Chapter 94 I Feel Useless
“Ella, you need to stop them from always wanting to tear each other apart,” Lila’s voice echoed in Ella’s mind, steady yet tinged with concern.
Ella paced the length of her room, her fists clenched. “And how exactly do you suggest I do that, Lila? They’re both so… so stubborn!” Her voice cracked with frustration, and her wolf sighed. “They’re adults, Lila, not children.” Ella continued, her tone carrying the irritation she’d been holding in.
“Did you see what almost happened at the field earlier” Lila asked
“I think Derek should head back to avoid all this.” Ella responded non-challantly.
“I understand you’re still angry with Derek—after all the betrayal and pain he had caused us, it's justified. But don’t forget that Valen isn’t innocent either. There are still secrets he’s keeping from us, and though he’s also our mate, I don’t think he fully trusts us,” Lila replied, her tone firm but soothing.
Ella stopped, her chest tightening. She didn’t want to admit it, but Lila was right. Secrets surrounded her, choking her, and she felt powerless to untangle them. Her mates—both, so different yet equally infuriating—were at the center of the chaos. Valen’s trust felt conditional, and Derek’s betrayal still burned deep in her chest.
“They don’t deserve my loyalty, let alone my forgiveness.” Ella said through gritted teeth
“Ella…” Lila’s voice softened, almost pleading.
Ella inhaled sharply, trying to push down the anger bubbling inside her. She needed an outlet—a way to release the emotions threatening to consume her.
Sensing Ella's emotions, Lila decided. “Let’s go clear your head,” she said abruptly, her tone decisive. “Run with me. Let the forest soothe your mind.”
Ella hesitated for only a second before nodding. “Fine. Let’s run.”
With a deep breath, Ella let Lila take charge. Her body shifted seamlessly, fur sprouting as her muscles elongated and her senses sharpened. In seconds, her wolf stood where she once was, a sleek, silver creature glowing in the moonlight. Without hesitation, Lila bolted out of the room and into the woods.
The cool night air rushed past them as they sprinted through the forest. She could feel Lila’s exhilaration through their bond, and for the first time in what felt like forever since she arrived here, she allowed herself to relax.
Lila's paws hit the forest floor with purpose, the earth cool beneath her. The trees blurred as she ran, the wind whipping through her fur.
“This,” Lila murmured, her voice soft with contentment. “This is where we belong, Ella. Out here, away from all the secrets and betrayals.”
Ella let the rhythm of their run calm her, her mind quieting for the first time in days. “You’re right. It feels good to escape, even if only for a while.”
Lila chuckled. “Of course, I’m right. But don’t get too comfortable. We still have to face our mates eventually.”
Ella groaned internally. “Can’t we just stay here forever?”
“You wish,” Lila teased.
“Wow, there’s something different about you, Lila,” Ella observed from within, a sense of wonder tinging her voice.
“Yes,” Lila responded, her excitement barely contained. “I feel stronger, faster… even my hearing and sight have improved. Oh, Moon Goddess!” she exclaimed suddenly, her voice full of awe.
“What is it?” Ella asked, her worry rising. “Is something wrong?”
“No, nothing’s wrong. It’s just... I can see things from miles away, Ella,” Lila replied, her tone filled with wonder.
Ella’s anxiety melted into astonishment. “That’s incredible! I knew something had changed about us, but this…”
“My powers are back,” Lila said, her voice brimming with excitement. “And not just back—they’re stronger than ever. I can feel it in every fiber of my being.”
Ella’s heart swelled with a mix of relief and excitement. “That’s incredible, Lila. You’re not weak anymore. We’re not weak anymore.”
“Exactly,” Lila said, her tone brimming with determination. “And now, I can help you figure out what’s really going on here.”
Ella nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. “I’m glad you’re back, Lila. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’ll never have to find out,” Lila said chuckling.
Their peaceful run came to an abrupt halt as Lila skidded to a stop, her ears perking up.
