Fern's Perspective
Since agreeing to train together, I've noticed that Vivian has become unabashedly hostile towards me. As the Gamma of the pack, her every move exudes palpable aggression, and as she questions me, her followers are growing increasingly hostile as well.
"Faster! As warriors of the pack, you must be honed to guard our people. If you want to be pampered young ladies, you'd better leave the pack before it's too late!"
Vivian stood on a high ground, scrutinizing the training team condescendingly. At the end of her words, her eyes intentionally landed on me, and a snort escaped from the corner of her mouth.
"Understood, Gamma. We're not going to contribute nothing to the pack like some people."
Listening to the reactions from the training team, a trace of a satisfied smile appeared at the corner of Vivian's mouth.
"Alright, today's training is over for now. Tomorrow we..."
Vivian cleared her throat, preparing to announce the end of the training. Hearing this, the warriors of the pack breathed a sigh of relief, and their movements slowly stopped.
But when Vivian's eyes swept over to mine, she froze. I didn't follow her instructions to rest; instead, I maintained my stance, carrying a log and running hard across the grounds. I knew that, as the Luna of the pack, I didn't need to participate in this tedious and boring training. However, if I avoided it, I feared I would become exactly the kind of person Vivian was talking about.
"Don't think you can prove you're different from what I think by pretending to train a few times here," Vivian said, clasping her hands on her chest and looking at me with disdain.
Ignoring Vivian's taunts, I felt the fiery pain in my back as I carried the log and ran firmly into the distance.
"I really can't believe she's made it this far."
"Could it be that we've all misunderstood her?"
"What are you talking about? Gamma managed all that with ease too," the clansmen murmured around me, causing Vivian's expression to slowly cloud over.
"Well, I know you're trying to prove yourself to me, but all I can say is that your approach is too crude. True glory is earned on the battlefield, not in this petty skirmish where it seems like you're trying too hard," Vivian responded with a gentle frown, her tone noticeably softer. I could feel her hostility towards me gradually easing.
"I'm not trying to prove anything. I think you're right. Being part of a pack means contributing what you have; nobody gets to enjoy it all without giving something in return," I struggled to lift my head to meet Vivian's gaze, sweat glistening on my forehead.
Despite my weakening steps, I continued forward, the scene influencing many of the nearby clansmen. Those who had previously looked down on me now regarded me with reverence.
"That's enough! There's no need to belittle yourself in front of me. Today's training suffices; save your strength for the battlefield," Vivian said, visibly annoyed. With that, she turned to leave, but those around her noticed her unusual demeanor. Compared to her usual assertiveness, she now seemed almost like she was fleeing.
"Vivian, I respect you, not because of who you are," I declared, tossing aside the log I had been carrying, the loud clang drawing Vivian's attention. She turned back, waiting for my next words.
"I see in you the pride of a true werewolf warrior. You give your all to the pack, and for that, you deserve admiration and respect from the people. In my eyes, you are more than just that," I gasped, the intense training leaving me physically drained.
"Oh? And what should I be, then?" Vivian turned fully towards me, narrowing her eyes. My words had captured the attention of those around us; it had been a while since someone had dared to confront Vivian so directly.
"Wait a moment, let me tell you a story first."
I gave a small smile towards Vivian, who frowned lightly as if she wanted to say something, but eventually pursed her lips and continued to look at me.
"Once upon a time, there was a carefree little girl, surrounded by loving parents, caring family, and friends. She thought she would continue to grow up happily ever after, until the war happened. The relentless battle destroyed everything she had and forced her to transform from a little girl into a werewolf warrior who could stand on her own."
I glanced up at Vivian and noticed her brow gradually relaxing, her eyes beginning to glisten with tears.
"With her newfound strength to end the strife, she also protected millions of girls who were once like her, guarding the precious peace they all cherished."
As soon as my words left my mouth, Vivian gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with the back of her hand, revealing an imperceptible smile.
"So Tobias told you that, huh? Quite the storyteller."
Vivian lifted her head to gaze into the distance, lost in thought about the past.
"I don't think that's how you should perceive me. To me, you seem more like a symbol of the pack's strength. You shouldn't be consumed by jealousy like some of the others."
I hesitated briefly, then continued, "In other words, I don't see you as someone held back by anyone. If you have dreams, you should pursue them boldly rather than letting jealousy consume you here and forsaking your ambitions and dreams for the sake of men."
Confusion flashed across Vivian's face at my words, but soon determination filled her eyes, and her gaze towards me lost its hostility.
"Well, thanks for the reminder. I think I know exactly what I want."
Hearing Vivian say that warmed my heart, sensing the genuine goodwill in her words.
"And what about you? What's your dream?"
Vivian's question caught me off guard, leaving me momentarily speechless. It felt like there were always guiding hands pushing me forward, yet I struggled to find my own direction.
I stood frozen for a moment, unsure how to respond.
"Remember, someone who doesn't even know their own dream isn't qualified to discuss dreams with me." With that, Vivian gave me a challenging look, then turned and walked away.