Emberborn

Punching Bag

Later that night
Zack's POV:

My feet dragged along the wooden steps to our porch as I tried to wrap my head around the events that just occurred. There was a slight evening breeze snaking through the trees, cooling the droplets of sweat on my forehead. I lazily opened the door to the packhouse and headed straight for my father's office.

I didn't bother knocking, I knew that my parents were waiting for me. My father was sitting behind his desk steadily sipping on a glass of whiskey while my mother paces by the window.

"She's back," I begin. My parents' eyes lock with mine as they wait for me to continue.

"I followed her to her cabin, but she wouldn't talk to me. It looked like she was still pretty beat up."

My monotone voice does nothing to hide the annoyance in my tone. It's frustrating when someone you love doesn't even want to look at you. Especially after I thought I lost her.

But I can't blame her, after everything that happened today. I know the last thing she wants to do is talk about it.

My father says nothing. Instead, he just takes another long swig from his glass. My mother lets out a hot breath before crossing the room to the desk.

"What the hell happened out there?" She asks a little too sternly.

To be honest, I'm not sure how to explain it myself.

"You want to know what the hell I am?" Seraphina asked over her shoulder, unzipping her jacket and throwing it to the side.

Even through her tank top, you could see an orange glow begin to shine brighter in her chest. This light flowed through her veins and illuminated a pattern of interwoven lines on her skin. The flames that burst from her hands were minuscule compared to the true power she possessed.

"Why don't I show you?" She said smoothly as she turned to face Bernadette.

So much for keeping this low key.

The younger female gasped in disbelief, her eyes growing wide. The realization hit the crowd in waves, leaving everyone too shocked for words.

And in the blink of an eye, the flames within her vanished. She stood still, the breeze blowing her curls ever so gracefully as she gazed at Birdie.

"I'm the Virago, Seraphina Whelan."

Her voice was soft as the words left her lips. Suddenly, murmurs scattered through the crowd, littered with disbelief. But then, one by one they all took a knee, bowing their heads to the Legend.

"The Prophecy lives," you heard them whisper with relief.

Seraphina seemed to be confused as she witnessed the pack's actions, but she didn't pay too much attention to it. Her shoulders squared as she looked down at Birdie.

"Now you know what I am. So, come on. Show me what you've got." She said in all seriousness.

A sharp glare narrowed in Birdie's eyes. Her brows furrowed under the loose strands of hair in her face. Her jaw was clenched, as were her fists.