Chapter 18

Eleanor's POV 

I stood tall before the room full of powerful Alphas, determined to appear strong and in control. Even though I was the only woman there, I tried to hide the small twinge of fear that fluttered inside me. These were great men—respected leaders with strong voices—and I felt both honored and nervous that they had accepted my invitation.

I cleared my throat and began to speak, my voice steady and clear. As I explained our plan and the need for unity, I looked around the room, meeting the gaze of each Alpha in turn. Their serious eyes held respect, and I felt a sense of responsibility swell within me. I knew that every word I said would help shape the future of our packs.

But as I continued, my eyes kept drifting back to one person—Sebastian. He was standing there, watching me with an intensity that made my heart beat faster. His eyes were locked on me so strongly that I could tell he was not listening to my words at all. In that moment, my mind began to race with old memories and feelings I had long tried to bury.

A small flutter of hope and fear rose in my chest, and I quickly fought it back. I could not allow emotions to take control of me—not now, when I had a clear mission. I remembered why I had been given a second chance at life: to seek justice and to take revenge on those who had wronged me, Sebastian being one of them. I had planned to make him regret the two long years of suffering he had caused me, to make him feel the pain he had given me.

Yet, as I looked at him now, I felt my resolve begin to weaken. It was as if his intense gaze had the power to melt the hard wall I had built around my heart. I forced myself to remember all that he had done. I recalled the cruelty, the betrayal, and the deep hurt that still lingered in my memory. I had to let those thoughts drive me forward, not pull me back.

I took a deep breath and pushed my feelings aside. I focused on the task at hand—on the future and on the well-being of my pack. Every word I spoke was a reminder of the promise I had made to myself: to move on, to stand strong, and to work for a better tomorrow. I could not let Sebastian, or any memory of him, distract me from this mission.

The room was silent, each Alpha hanging on my every word. I spoke of unity, of strength, and of the plan to protect our people from the dangers that threatened us. With each sentence, I felt my determination growing. I reminded myself that my purpose was clear and that I owed it to those who looked to me for leadership to stay focused.

Even though Sebastian’s eyes remained fixed on me, I told myself that his presence was no longer important. What mattered now was the promise of justice and the future I was determined to build. I knew that I had to let go of the lingering feelings that had once held me captive. The pain of the past was a lesson, and it would guide me—but it would not control me.

In that moment, I felt a mix of loss and fierce determination. I understood that I must let the old feelings fade and concentrate on what lay ahead. I would not allow Sebastian, or the memories of our past, to block the path to a brighter future. I was here to lead, to protect my pack, and to create a new beginning free from old wounds.

I stood firm, my heart steady and my mind clear. With a final deep breath, I continued my speech, my voice filled with a newfound strength. Today, I vowed to let the past rest and to focus on the future that I was determined to build—one where my people could be safe and where I, as their leader, could finally be free.

As the meeting came to a close, I made my way around the room, stopping to thank each Alpha for accepting my invitation. Their nods and quiet words of thanks filled me with a sense of hope. I was pleased with the progress we had made and the many good ideas they had shared about protecting our packs.

I had purposely avoided talking about the werewolf hunters. I did not want to spread rumors or create unnecessary fear among the Alphas. I needed proof—a clear sign that this was not just another ploy by a rival pack. For now, I chose to keep that subject hidden until I was certain of the facts.

After I had thanked the last Alpha, I turned to leave, hoping to slip out quietly and gather my thoughts. I had one person in mind whom I wished to avoid: Sebastian. His presence stirred old memories and dangerous feelings, and I wanted nothing more than to be free of that weight for a little while.

But before I could take another step, I heard a familiar voice calling out to me. "Eleanor, wait," Sebastian said, his tone low and steady. His words made me freeze in place, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

I stood there with my back turned, trying to hide the mix of worry and reluctance inside me. I did not want to have this conversation; I did not want to be alone with him. I had worked so hard to keep him at a safe distance, away from the plans I was making for my pack and from the pain of our past.

I took a deep breath and slowly turned to face him. My face remained calm, though I could feel the racing of my heart. "Yes, Sebastian?" I asked, trying to keep my voice even and steady.

A small smile played on his lips, and his eyes softened as they met mine. "I think we need to talk," he said, his voice gentle but carrying a hint of urgency.

In that moment, the busy room seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us. I felt torn between the duty I had to my people and the old wounds that still lingered inside me. His words stirred memories of both past pain and moments of happiness I once knew. I knew that if I let him in, those feelings might come rushing back.

Yet, I also understood that avoiding this conversation was no longer an option. There were things between us that needed to be said—things that could no longer be ignored. My mind raced with questions: What did he truly want? Was this another attempt to pull me back into a life I had vowed to leave behind?

I hesitated, my eyes searching his for answers. Around us, the other Alphas gave us space, and the quiet murmur of the departing meeting filled the air. I felt exposed, vulnerable, yet I knew that the future of my pack—and perhaps my own heart—depended on facing these difficult words.

Swallowing my uncertainty, I nodded very slightly. "Alright, Sebastian," I said softly, "let's talk." In that simple agreement, I felt both a surge of dread and a spark of determination. I had a mission to protect my people and a promise to myself to move forward, no matter how painful the past might be.

As we stepped aside to a quieter corner of the room, I realized that this conversation marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another—a chapter filled with difficult truths, hard choices, and the ch

ance to finally set my future on a firm path.