352- Among Enemies
POV Seraphine Valerian:
I went to one of the rooms, as Viktor had ordered. I took the clothes of his that I had torn, sat in an armchair, and began sewing them.
I was devastated, nervous, hurt, and sad. Through the window, I saw movement in the village and suspected more aggressive attacks had begun. Eventually, near the end of the afternoon, I couldn’t take it anymore and went downstairs to the kitchen.
Daciana was still upset, but she wasn’t as cold toward me. She ordered me to eat, and I obeyed before I passed out. She busied herself with her chores until I finished.
“I don’t want to stay in here like I’m useless. Let me help with something.”
“Everything’s already taken care of here.”
She didn’t even look at me. Like Viktor, Daciana blamed me for the escape, for Adelina not being there. I did too.
“Am I a prisoner? Or can I go out?”
“The secret passages that were deactivated are being watched now. You won’t have anywhere to run anymore.”
“I’m not going to try. This is the safest place for me right now.”
Finally, she looked at me. Her expression softened and she came to sit in front of me.
“I know this isn’t easy for you. You’re worn down, sad, too young. And I know Adelina—she acts without thinking, she’s immature. The blame isn’t just yours. It’s just that everyone is tense. It’s better to stay here.”
“Do you think they could hurt me?”
“No.”
“If I help with something, they’ll see I’m not so bad. And I need to breathe. Everyone here hates me. Especially Viktor.” I fought back the tears that threatened to fall.
“Don’t talk nonsense, Seraphine. Of course I don’t hate you—and neither does he. He’s angry about losing his daughter. Give him time to calm down.”
I nodded, and she went to make coffee for me. Then she brought some clean clothes and sandals, handing them to me.
“These should fit you. They’re some of her clothes, so you don’t go out naked again or just wearing that shirt. But stay around here. It’s the most sensible thing right now.”
I nodded and went back to the room. I put on the pants and shirt, pacing restlessly. I remembered Adelina saying she taught the children at the little school, and that encouraged me. Maybe I could help there.
I left the castle, and the guard didn’t stop me. The slightly cold breeze brushed against my skin, pushing strands of my hair back. I paused for a moment to savor it, to calm my fears and reconnect with nature. That’s why I didn’t even put on the sandals, stepping barefoot onto the ground.
I walked slowly to some trees and placed my hand on a trunk, closing my eyes. Seeking strength and energy.
That was something I had learned as a child from my father, when he used to visit me on my birthday. He loved walking barefoot and always complained about the lack of nature where we lived—the cramped apartment, the city around us full of people and car noise.
Whenever he could, Zorvan would take me to a park or a square. We would take off our shoes and press our feet into grass or dirt, leaning against trees. I could almost hear his gentle voice explaining:
“These people have forgotten that it’s from Mother Earth that we draw life, the energy that moves us. It’s in everything—in the rain that washes the soul, in the waters that flow in a waterfall, in the plants that renew our air. That’s why we value herbs, food, the elements. Magic is there, in loving what surrounds us and receiving love from it. Not just in surrounding ourselves with concrete and technology.
Never lose that, my daughter.”
There, nature vibrated in its most raw and living essence. With species I had never imagined existed. The werewolves were a bit like us, loving freedom, the forests.
I calmed down, more relaxed. I opened my eyes, looking around—the castle, that other world I was immersed in. What would my father say if he were there? Would he be afraid of them? Would he be enchanted?
I raised my hand near my face, studying the fine, marked lines—the long heart line blending into the fate line. He had tried to teach me how to read palms a few times, but I never fully understood. He said I would have a long life and a strong love waiting in my path.
That was why he wanted to protect me, why he sent me away. He had been right to fear—because that line could have been cut, interrupted, by Konrad’s attempts to kill me. It was crazy to think that it was the cursed one—the one my father feared—who had saved me.
I resumed walking, barely noticing the small stones pricking my soft soles. More concerned about how I would be received by the villagers.
In the center, many of them looked at me and whispered. No one was hostile, but no one approached either. I tried to stay strong and continued to the small house where Adelina had shown me the school.
It should be empty at that hour. I didn’t hear any children and stopped in front of it, uncertain. That’s when Lana came out carrying some notebooks, accompanied by Raluca, whom I knew had recently married a young wolf.
“What are you doing here?” Adelina’s best friend asked, glaring at me.
“I came to see if you need help.”
“Excuse me?” The blonde let out a humorless laugh, looking me up and down. “That’s your intention? Wearing her clothes, taking her place as a teacher? Aren’t you ashamed?”
“Lana…” Raluca tried to calm her. My face burned.
“Of course not! I made a mistake, but—”
“You shouldn’t even be here! You’re not one of us! Because of you, my friend might never come back! So get out of my face!”
Other villagers stopped, drawn by her loud, aggressive tone.
I burned with shame—but also anger.
“The one in charge here is Viktor, not you. I can stay and go wherever I want.”
“Bold, aren’t you? Want to see how fast I can make you run? Hold this!”
She shoved the notebooks into her friend’s arms and came toward me, fury blazing.
I got scared. She was tall, definitely stronger by nature. I had seen what Viktor could become—even Adelina had transformed in the forest. One swipe and she could throw me across the ground.
But I couldn’t take being pushed around anymore, retreating in fear.
I almost ran, preparing my body for impact, remembering my Krav Maga and self-defense training. Neutralize the attack and react quickly, catching the opponent off guard.
I stayed still, my heart pounding violently as she tried to grab me by the neck. She had no claws—just her hands, relying on my fragility.
The moment she touched me, I struck unexpectedly at her throat. Her eyes widened as she released me, clutching the spot, suddenly breathless and voiceless. Then I swept her legs out from under her and jumped back as she fell, choking.
“My God! Lana!”