I won't risk losing you
“No, I will not allow my daughter to put herself into anymore danger.” My father came stomping down the path and I looked up in surprise. He looked furious.
His voice held a weight that silenced everyone around us. I looked up at him, confusion mingling with frustration. “Father, this isn’t just about just me anymore. Yelda won’t wait for me to be ready. We can’t afford to be passive.”
He shook his head, his brow furrowed. “You don’t understand, Eliza. Training requires more than just a will to fight. It demands discipline, patience, and above all—safety. I won’t risk losing you.”
My heart raced at his protective words. I understood his intentions, but meant to protect me. Yet I couldn’t ignore the gnawing sensation at the pit of my stomach that warned of the darkness closing in on us all. “You can’t keep me in a bubble forever. The world won’t pause for my safety.”
Theron stepped forward, breaking the tension. “He’s right, Princess Eliza. We need to ensure you are ready for when the time comes. But there’s a way to do that without endangering yourself right now. We can start with foundational practices, safe methods of honing your energy.”
I looked back and forth between them, torn. My father’s concern was palpable, but the urgency of our situation loomed larger. “Fine then. What do you suggest?” I asked, trying to maintain a calm exterior but inside I was screaming for the chance to do it my way.
Theron took a deep breath. “Before you delve into combat training, we need to focus on your inner strength. how to pool your energy, how to wield it in smaller, controlled bursts. Protecting your core is essential.”
“That makes sense,” Theron added, nodding. “You’ll learn how to create barriers of energy—shields, if you will—that can protect you in case of an attack. It’s the foundation of what we do.”
“Barriers?” I echoed. The thought intrigued me. Having some form of defense to keep the darkness at bay sounded like just what I needed. I could feel the prickling of excitement, mixing with the fear that had gripped my heart for too long.
“Yes,” Rio said, his expression softening. “With practice, you’ll be able to contain and repel negative energy. It’s a crucial skill. If you can do that, you’ll be less vulnerable when it comes time to face Yelda.”
I could see the hesitation in my father’s eyes but felt a surge of determination. “I want to learn,” I told him, my tone fierce. “I’m ready. Father I need to learn my true potential. Is that not what my mother would have wanted?” I raised my eyebrows sensing I was getting underneath his skin. He just saw me as his little girl and felt the need to protect me from any more harm. But, I wasn’t a little girl anymore.
“Alright,” my father finally conceded, though his voice remained laced with concern. “But I’ll be right here, every step of the way. You will not face any of this alone. We must have someone come to teach you the ways. Someone who knows what they are talking about, but first. You and your quadruplets mates need to make your bond official. You will only be at your strongest if you have your mates by your side.” He wagged a finger.
“Your bond will amplify your power,” he continued, his tone softening a fraction as he looked at Theron, Rio, and the others. “You cannot face Yelda alone. The strength of your group is paramount.”
I nodded, feeling a flush of warmth at his acknowledgment of my mates’ importance.
“Then we’ll do it,” I said decisively, feeling a newfound determination. “It’s time to solidify our connection. I want to be a beacon of strength for all of us. It’s time for us to act, not just react.”
I glanced at my father, still hovering with an air of reluctance, but finally, he nodded, conceding my point. “Then we shall prepare,” he said. “But take heed: while your path lies ahead, it won’t be easy, and there will be sacrifices.”
“I’m ready for that,” I replied, the fire in my belly igniting further. I thought about my mother, about all the stories I had been told of heroes and battles fought for love and survival. This moment was bigger than me—it was part of our legacy.
“Theron, a word please. In private.” My father gestured for Theron to follow him. He did so without any hesitation. I wondered what sort of conversation my father was going to have with him.
“Eliza, we can do this and we can get through anything. We will always be by your side.” Rylan told me softly as he snaked an arm around my waist. I looked up at him and smiled. All I could remember was the way my body tingled when he had kissed my lips. I couldn’t believe how far I had come and now they were truly by my side. Rylan, Rio, Enzo and Ed. I felt like we would be unstoppable together. Yelda and those evil forces were nothing compared to how this felt.
“Eliza, first thing tomorrow you will meet with Esmeralda.” My father called over his shoulder. He didn’t look over the moon about me practising this new found side to myself but I was glad he was going to at least give me the chance to explore my true potential.
“See, everything is going to be ok.” Rylan squeezed my hand and leant over to kiss my cheek. I grinned at him as we walked back towards the palace. Rio and the others trailed slowly behind.
“I know, with my family and my quadruplets mates by my side, I am capable of anything.” I said and I meant it. I was the white wolf after all..