Chapter 64 Needing a boost
Aloria
As the last echoes of our victorious howl fade into the rustling trees, I shift back to my human form, feeling the familiar crack and reform of my bones and instantly feel the weight of exhaustion settle over me like a heavy cloak. My limbs tremble, the adrenaline that had surged through my veins now replaced by a gnawing hunger that pulls at my insides. I stand amidst the chaos of the clearing, panting, the scent of earth and fur mixed with the remnants of battle hanging thick in the air.
Around me, the pack begins to regroup, warriors shifting back to their human forms, their expressions a mix of relief and pride. River approaches, his dark fur shimmering in the waning sunlight, and I can’t help but smile at him as he shifts too. My heart swells with gratitude and admiration for his strength, but the hunger gnaws at me still.
“Aloria!” Arly and Arthenon rush to my side, their eyes wide with awe. “Did you see how fast you were? You were like lightning! And then the way you took that bear down? So cool!”
Arthenon’s voice is a mixture of excitement and disbelief, and I can’t help but chuckle, even as I feel the fatigue creeping deeper into my bones. “I just did what I had to do,” I say, trying to downplay my own exhilaration.
River grins, his expression softening as he leans closer. “You were incredible, Aloria. I’ve never seen anything like it. You’ve truly embraced your new strength.”
“Thanks, River,” I reply, feeling a warmth spread through me at his words. It’s a strange feeling, this bond we share, a mixture of rivalry and unwavering respect. “But right now, I could really use a little… boost.”
“Here,” he says, his voice low and steady, as he reaches into his satchel and pulls out a small flask, the healers elixir. The elixir inside glimmers like liquid sunlight, the healer’s concoction promising to restore my energy and quell my hunger.
I hesitate for a moment as I eye the vial. It’s not blood, but it’s the next best thing. It should be enough to tide me over until I can drink from River later. I take it from him, my fingers brushing his, and a flicker of something electric passes between us. I lift the vial to my lips and take a cautious sip, the sweet liquid flowing over my tongue and igniting a warmth in my chest.
The hunger eases, though it’s still there, lurking in the background. I can feel the elixir working its magic, rejuvenating my tired body, and I swallow another mouthful. As I finish, I glance over to see my mother striding towards me, her expression a mixture of relief and pride.
“Aloria!” she calls, her voice breaking slightly as she reaches me. Without hesitation, she pulls me into a fierce embrace, pressing her lips to my cheeks. “Thank you for saving your brothers. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
The warmth of her love washes over me, and I squeeze her tightly. “Of course, Mom. How could I not?” I pull back to meet her eyes, the weight of the day settling in my chest. “I’d do anything for them.”
“Even take on werebears?” Arly pipes up, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Especially take on werebears,” I say, unable to suppress a grin. “But let’s hope we don’t have to do that again anytime soon.”
As we stand together, my brothers buzzing with excitement, I can’t help but feel a sense of peace settling around us. The clearing, though marked by the remnants of battle, is still our sanctuary. My family surrounds me, strong and resilient, and I know we will face whatever comes next together.
“Let’s get back to the den,” River suggests, his voice breaking through my thoughts. “We need to regroup and assess what happened. We can’t afford to let our guard down.”
He’s right, of course. The threat of the werebears lingers like a shadow, and we must remain vigilant. But as I look around at my family and my pack, I feel a newfound strength surging within me, a fire ignited by our victory.
With one last glance at the fallen bears, I hate killing anyone, but we had no choice. I’m still a little shaky, but with River at my side and my family close behind, I know that we can face anything together.
As we make our way back through the trees, I can hear Arly and Arthenon animatedly recounting my swift movements, their voices bubbling with excitement. I can’t help but smile, my heart swelling with pride for my brothers. They are fierce and brave, and I will do everything in my power to keep them safe.
“Next time, I’ll show you how to take down a bear,” I tease, ruffling Arthenon’s hair as we walk.
“Are you going to teach me to be as great a wolf as you?” he asks, his eyes wide with wonder.
“Maybe one day,” I reply, glancing at River, who gives me an approving nod. “But for now, let’s just focus on getting safely back to the pack.”
As we restart out journey, I feel an overwhelming sense of belonging wash over me. Here, amidst the heart of the forest and the warmth of my family, I know that together we can reclaim our country and face whatever darkness lies ahead.
And maybe, just maybe, this vampire curse isn’t a curse after all. It’s a gift, a part of me that I’m still learning to embrace. As I walk beside River, I feel a renewed sense of purpose, ready to protect those I love and to face the challenges of our world with unyielding strength and determination.