Chapter 10: Shadows in the Mist
As the first hints of winter crept into the air, the atmosphere in Ravenwood grew more oppressive. The once-bustling manor now felt like a fortress under siege, with everyone preparing for the inevitable confrontation with Selena. Lila's training with Fenrir intensified, pushing her to new limits both physically and magically.
One cold evening, after a particularly grueling session, Lila found herself drawn to the edge of the forest that bordered Ravenwood. The trees loomed tall and dark, their bare branches clawing at the sky. A thick mist had settled over the ground, swirling around her feet as she walked.
Lila had never been afraid of the forest, but tonight, it felt different. There was an unsettling stillness, as if the woods were holding their breath, waiting for something to happen. She paused, listening to the eerie silence, her breath visible in the cold air.
Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught her eye. She turned, her heart pounding, but saw nothing. The mist seemed to shift around her, playing tricks on her vision. Lila tightened her grip on the small dagger she had taken to carrying with her, a gift from Fenrir.
"Who's there?" she called out, her voice echoing in the stillness.
For a moment, there was no response, only the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. Then, from the shadows, a figure emerged. Lila tensed, ready to defend herself, but as the figure stepped into the light, she recognized him.
It was Fenrir, his expression unreadable as he approached. "You shouldn't be out here alone, Lila. The forest is dangerous at night."
Lila let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "I needed to clear my head," she said, lowering her dagger. "I feel like we're running out of time, and I still don't know how to stop Selena."
Fenrir nodded, his gaze sweeping over the mist-covered ground. "The battle is coming, whether we're ready or not. But you've learned a lot, Lila. You're stronger than you think."
Lila shook her head, frustration bubbling up inside her. "I'm strong, but is it enough? Selena is more than just powerful—there's something about her that I don't understand. I've tried scrying, reading the old texts, but nothing makes sense."
Fenrir looked at her, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Selena is a master of deception. She's lived for centuries, surviving by manipulating those around her. But even she has weaknesses."
"What do you mean?" Lila asked, her curiosity piqued.
Fenrir hesitated, as if weighing his words carefully. "There's a story, one that's been passed down among the werewolves. It's said that Selena was once different, that she was cursed long ago, forced to live as she does now. If that's true, then there might be a way to break the curse, to weaken her."
Lila's eyes widened. "A curse? How do I find out more?"
"The curse is ancient," Fenrir said, his voice low. "If it exists, it would be tied to something from her past, something she's kept hidden. Finding that could be the key to defeating her."
Lila felt a spark of hope ignite within her. "Then that's what I'll do. I'll find the truth, whatever it takes."
Fenrir placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression serious. "Be careful, Lila. Selena won't take kindly to anyone digging into her past. But if anyone can uncover the truth, it's you."
Chapter 11: The Ghosts of the Past
Determined to learn more about Selena's past, Lila returned to the library the next day, searching through the ancient tomes and scrolls for any hint of the curse Fenrir had mentioned. The hours slipped by as she pored over the dusty pages, her frustration growing with each passing minute.
