Serena
As I ran, tears streamed down my face, blurring my vision. The family I hoped would love me had shattered my world, revealing their role in making my life feel like a living nightmare.
Beta Janus, once a figure I considered a father, now fueled my hatred. He separated me and my mom from our group, leading us to the sinister Mathide, the source of all my troubles. Then there was Romin, driven by a relentless desire for power, who betrayed his own twin, causing chaos, especially for Damon and our pack. Thoughts of them stirred a potent hatred within me.
Amidst this turmoil, I couldn't contain my emotions any longer. I shouted, causing Ashford and the other she-wolves with me to halt. Power surged through me, and Remus, the eerie voice in my head, smiled.
“You’re ready, Serena. It is time to claim your destiny,” he whispered with pride. The words only fueled my desire, and I couldn't help but be thankful for him.
Still in our wolf form, we continued to dash our way to Blood Rose to confront Romin. As we continued to dash into the wild, my eyes caught a familiar terrain. The familiar surroundings triggered recognition, and I urged my team to stop. A tingling presence enveloped us, and my gut feeling proved true as Ollie and his team emerged from the shadows. The others readied for a fight, but Ashford and I gestured for them to stand down. Returning to our original form, I greeted Ollie.
"Serena?" he confirmed, and I nodded. A hug between friends followed, and I couldn't help but ask, "How's everyone, especially Lia? I miss her so much."
Ollie shared, "Everyone is good. Actually, better than the last time, thanks to Ashford's aid. The supplies he sent out helped us a lot,” he stated as he looked at Ashford with gratefulness. Ashford nodded his head in acknowledgment.
Worry etched lines on my face as I pressed for information about Alexei. Ollie, taken aback, furrowed his brows.
"Didn't you hear what went down?" he asked. I shook my head, prompting a sigh from him.
"I think it'd be best if you come with me to the camp. There's a lot you need to catch up on."
Guiding my team, we entered the camp, where Lia's infectious joy welcomed us. Then, my gaze fell upon Alexei. I was about to approach him but hesitated the moment I laid eyes on Tori who was beside him. Alexei turned to my direction, and our eyes locked. He smiled upon seeing me. Hand in hand, Alexei and Tori strolled over, with the air starting to get thick around us. Tori's face lit up with genuine happiness upon seeing me. "Serena!" she exclaimed, ready to embrace me. However, I instinctively stepped back, the memory of Tori's betrayal still fresh in my mind.
Her expression turned sad, and Alexei, sensing the tension, held Tori's hand. He suggested, "There’s so many things you needed to know. Why don’t you come inside to eat with us?"
Hesitating, Lia's encouragement finally persuaded me. Despite joining them, I couldn't shake off the cold shoulder I kept giving Tori. Alexei began updating me on the recent events.
"When you and Ashford ran away with Alicia, Council Ed and a few Blood Rose Pack leaders formed an alliance to help Damon. Two nights ago, we raided Blood Rose with their help. We confronted Romin, which eventually led me to reconcile with Tori."
I observed the loving smiles exchanged between Alexei and Tori, and I couldn't help but smirk. Tori noticed, and her expression turned solemn.
“I knew what I did to you and Damon was unforgivable, but I want you to know that I was only forced to do that. If I hadn’t, my mother would've killed Alexei, who she held as a prisoner back then. I had no choice, Serena. I wouldn't ask you to forgive me if you can’t, but I want you to know how sorry I was for everything I did to you. I will do everything to make up for my mistakes if you allow me.”
Her words hit me, and tears welled up. Forgiveness felt distant, the wounds too deep. I spoke, "I was in this mess because of what you and your family did to me. All I can say is I'm not ready to forgive you, but please know that I'm willing to try."
"Good enough for me. Thank you, Serena," Tori uttered gratefully. The atmosphere shifted, and it was my turn to update them on what happened with Ashford. Their shock mirrored my own, creating a space where the weight of past betrayals coexisted with the uncertainty of the future.
So, I was all set to face Romin, but Alexei shared that Damon had already sorted that out.
“What do you mean?”
“As Damon had no solid proof to his claim, they both agreed to be judged by the moon. The people of Blood Rose believed that whoever was telling the truth will emerge as the winner of the fight under this trial. The fight for the Alpha seat of Blood Rose will happen in the next full moon.”
I was shocked. The air around me felt heavy with the unexpected news. It struck me like a sudden storm, making me catch my breath for a moment. In that moment, the ground beneath me felt shaky, and the upcoming trial created a shadow over my surprised state.
“And Damon?” I asked after a brief pause.
"He's in Alegria, preparing for the biggest fight of his life. Want to see him?" Alexei asked, but I shook my head. I thought Damon should focus on the fight. Yet, I decided to be there, standing by him, offering my support.
I really hope that the Trial of the Moon would settle this mess once and for all.