Stephanie's Trial

A little bit of peace

Spring came early, and with it, warmer weather and clear skies which allowed the windows to be thrown open during the day. It also brought a suggestion by Archie, the pack's Alpha - I was more than welcome to use whatever facilities I so desired. "You're a prisoner, it's true," he told me, "but that doesn't mean you don't get to enjoy everything this house has to offer. Please, don't let yourself think you don't deserve to have some enjoyment in your life."

I was hesitant at first, but when Isla, Poppy, Evie and some of the other females - Ava, Grace and Holly - insisted on me joining them for daily swims, I finally gave in. 

I had to admit, as I stepped out of the change rooms to see them swimming about and having fun, that I'd missed this. I was still unsure of my standing as a prisoner, but the moment I jumped into the water, it all fell away.

Bubbles filled my vision as the water closed over my head, shutting out the laughter and talk going on above, and I felt calm descend as I sank, letting the water take me. Like a spell, the shame, self-loathing, and utter dislike I'd built up over the last few months melted away, and I had to laugh to myself, as I hit the bottom of the pool. It was amazing how something so simple could be so healing, but I was so glad for it. 

Once my feet hit the bottom, I pushed myself up and surfaced, shaking the water out of my eyes. "Better?" Holly called, and I smiled. 

"Much better," I said. And I meant it. 

Taking a deep breath, I dove underwater, swimming down to the bottom. Sunlight from the large overhead windows - too big to be called mere skylights - dappled the tiles in familiar ripples of light and shade, and I swam with leisurely strokes, allowing the water to caress my body in a way I thought it might never do again. I was still not as strong as I was after my imprisonment, but I was still able to swim to the deep end before surfacing, taking a deep breath as my head popped above water. I knew I wouldn't be able to do the daredevil stunts I'd pulled for a little while yet, but it was nice to know I was strong enough to swim at least one length underwater. More would come in time, but I knew better than to push myself beyond what my still healing body could take

I rolled over and floated on my back, eyes closed as I listened to the other females playing. I wanted to join them, but right now, I wanted to have this time to myself. I knew without being told that the reckoning for my illicit trip to Reading was going to come sooner or later, and I wanted to lap up as much enjoyment as I could before that time came. With that in mind, I took a deep breath and sank underwater again, determined to get as much out of today as I could before it was all taken away from me.

And taken away it would be. There was no way Alpha Archie would let me have free roam of the house once I'd faced judgement. I was either likely going to be imprisoned along with Samuel, or sent into exile. The latter seemed the most likely prospect, and, after weeks of being treated like a decent person, I no longer had any feelings of shame, or of being unworthy of kindness. I still doubted myself, but I no longer felt as if I didn't even deserve to breathe the same air as anyone else. It was therefore highly unlikely I'd be locked away with my tormentor. Exile seemed the option Alpha Archie would go with. Of course, I had no idea if Kira was still alive; no one had brought the subject up, and I figured it was best to leave sleeping wolves lie. I'd find out soon enought if I'd even have a wolf to shift into. 

Right now, I just wanted to enjoy what peace I could find, and here, just under the surface, I found it. Cares and worries beat at the outside of my brain, but I ignored them. On the surface, I'd have time enough to worry about the fate which awaited me. 

Underwater, they had no power over me

All too soon, my burning lungs reminded me I was almost out of air. Reluctantly, I kicked my way to the surface and pulled myself out, feeling a shiver pass over my skin as I got my feet under me. Alpha Archie had come in while I was under the surface, and I grimaced as I wrapped a towel around myself. "Alpha," I greeted respectfully. 

He nodded. He didn't look angry, just stern, and that gave me some small amount of comfort. "Stephanie," he said. "I trust you enjoyed your swim?"

"I did," I said fervently. "Thank you for giving me permission."

Alpha Archie blinked, and then chuckled. "You had no need for permission," he said gently. "Now, if you could please dry and dress, I need you meet me in the study." 

I took a deep breath and nodded, tears filling my eyes. I quickly bade the others goodbye, and they all shared looks of sympathy as I hurried out. I could feel the dread in the pit of my stomach, and I knew that now, at last, the reckoning had come. 

But at least I'd had a taste of freedom. That was enough to mitigate the dread. 

At least for a little while.