Doubt

Doubt
Amanda’s POV

The morning light filtered through the curtains of Arwen’s cottage, soft and golden, stirring me from a peaceful sleep on the leather couch.

I open my eyes slowly. My head was clearer, my wolf stirred faintly,I felt a pulse of strength that I hadn’t felt in weeks, as if the spell she’d warned me about had loosened its grip.

My heart still burned, but the herbs had dulled the rage, giving me a moment of clarity, a fragile peace.

I sat up, the blanket slipping, my body heavy but lighter than before, and saw Arwen by the fireplace, her auburn hair catching the light, her eyes soft but watchful.

“How are you feeling?” she asked, her voice gentle but laced with concern, her hands stirring a pot of tea, the steam curling like a spell as she poured tea inside a cup.

She crossed to me, her gaze searching, as she handled me a cup of tea.

“Better,” I said, my voice steady, a faint smile tugging at my lips as I clutched the blanket,to receive the drink.

“Thank you, Arwen. Those herbs… They worked. My wolf feels alive again, like I can breathe. I didn’t realize how far gone I was.”

She nodded, her lips tight, her eyes shadowed with worry as she looked at me.

“Drink up then. They’ll help for a while,” she said, her voice low, deliberate. “But the spell’s not broken, Amanda. It’s deep, tied to someone close. Be careful - your anger, your vengeance, it feeds the magic. Stay clear of Landon, anyone who pulls you deeper into this war.”

I sipped the tea, its bitterness sharp, her warning a weight I couldn’t ignore.

The Lunar Eclipse Festival was days away, my alliance with Landon a blade I’d wield against Sophia and Nelson, but Arwen’s words - her refusal to name the spell’s source - stirred unease.

I place the cup on a stool as I stand, my legs steady, my heart hardening despite the clarity.

“I’ll try,” I said, my voice firm, meeting her eyes. “But Sophia and Nelson - they owe me. I can’t let them walk free.”

She sighed, her hand brushing my arm, but I pulled away slowly, I grabbed my jacket, I needed to move, to act.

“I’ll be back,” I promised, stepping into the light, the forest air cool against my skin.

I climbed into my car, the engine roaring as I drove home, the road was blurry as my mind was covered with worry - Arwen’s herbs, the spell used to drain my wolf's power.

My wolf felt stronger, but the fire of vengeance still burned, a rage I couldn’t resist.

I reached my house, the mansion looming under the gray sky, its silence heavy as I climbed the stairs to my bedroom, needing rest, a moment to plan.

But as I pushed open the door, my breath caught - Cassandra was standing there, her dark hair spilling over her shoulders, her eyes glinting, her presence a shock after her weeks of absence.

She wore a thin black dress, clinging to her curves, her lips curved in a sultry smile, but something was off, a faint strain in her gaze, a truth she couldn’t hide.

“Cassandra,” I said, my voice slow, my heart racing as I dropped my jacket, my wolf bristling, sensing something wrong.

“Where the fuck have you been? It’s been weeks-no word, nothing. What’s going on?”

She ignored my question,as she stepped closer, her movements seductive,with her scent- sweet and flowery-fill the room.

“Amanda,” she purred, her voice low, teasing, her hand reaching for my waist, her fingers grazing my skin through my shirt, sending a jolt through me.

“I’ve missed you. Let’s forget the questions, just… be with me.” She leaned in, her lips brushing my neck, her touch hot, a seduction that stirred memories of our night together and with Landon, her magic weaving into my skin.

But then I saw it-the flicker of desperation in her eyes, the faint tremble in her hands.

I shoved her back, my hands firm, my voice a snarl as rage surged, drowning the spark of desire. “Get off me!” I yelled, my eyes blazing, my wolf clawing to the surface. “Where have you been, Cassandra? Don’t play games with me. I’m done with secrets-what the fuck is going on?”

She stumbled back, her smile fading, her eyes narrowing, showing a mix of surprise and pain. “Amanda, calm down,” she said, her voice tight, her hands raised, as if to soothe me. “I’m here now. That’s what matters. We can -”

“No!” I cut her off, my voice shaking, my hands clenched as I looked at her. “You disappear for weeks, only to show up like nothing happened, and try to seduce me?” My voice broke, tears burning from anger.

Her face paled, her eyes flickering, but she didn’t answer, her silence cutting in my gut.

My heart pounded, the room shrinking, the air thick with her scent, her secrets. “Tell me!” I shouted, stepping closer, my wolf snarling, ready to tear the truth from her. “Where were you? What are you hiding Cass?”

She straightened, her jaw tight, her eyes burning with something-guilt, fear, or defiance, I couldn’t tell.

“You’re crazy Ama,” she said, her voice low, a whisper of power that sent a chill down my spine. “But I’m not your enemy, Amanda. Trust me.”

“I'm crazy? I should trust you?” I laughed, bitter, my tears falling, my hands shaking as I backed towards the door. “I trusted Sophia, Nelson, and they broke me.” I pause as my eyes never left hers.

“I’m done trusting and if you can't tell me where you've been. Get out, or I’ll make you.”

She stepped forward hastily, her hand reaching. “ What's wrong Ama?” She asked.

But I turned, my boots sharp on the floor, my heart filled with rage and doubt. Cassandra’s presence, her secrets, were a new threat, one I couldn’t ignore.

I stormed out, her voice echoing behind me, a plea I wouldn’t hear.

“Listen to me, Ama,” she called, her voice sharp, desperate, as I reached the door. “You don’t know what you’re doing!”

“Get the fuck out of my house,Cass.” I yelled as I glared at her with anger. My wolf growl, ready to transform and tear her apart.

She knew that as she didn't press on.

“Fine.” She said but she paused,looking at me.

“Don’t call me back begging.” She said as she walked out.

“In your dreams.” I say back as I shoved the door hard as the wall shook.

“Arghhh!!!”

I screamed out in frustration and anger.