Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 46 - Wolf in sheep's clothing

Elektra's pov:

I was fighting with Father when suddenly he stopped attacking me and turned his attention to someone else—someone I couldn't make out. I was so sore and exhausted, my eyelids heavy. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't keep my eyes open. I didn't understand what was happening to me.

At first, I was in a dark, empty place. Then, slowly, the darkness faded and I found myself in a breathtaking green field dotted with colorful flowers swaying gently in the breeze. As I wandered through the meadow, I spotted a woman dressed in white, wearing a wide-brimmed white hat, standing with her back to me.

I approached her quietly and sat down beside her. When she turned, I gasped—it was my mother.

"Mother," I whispered in disbelief.

She smiled warmly, then gazed ahead again at the horizon. We sat there in silence, the peacefulness almost overwhelming.

"I've been expecting you... but not so soon," she said, her voice serious yet kind.

"I... I don't understand," I admitted, confusion knotting my stomach.

"My daughter," she said softly, "I know I wasn't there for you while you were growing up, but I have always watched over you, protecting you from afar. You cannot let that man destroy your future. You must fight for it, tooth and nail."

"I can't go back. My whole life has been a lie. Nothing was true, Mother," I choked out, tears blurring my vision.

"There are many who love you down there—Roxanne, David, your pack, your mate. They're all waiting for you," she assured me.

"My mate? I don't have one, Mother... I'm cursed," I whispered, the weight of loneliness pressing down on me.

"You aren't cursed. Bartholomew put a spell on you, but it can be broken. Your mate will help you see the truth," she said gently.

"Who is my mate?" I asked eagerly.

Before she could answer, she vanished into the air like mist. I looked around desperately.

"Mother! Mother!" I called, but she was gone.

Hesitantly, I opened my eyes. I blinked several times to adjust to the dim light and realized I was lying in a hospital bed. A small lamp glowed softly nearby. My right hand was hooked up to an IV, and my whole body ached. The room was empty.

Where was everyone?

Memories flooded back—the battle with Bartholomew, Roxanne rushing to help me, then darkness.

Had I defeated him? Was Roxanne safe? Had she been hurt? I hoped not.

Just then, the door opened and a small woman entered. She was a nurse, wearing a mask, but something about her eyes was familiar. I couldn't place her, but I was sure I'd seen her before.

"Hello, Miss. How are you feeling?" she asked warmly.

"Hi... I feel sore," I replied, my voice weak.

"Don't worry. I'll give you some vitamins that will help," she said, pulling a dark yellow bottle from her pocket. She opened it, took out an orange pill, and held it out to me.

"Please take this."

I took the pill and was about to swallow it when the door opened again and Roxanne rushed in.

"My sweetheart, you're awake!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with relief.

"Roxanne! I was so worried about you. How are you?" I asked, comforted by her presence.