Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 48 - Thanks for nothing

Elektra's pov:

After Alexander's revelations, everything in my life began to change — brighter, lighter, happier — almost overnight. His presence was like a catalyst, awakening parts of me I thought were lost forever. I had loved him from the very first moment I saw him, but discovering that we were mates was a gift I never expected. After all I had been through recently, especially with Bartholomew, I had lost all hope. He'd made me believe my future was doomed, bleak, and painfully lonely.

I stayed in the hospital for four long days. The poison was severe, and the doctors wanted to be absolutely sure there would be no relapse. Besides Alexander, Roxanne and David came by every day. Roxanne especially stayed with me, never leaving my side, while David usually stopped by for a short time, updating me on everything happening in the pack.

After Bartholomew's revelations, I knew I couldn't continue as Alpha of the Black Shadow Pack. By blood and origin, I belonged to the Silver Dawn Pack. This truth had been weighing on me heavily for some time, and I finally decided it was time to tell David: I was going to step down as Alpha of Black Shadow.

At first, David was opposed to the idea. Even after I explained everything, he insisted that the Alpha position rightfully belonged to me. After all, I was the strongest warrior in the Black Shadow pack, trained my entire life for this role. His words were true, but something deep inside me couldn't agree.

It felt wrong to be Alpha of a pack that wasn't truly mine. The Black Shadow Pack had been my home, but the Silver Dawn was my bloodline, my origin. The Alpha seat belonged to David, and I had made up my mind.

I was alone in the hospital room gathering my things when Alexander arrived to pick me up. We decided to head to the elder's village first, hoping to find the answers we so desperately sought. I was eager—almost desperate—to break the spell; I couldn't think about anything else.

Alexander told me he had somehow managed to sense our bond, but I still felt nothing. That frustration crushed me. I wanted to live like a normal wolf, to feel that connection, to enjoy what others took for granted. Life had been heavy and dark for too long—I longed for the sunshine to return.

We got into the jeep and made our way toward the mountains. Bad memories flooded my mind, reminding me of the last time I'd traveled this road with Jordan to see my "father." Goddess, I still couldn't accept what that man had done to my family and me. He was a monster. How could he look me in the eyes so casually after slaughtering my father and torturing my mother?

"Elektra, are you okay?" Alexander asked, breaking through my thoughts.

"Huh? Yes, yes, I'm sorry—I just got distracted."

"It's okay. Feel free to express your feelings however you want," Alexander encouraged gently.

"My life has been nothing but lies," I finally said, voice trembling.

"Elektra, don't torture yourself—especially for things beyond your control. You were just a little girl. What could you have possibly done?" he reasoned.

"No, that's no excuse. I lived with a monster. I obeyed him. Loved him, even. And worse—I admired him. How did I miss the signs?" I whispered, pain rising.

"You couldn't have seen them. You had no other role model to compare him to," Alexander explained softly.

"Still... I can't forgive myself for being so blind," I admitted, folding my hands tightly across my chest, frustrated.

"You're too hard on yourself. Relax a little. You were one of the victims here—stop punishing yourself," he said, giving me a warm smile.

"It sounds easy when you say it," I murmured, lost in thought until the jeep jolted sharply over a bump.

The road grew rougher and narrower, and eventually we left the jeep to continue on foot. No need to shift to our wolf forms—the village was only half an hour away, and entering in wolf form would be seen as a threat by the elders.

The village was perched on a mountain peak, hidden beneath dense vegetation. Small houses dotted the area. We spotted old men and women sitting outside, enjoying the sunshine—some gardening, others chopping wood.

One elder approached us with a warm smile.

"Welcome! What good wind brings you here?" he asked kindly.

"Hello, sir. We came seeking advice," Alexander answered respectfully.

"Most who visit come for the same reason," the elder said with a knowing smile, then turned and beckoned us to follow.

We walked behind him in silence. His calm presence eased the tightness in my chest, and for a moment, my burden felt lighter.

We entered a simple wooden cabin—neat and cozy. A small table with three chairs sat by a fireplace in the center; a bed rested on one side, and a large library filled the other.

The elder gestured for us to sit and offered tea, which we gratefully accepted. He bowed and left the room. Five minutes later, the scent of tea filled the air as he returned with the cups, then quietly departed again.

We waited in silence until another elder entered—an older man who radiated power. He bowed before us, and we rose to return the gesture. He motioned us to sit in the armchairs near the fireplace.

"Welcome," he said with a gentle smile. "I hope you enjoy the tea."

"Oh, it's wonderful," I said sincerely.

"I'm glad," he replied briefly.

"My name is Alexander, and this is Elektra," Alexander introduced us.

"I know who you are and why you've come, young man," the elder said, eyes steady and direct.

"And?" I pressed impatiently.

The elder smiled timidly. "Let us enjoy the tea first," he said, sipping slowly. Minutes passed in heavy silence, my nerves on edge.

Finally, he spoke.

"My child, you need not worry so much. Things will be sorted out—you'll see."

"I hope so," I replied, anxiety tightening my throat.

"The spell will break on the next full moon, as long as—"

"As long as?" I interrupted, breath catching.

"You find the way to feel the bond."

"That's why we came," I said, frustration bleeding through. "I can't feel the bond."

"That's something only you can do yourself," he replied softly.

"Then why say the spell will be broken on the full moon?" I demanded.

"Because that day, you may come to me for a blessing—both you and your bond."

"Thanks for nothing," I muttered through gritted teeth, standing abruptly.

"There's no need for sarcasm, child," the elder said calmly, avoiding my gaze.

"Thank you for everything, sir. Goodbye," Alexander said awkwardly, rising.

"Goodbye! Have a safe journey," the elder called after us as I made my way to the door.