42_ Help

The morning light filtered through the thin curtains of the cabin, and I stirred awake, the unfamiliar surroundings momentarily disorienting me. The events of the previous day rushed back, and my heart sank with the weight of it all. The reality of staying here with the pack, away from Dylan, gnawed at me, but I reminded myself it was necessary.

The soft knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, sitting up and brushing my hair out of my face.

Dylan stepped in, holding what seemed to be a lunch box in his hand. I was surprised to see him so early, but his presence immediately brought a sense of calm, and I smiled.

"You're here," I said.

"Yes, I am," he said. "And I brought you some breakfast." My heart warmed up. I couldn't believe he brought food all the way here this early.

“You’re spoiling me,” I teased as he set the lunch box on the bed beside me.

He shrugged with a grin. “I figured you might not feel like joining the others just yet.”

I picked up a piece of toast, my stomach growling in agreement. “Thanks. I needed this.”

He sat down on the edge of the bed, watching me with a soft expression. “How are you holding up?”

I hesitated, glancing at the tray before meeting his gaze. “I don’t know. It’s a lot to take in. I want to help them, but… I feel like I’m in over my head.”

“You’re not,” he said firmly. “You’re doing better than you think. And I’m here. I won't let you do anything alone.”

His words warmed me, and I reached for his hand, giving it a small squeeze. “Thank you, Dylan. For everything.”

He stayed with me while I ate, chatting about lighter things to distract me. It was a brief reprieve from the chaos, but all too soon, he stood up to leave.

“I need to keep digging for more information about Talia,” he said, his tone regretful. “But I’ll come back as soon as I can.”

I nodded, trying not to let the disappointment show. “Be careful.”

“You too,” he said, leaning down to kiss my forehead before heading out.

As the door closed behind him, the cabin seemed a little emptier. I finished my breakfast and decided to explore more, forcing myself to adjust to this temporary life.

\---

Later in the day, I found myself sitting on the porch with Hannah. The others were busy—some scouting, others preparing defenses—but she stayed behind, keeping me company.

“You doing okay?” she asked, her tone kind but direct.

I nodded slowly. “Trying to, at least. This is all so new to me.”

She smiled faintly. “You’ll get used to it. Or at least, as much as anyone can in situations like this.”

A moment of silence passed between us before she spoke again.

“I lost my family,” Her statement caught me off guard.

"What happened?" I asked softly. I had a feeling I already knew the answer.

“My dad was a strong Alpha,” she began. “He fought in the war between werewolves and humans. He believed in protecting our kind, even if it meant risking everything. But… he didn’t make it.”

I frowned, my heart aching for her. “I’m so sorry, Hannah.”

She nodded, staring out at the trees. “My mom was a witch. She was not very powerful, and she wasn’t a fighter either, but she fought anyway. When the war broke out, she tried to protect my dad and my brothers. After she found Talia to do the spell on my brothers, she tried to save my dad but she didn't make it as well,” She trailed off, her voice faltering.

The weight of her words settled heavily on me, and I reached out to touch her arm. “Hannah… I’m so sorry. That must be unbearable.”

Tears shimmered in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. “I’ve already lost so much, Katrina. I can’t lose what’s left. That’s why we need you. You’re our hope.”

Her words sent a pang through my chest. I didn’t feel like hope. I felt like a girl barely holding herself together. But seeing her pain and determination, I knew I couldn’t back down.

“I don’t know if I can do everything you’re asking of me,” I admitted. “But I promise, I’ll do everything I can to help.”

Her lips curved into a small, grateful smile. “That’s all we need.”

Another moment of silence passed between us, and a thought crossed my mind.

“You said you have two brothers, I have only seen Kyle. Who's the other one? I prompted gently.

Her jaw tightened, and she looked down at her hands. “My other brother. He’s still… under the curse.”

My eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

“He's not eighteen yet, so the curse hasn't been broken for him. He's still somewhere out there, and I can't find him because he's cloaked.

My mind reeled at what Hannah had just told me.

"When does he turn eighteen?" I asked, my chest tightening.

“In three weeks,” she replied, her voice tinged with fear. “But even then, I don’t know what will happen. I’m terrified he won’t make it. What if the curse claims him before he even gets the chance to live?”

The despair in her voice cut deep, and I reached out to grip her hand. “Hannah, listen to me. He’s going to make it. You’re going to see him again, and this time, the curse won’t take him from you. I promise.”

She blinked, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “How can you be so sure?”

“Because I’ll fight for him, just like I’ll fight for all of us,” I said firmly, the words surprising even me with their conviction. “He’s part of our pack. We won’t let the curse win.”

Hannah gave me a small, watery smile. “Thank you, Katrina. I hope you’re right.”

Before I could respond, the sound of footsteps outside drew our attention. A moment later, Dylan walked up to us—with Sabina following closely behind him.

I shot to my feet, my body instantly on high alert. My wolf stirred inside me, claws itching to come out. Sabina’s presence had been nothing but a source of chaos in my life, and seeing her now set every nerve on edge.

“What is she doing here?” I demanded, my voice sharp.

Sabina lifted her hands in a gesture of surrender, but her calm expression only fueled my anger.

“Katrina, wait,” Dylan said, stepping between us. “She’s here to help.”

I scoffed, crossing my arms. “Oh, really? Like she helped so much before? Forgive me if I’m not exactly convinced.”

“Katrina,” Dylan said gently, placing a hand on my shoulder. “I understand how you feel, but she’s promised to tell us everything. About Talia, about her plans… even where she is.”

I narrowed my eyes at Sabina. “Why now? Why should we trust anything you say?”

Sabina stepped forward, her gaze steady. “Because I’m done being my mother’s pawn. You don’t have to trust me, Katrina, but you’ll want to hear what I have to say.”

The intensity in her voice gave me pause, and I exchanged a hesitant glance with Dylan. He nodded, silently urging me to listen.

“Fine,” I said reluctantly, stepping back. “Start talking.”

Sabina lowered her hands, her expression softening. “I’m here because things have changed. My mother’s plans are accelerating, and she’s more dangerous than ever. I’ve come to give you the information you need to stop her.”

Hannah crossed her arms, her gaze skeptical. “Why would you turn against your own mother?”

Sabina’s jaw tightened. “Because I see now what she truly is. She’s consumed by power, and she’ll destroy anyone—everyone—to get what she wants. That includes me.”

I studied her carefully, trying to gauge the truth in her words. While a part of me still wanted to doubt her, the desperation in her tone felt genuine.

“Where is she?” I asked, my voice hard.

Sabina hesitated, glancing at Dylan before looking back at me. “She’s in a stronghold deep in the mountains. It’s heavily guarded, but I know a way in.”

The weight of her words sank in, and I clenched my fists. This was it. The first real lead we had on Talia.

“If you’re lying…” I started, but Sabina cut me off.

“I’m not,” she said firmly. “I’ll prove it. But if you want any chance of stopping her, you’re going to have to trust me. Even if it’s just a little.”

I looked at Dylan, my heart torn. He gave me a small nod, his expression encouraging.

“Fine,” I said, my voice laced with reluctance.