “I do. The bond with your wolf is more than just physical; it’s emotional and spiritual. You need to understand each other. Sit down, close your eyes, and try to find her. Let her know you’re ready.”

Amara took a deep breath and nodded, feeling a bit more encouraged. She moved to a soft patch of grass in the middle of the meadow and sat down, crossing her legs. The sun’s warmth bathed her face, and she closed her eyes, letting the sounds of the forest fade into the background.

She focused on her breathing again, deep and slow, each inhale and exhale bringing her closer to a state of calm. She pushed away the doubts and the fears, the noise in her mind quieting as she sank deeper into herself. She visualized herself diving into a vast ocean, searching the depths for that flicker of life, that hidden presence.

Come to me, she called out in her mind. I’m ready to meet you.

The world around her seemed to fall away, the sounds of the forest becoming distant, muted. She felt a strange sensation, like she was drifting, floating away from her physical body. And then, suddenly, she was no longer sitting in the meadow. She was somewhere else—somewhere vast and wild.

Amara opened her eyes and found herself standing in a lush, open forest. The trees were tall and ancient, their leaves a vibrant green that seemed to glow in the soft, golden light. She could hear the sound of a gentle breeze rustling through the branches, the faint trickle of a stream nearby. It was peaceful, almost otherworldly—a place that felt both familiar and strange.

“Where am I?” she whispered, turning in a slow circle to take in her surroundings.

A voice, soft and powerful, echoed around her. You are in the back of your mind, where we are one.

Amara’s breath caught in her throat. She knew that voice. It was the same voice she had heard during the battle with Killian, the voice that had urged her to be strong. She turned around and froze, her eyes widening.

Standing before her was a large, majestic wolf with a thick coat of dark fur and eyes that gleamed like molten gold. The wolf’s presence was commanding, radiating a strength and wisdom that sent a shiver down Amara’s spine.

“Are you… my wolf?” Amara asked, her voice a mixture of awe and uncertainty.

The wolf nodded slowly, its golden eyes watching her closely. Yes, it replied, its voice clear and resonant. I am a part of you, as you are a part of me. I have always been here, waiting for you to find me.

Amara felt a lump form in her throat, a mixture of emotions swirling inside her—fear, relief, hope. “Why… why did it take so long?” she asked, her voice trembling. “Why have I been wolfless all these years?”

The wolf tilted its head, regarding her with a steady gaze. Because you lacked confidence in yourself, it said gently. You were afraid, held back by doubt and the belief that you were not strong enough. But I have always been here, waiting for you to realize your own strength.

Amara’s eyes filled with tears. “I’ve felt so alone,” she whispered. “So lost, like something was missing.”

The wolf took a step closer, its presence comforting. You were never alone, Amara. You were only looking in the wrong places. But now you are ready. Now you understand that strength comes from within.

Amara nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. “I am ready,” she said softly, her voice filled with newfound determination. “I want to be whole. I want to be strong.”

The wolf’s eyes softened, and it bowed its head slightly. Then let us become one. Let us show the world the strength that lies within you.