Chapter 33 The Wolf Awakens
It felt oppressive the night after Lasmay's betrayal. Sharon lay in bed, her head restless and her body hurting from the fight's stress. Lasmay's final remarks, "Pier knows everything," stuck with her. He is aware of who you are.
Reluctantly, she fell asleep, and when she did, she was in a strange dream world. In front of her was a huge, snow-covered forest, the crystalline branches glowing eerily in the moonlight. Her blood hummed when she heard it howl in the distance, deep and sorrowful.
"Who is present?" Sharon's voice reverberated in the silence as she called.
A big, white wolf appeared in the moonlight, and the woodland appeared to respond as the shadows changed. Its fur glistened, almost composed of light itself. Sharon felt a weird tug in her chest as its sharp blue eyes met hers.
Her voice was shaking as she questioned, "What do you want?"
The wolf didn't answer—at least not verbally. Instead, the sound resonated deep within Sharon as it tipped its head back and howled once more. She started in its direction, but the ground gave way under her feet, and she started to fall—into the dark.
Sharon's heart was racing when she startled up. Sweat-soaked palms gripped the blankets. "What... what was that?" she asked herself in a whisper.
There was little respite in the morning. From the other side of the room, Rever observed Sharon as she picked at her breakfast at the dining table. After Lasmay's escape, the pack was on high alert, but Rever's attention was still on her.
He broke the silence by saying, "You've been quiet." "What are you thinking about?"
Sharon paused. She wasn't sure if the dream was even worth telling him about yet. It isn't anything. Simply put, exhausted.
Rever's eyebrow went up. "You don't appear well. Have you had any sleep?
"Hardly," she acknowledged. "I had an odd dream. This white wolf was there, and it seemed quite genuine.
Rever's face grew serious. "A white wolf?"
She gave a nod. It was both horrifying and lovely. I had the impression that it was calling to me and requesting something from me.
Leaning forward, Rever spoke softly. Dreams like that are more than simply dreams, Sharon. They are cautions, messages, and perhaps even glimmers of who you really are.
"Who am I really?" She repeated, horror and bewilderment churning in her chest. "What is meant by that?"
He paused, as though he was considering how much to reveal to her. "I'm not really sure. However, the fact that you are having a white wolf dream could be related to either your wolf awakening or the prophecy.
Sharon's eyes got bigger. "You believe my wolf is attempting to... get in touch with me?"
"That's feasible," Rever stated. And we must be ready if that's the case. Your wolf might be the secret to everything Pier is pursuing.
Sharon felt a knot in her stomach. She felt the oppressive, unrelenting weight of her fate bearing down on her. What happens if I'm not prepared? What if I am unable to manage it?
Rever took her hand in his as he reached across the table. "Sharon, you underestimate your strength. And you're not the only one. I'll be by your side the entire time.
A glimmer of warmth appeared in her chest as he spoke, yet the uncertainties persisted. Even as doubt tore at her, she clasped his hand, thankful for his support.
Sharon and Rever ended up strolling along the forest's edge later that day. The discourse shifted to lighter subjects, including memories of the pack and unexpected moments of laughter in their hectic lives, as the tension between them had somewhat subsided.
Sharon smiled slightly and remarked, "I never imagined I'd miss those training sessions with you." "Even when you were acting like a complete despot."
Rever laughed. "A despot? I was prepared you for this kind of situation. If you weren't so obstinate, you would appreciate me.
"Stubborn?" She sneered. "Said by the most stubborn Alpha I've ever encountered."
Their laughter served as a momentary diversion from the impending storm. It was just the two of them for a while, unburdened by betrayals and prophecies.
"Sharon," Rever replied abruptly, his voice growing solemn. He turned to her and stopped moving. "What I stated previously, I meant. No matter what, I will stop at nothing to keep you safe.
Her heart constricted as she gazed up at him. I don't want you to jeopardize everything for me, Rever. This is also my battle.
"It is our battle," he clarified. "We deal with whatever comes up jointly. Do you agree?
His eyes eased her resolve. "I agree."
Sharon's body started to feel weird as the sun started to set. A deep, primordial energy moved within her, and her muscles hurt and her skin tingled. A piercing gasp from her lips as she gripped her tummy.
"Sharon?" As he held her before she could fall, Rever's voice was laced with concern. "What's going on?"
"I'm not sure," she murmured with clenched teeth. "Something seems to be attempting to escape."
Sharon's body trembled before Rever could react, and an unearthly light glowed in her eyes. Her nails grew into claws as her hands twisted. There was a slight gleam of white fur on her shoulders and arms.
"Sharon, pay attention to my voice," Rever urged. "This is under your authority. Simply take a breath.
She tried, but the energy tore through her like a hurricane, too much to handle. As her metamorphosis took shape, she let out a scream that turned into a guttural snarl.
"Rever," she choked out, her voice tinged with terror. "I am unable to... I am powerless to stop it.
Rever clung to her, his resolve masking his own terror. "You're more resilient than this. Sharon, fight it. Don't allow it to rule you.
It appeared for a second that she may be successful. Her breathing evened out as the light in her eyes faded. But as fast as that, her body failed, and she fell asleep into Rever's arms.
"Sharon!" Rever yelled and gave her a light shake. She became pale and still, her wolf-like features fading. "Remain with me. Please.
He put his ear to her chest and heard her feeble heartbeat, which filled him with relief. But as soon as he understood what this meant, his relief was fleeting.
His voice was shaking as he murmured, "Your wolf is awakening." "And time is running out."
His words seemed to reverberate across the forest, and the distant howl of a wolf that sounded uncannily familiar pierced the silence of the night.