Chapter 84 — IN HIDING.
Amara’s exile in the hidden sanctuary with her mother and siblings marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. It was a place shrouded in mystique, far removed from the bustling heart of Silverwood, where whispers of her true identity continued to ripple through the supernatural world.
Within the sanctuary, a sense of tranquility prevailed. Lush, ancient trees formed a protective canopy over the enclave, and a gentle stream meandered through the heart of the sanctuary, its soothing waters providing both sustenance and solace. Amara’s family, united by their love for her, found solace in the serene surroundings, and for a while, it felt like they had found respite from the turmoil that had engulfed their lives.
Amara, however, was burdened by the weight of her destiny. Each day, she immersed herself in the knowledge that Lady Gwen shared with her. She studied the lore of Arcata, the gemstones of power, and the intricacies of her own abilities. She knew that her powers were dormant, awaiting the key to unlock their potential, but not fully because Lady Gwen had told her that she had so much power in a mortal body, so if all that power is let out, Amara would combust or rather disintegrate.
In the stillness of the sanctuary, Amara’s connection to the gem of Arcata became more apparent. The gem resonated with her, pulsing with untapped energy. It was a responsibility she couldn’t ignore.
Lady Gwen being loyal to Ethan had told him everything that had happened. With Amara’ wanted by all, she hid her somewhere safe.
Ethan was completely grateful for Lady Gwen’s help. Ethan, separated from Amara by the chasm of duty and danger, had been haunted by his decision to distance himself from her. He knew the sanctuary was a necessary refuge, but it tore at his heart to be apart from her. In the loneliness of his existence, he grappled with the memories of their love and the longing that threatened to consume him, but Pearl didn’t let it slide.
She asked Alrond if there was a way to hand Amara over to the people, but Alrond responded that to do that they would have to be careful because Ethan had spies everywhere. Alrond had completely changed since the time in the temple of flames. He was now very quiet and didn’t mingle with anyone else. Pearl hardly ever saw him, but the times she did was just to complain with him.
Pearl had told her Eastside Silverwood pack that they had formed an ally with the Zathkanan Palace which was a very special thing for them all. All that she wanted now was Ethan’s attention, even if it meant disposing of her to the power hungry monsters and leaving her fate in their hands.
However, as Amara continued to train and harness her latent abilities, Lady Gwen remained a steadfast guide, imparting wisdom and counsel. Lady Gwen used to be a small, timid and shy little she-wolf, now with Ethan’s influence she had learned how to use her brains to get ancient wisdom. She spoke of the delicate balance between light and darkness, the forces that sought to harness Amara’s power for nefarious purposes, and the importance of unity among the supernatural beings of Silverwood.
In the hidden sanctuary, a fragile sense of peace prevailed, but the storm on the horizon grew ever darker. News reached them of the rogue immortal’s proclamation, his revelation of Amara’s identity as Arcata’s reincarnation. The supernatural world of Silverwood was in upheaval, with factions vying for control and dominance.
Amara knew that she could not remain hidden forever. The time would come when she would have to confront the threats that loomed on the horizon, to fulfill her destiny as the guardian of Silverwood. But she also understood that she couldn’t face this perilous journey alone.
One fateful night, as the sanctuary lay bathed in the silvery light of the moon, Lady Gwen approached Amara. “Amara,” she began, her voice carrying the weight of centuries, “the time has come for you to forge alliances. The fate of Silverwood rests in your hands, but you cannot face it alone.”
Amara nodded in understanding, her determination unwavering. She knew that she needed to reach out to those who could aid her, to mend the fractures that had torn through the supernatural world and Lady Gwen was one of them.
“What do we do if we get found out?” Sarah asked her voice a little bit timid.
“Nothing, I will try my best to protect you,” Lady Gwen replied.
“And what about Ethan?” Amara asked, “is he okay? I mean, it is my fault he is completely vulnerable and can do nothing to help.”
“Silly,” Lady Gwen hissed, “who told you that nonsense, Lord Ethan is still very much well, so he will protect you no matter what.”
Amara nodded, she had spent the few days learning and training there anyways, so she should be able to do one or two things to help. She looked over to the side to see her mother and Frank sitting by the lake there talking and laughing. Seeing her mother laugh gave Amara joy. Since they ran away from their home, her mother hardly smiled. It was a good thing that Frank was there with them, he could make Mrs. Morgan laugh to her fill and he was also loving the fact that they were entangled in such supernatural side of Silverwood.
Amara never meant to drag her family into this, but she had no other choice. If she had run to hide alone, then she would leave her mother and siblings at the risk of getting killed or hurt. According to Lady Gwen, she was told that wolves most especially were adept with finding people with their scent. So that was why they were in such a hidden area with spells casted that helps seals the scent it aura that a person might carry.
Everyone was settled outside that night, eating roasted chicken and rice, which Amara had ended up preparing. Frank kept asking Lady Gwen questions about the Supernatural world in Silverwood and they became so immersed in the conversation, while Amara, Sarah and their mother sat on the opposite side talking about everything going on so far.
Suddenly, they heard movements from behind them. Lady Gwen immediately stood up looking into the dark distance. Seeing such a reaction, everyone else stood up too.
“What is wrong?” Amara whispered.
“We are surrounded,” Lady Gwen replied.