CHAPTER 34

Maya's POV

My eyes revealed a dimly lit room with an unaccustomed quiet permeating the air. I felt like I had run miles without stopping, and every muscle in my body hurt. My mind thumped, the shards of a dream or a memory? evaporating into pieces that were too difficult to identify.

"Maya?"

The voice was familiar, warm, and grounded right away. I slowly turned to see Darius sitting beside me, his anxious countenance carved on it. The heat of his touch calmed my senses as his powerful palm stretched for mine.

His face was relieved as he whispered, "You're awake."

"What happened?" I had a dry throat and a hoarse voice.

"You don't remember?" Darius scowled as his sharp eyes searched me.

I winced at the effort and shook my head gently. “No. I… I just remember Lucien, and then everything’s blank.”

Darius clenched his free hand into a fist as his jaw hardened. "Lucien," he spat, his voice full of poison. “That traitor had the audacity to show his face here, and he didn’t come alone.”

"What do you mean?" With a racing heart, I asked.

He said, "You did something amazing, Maya," as his thumb brushed the back of my hand. “Your wolf—she awoke in a way I’ve never seen before. You were… unstoppable.”

I gasped for air as I gazed at him. “My wolf? But that’s not possible. Do I really have a wolf?”

With a forceful voice, Darius insisted, "You do." Maya, she's there. I sensed her, saw her. She has strength, but... He paused, his eyes darting in uncertainty.

“But, what?" I applied pressure.

"She came out only because you were in danger," he admitted. “It wasn’t a complete awakening. It was… reactive. Almost instinctual.”

Confusion tightened my chest as the words seemed like a blow. "So why can't I recall any of it?"

We stopped when there was a gentle knock on the door. As serene as ever, Evelyn entered the room, but her expression held a seriousness that made my stomach turn.

"How are you feeling, my dear?" Her eyes were friendly but perceptive as she asked.

"Weak," I confessed. "And perplexed. My wolf woke up, according to Darius, but I don't recall any of it.”

With her lips pressed into a narrow line, Evelyn nodded. “That's understandable. Maya, your wolf isn't quite awake yet. What happened was a natural reflex to defend yourself in a life-threatening situation. “

“But why can’t I control her? Why don’t I even feel her?” Beneath my fatigue, I asked in frustration.

Evelyn sat on the edge of the bed and walked over with a softness that made me think of my mother. "Because she's locked away, dormant," she explained. Maya, your wolf is still alive. She is awaiting your readiness and the strengthening of your relationship. What happened last night caused a tiny break in that barrier, but not enough to cause a complete awakening.”

“When will she be free?" My voice broke as the question slipped out of my mouth before I could stop it.

A glimmer of hesitancy appeared in Evelyn's eyes as her countenance softened. She spoke slowly, "Time will tell."

Fear and frustration fought inside me as my chest constricted. “I feel like I'm trapped in this..this cycle of not knowing anything about myself." I replied, raising my voice. "My parents' deaths, my wolf, the prophecy—it's all a mystery I can't figure out."

Darius reached for me again, his grip firm and grounding. “We’ll figure it out together, Maya,” he said, his voice steady. “You’re not alone in this.”

I stared at him, and his steady gaze calmed the storm inside me. I was about to reply when Evelyn cleared her throat.

"There's something you should know about what happened last night." She said, her voice growing solemn.

"What is it?" I braced myself and asked.

With an unreadable face, Evelyn looked at Darius. "The Phantom Pack isn't only pursuing you due to the prophecy, Maya. They are seeking you because they fear what you are capable of. Last night proved that.”

“What I’m capable of?” The words felt strange on my tongue as I repeated them.

"Your wolf's power" Evelyn added. "They have never experienced anything like it before. And they will do all in their power to eradicate that danger.

Darius's jaw clenched as his hold on my hand tightened. He growled softly as he added, "They won't touch her."

As I looked between them, my heartracing. So what do we do? What can I do to stop them?

"We'll train." With firmness, Darius said. “Together, we'll unleash your wolf's most significant potential. But Maya, you have to trust me.”

Without hesitation, I responded, "I do.”

His eyes became softer, a glimmer of warmth piercing his ferocious veneer. "Goodl," he said. Because I’ll die before I let them take you.”

Evelyn stood, her face contemplative. "For the time being, I'll leave you two. But remember, Maya, that your wolf is more than just a part of you. She is you. Your strength will increase as you give her more embraces.”

There was stillness between Darius and me as she walked out of the room.

"You really think we can stop them?" My voice was hardly more than a whisper when I asked.

"I don't just think it," he leaned in to say. “I know Maya, you're not just any person. You are mine.”

His words made me shudder, and I was drawn in by the intensity of his gaze. He moved a lock of hair away from my face, and I could feel the electrifying and unmistakable attraction between us.

"You don't realize how strong you are," he whispered, sounding like a promise.

"What about you?" With my eyes seeking his, I asked. You have a lot on your plate, Darius. Why have you made so many sacrifices for me?”

With his palm resting on my cheek, he paused. “Because you're worth it, he simply said.

He drew closer, his lips grazing mine in a gentle yet all-consuming kiss, and I gasped. The connection between us deepened, the weight of our bond tangible in the air.

But as much as I wanted to lose myself in him, a lingering doubt tugged at the edges of my mind.

Who am I really? And what will it take to uncover the truth?

The sound of a howl, low, sorrowful, and menacing, cut short the moment all too quickly.

Darius's body went on high alert, and he tensed. His voice was stern, and he ordered, "Stay here."

"What is it?" With a pounding heart, I asked.

He murmured, his eyes darkening, "Trouble."

I couldn't shake the thought that the danger we were facing was only getting started as he turned to go.