“What is it?” Ella asked, her voice urgent
“I see two figures… shadows,” Lila whispered. “They’re miles away, but they’re definitely not animals.”
Ella’s pulse quickened. “Can you make out who they are?”
Lila focused her enhanced vision, but the figures were turned away, their features obscured. “They’re both female from their physique,” she said. “One’s a werewolf, and the other… a vampire.”
Ella’s stomach twisted. “A werewolf and a Vampire? What are they doing out here? Can you hear what they’re saying? Or recognize their scents?”
Lila’s ears twitched as she strained to pick up their voices, but the wind seemed to carry them away. “It’s too faint. And their scents… they’re masked.”
“Of course, they are,” Ella muttered bitterly. “Nothing’s ever easy, is it?”
“Can we get closer?”
“If we do, they’ll sense and smell us,” Lila warned.
Ella clenched her fists internally, frustration bubbling over. “Then what do we do? We can’t just stand here!”
Lila hesitated before speaking again, her tone grave. “Ella, I think danger is looming ahead.”
Ella’s heart raced. “I feel it too,” she admitted, her agitation growing.
Lila’s voice softened but remained firm. “I hate to say this, but we need to focus on the bigger picture.”
Ella swallowed hard, knowing exactly what Lila meant.
“You’re talking about Derek and Valen,” she said quietly.
“Yes,” Lila replied. “As much as it pains me to say this, we need both of them. Whether we like it or not, they’re part of this fight.”
Ella’s throat tightened. The thought of facing Derek after his numerous disappointments made her stomach churn, and the idea of confronting Valen about his secrets wasn’t much better.
“Lila?” she said softly.
“Yes?”
“Is there something wrong with me?” Ella’s voice cracked, the vulnerability in her tone catching even her off guard.
“What? No! Why would you think that?” Lila asked, her voice filled with concern.
Ella hesitated, the weight of her insecurities pressing down on her. “It feels like I’m useless.”
Lila’s growl was low but fierce. “Don’t ever say that, Ella. Lila said, her voice fierce with conviction. “You’re one of the strongest beings I’ve ever encountered. You’ve endured things most people couldn’t even imagine. You’ve been blessed with the gift of healing—a rare and sacred gift from the Moon Goddess herself. Lives have been saved because of you. Do you know how extraordinary that is?”
Ella’s chest tightened as tears pricked her eyes.
“You have a pure heart, Ella,” Lila continued. “A heart worthy of a healer. Only the strongest and most special are chosen for such a task. If you were useless, the Moon Goddess wouldn’t have entrusted you with the battle ahead. And don’t forget, you have two powerful mates fighting for your heart. That says something about your worth, doesn’t it?”
Ella’s eyes stung with unshed tears. “But what if I fail? What if I’m not enough?”
“You are enough,” Lila said firmly. “And you’ll prove it to everyone who’s ever doubted you—including yourself. I’ll be by your side every step of the way.”
Ella’s tears spilled over as she whispered, “Oh, Lila…”
“I believe in you, Ella. A lot of people believe in you. Never look down on yourself. They’re not worth it,” Lila said, her voice brimming with unwavering support. “And very soon, they’ll understand your value. All you have to do is show them. And remember, I’ll always be here for you.”
“Thank you, Lila,” Ella said, her voice thick with emotion. “I feel so much better now.”
Lila growled softly in approval. “You three can’t keep running away from the truth. All the misunderstandings need to be sorted out. Only then can we take the next step.”
Ella’s heart sank at the thought. “What if I don’t like what I hear?”
“Then we’ll face it together,” Lila said firmly. “Whatever comes, we’ll deal with it.”
Ella hesitated, the weight of Lila’s words settling over her. After a few moments, she sighed deeply. “You’re right. Let’s go have the conversation with our mates.”
Lila’s excitement was palpable. “Finally!” she growled happily.