The Hidden Maiden

Chapter 16 - The Revelation

Ralph's POV (Victoria's Father)

I put my pen down and roughly went through what I wrote. Grimly, I slid corner of the paper under the table lamp to prevent it from flying away. "Is it really necessary to do this? Trenton and Renee have been nothing but kind to us for the past 18 years.." Lilly broke the silence first. "I know we owe them a lot. But it would be hard if we try to explain to them in person," Leaving a note for them is the best option. "Have you finished packing?" I squat down to help her. Two travel bags, and we're done.

"Is she still coped up in her room?" I asked. She zipped up the last of it. "Been up there for a week. Even the girls couldn't get her out."

"What happened..?" She closed her eyes and shook her head wordlessly. Sighing loudly, I looked down at my watch. 2:27am.

"We have no time to waste. Lilly.." Still in a crouched position, she raised her head, but the soft moonlight captured half of her uncertainty and sorrow.

Moving away from the door, I cradled her in my arms, the woman I swore to protect and love until the last of my days. The sparks from our mate bond rushed through my veins, just as she felt it, she gently rested her head under my chin and her hands on my shoulders.

"It's a-all my fault Ralph.." she mumbled, still shaking. I spoke to her gently, "I told you, it's not. Lilly, we have to be strong. For her.." I held her tightly, afraid she might crumble if I don't give her the strength she needs. Seeing her like this, my resolve heightens. I will protect them. Both of them.

After she has calmed down, I hoisted her up and the both of us went up to Victoria's room. The door creaked open, and the lights were out. But she wasn't in her bed. Instead she was sitting on her armchair with her knees tucked into her chest, looking out of the window, face blank and spaced out. The atmosphere felt strangled and heavy, almost like we need to fight for oxygen in a room full of air. I placed my hand on her shoulder, hoping to not startle her. She turned and a spark went off, and she frowns.

"Dad..? Mom?" Now I looked closely, she seemed weary and drained. I nodded. "Come. It's time."

We led her towards the waterfall behind the pack house quietly. It's safer to talk here. Despite her being bewildered, she still followed us. "Victoria, I want you to listen carefully." I steadied her, both hands on her shoulders, as I looked her in the eye. "It's not safe for you here anymore. We must leave. Tonight." Her brows furrowed. "What...?"

"Do you know why you cannot shift until now? While the rest of the kids your age can?" She shook her head. I took in a deep breath before continuing.

"Victoria.. you are an elemental wolf."

Victoria's POV

"Elemental.. wolf...? What kind of joke is this Dad?" I laughed. My parents comes into my room in the dead of the night and say such ridiculous thing.

But dad didn't looked like he was lying. In the dead silence with only the gushing sound of the waterfall, even the trees and leaves held their breath in suspense. Then I started to worry.

"I don't understand.." I'm an elemental werewolf? They are bad news. An ill omen. And rare. Some says they are created from the wrath of the Moon. Pups with that kind of "ability" often dies before maturation. It's more of a curse than a gift.

They're not the most welcoming topic, but we've all heard the stories about elemental wolfs. In the olden days, there were more of them, but I heard people had hung them.

Because of an ancient prophecy, they feared that kind of wolves. They were also said to be close to extinct but apparently not. Even if there were surviving elemental wolves out there, they would have to stay under the radar vigilantly. Or else, if pack wolves find them, they won't be spared. But me..? I've lived in packs for as long as I knew.