Chapter 19

Eleanor's POV 

"Have I offended you, Elenor?" Sebastian asked, his eyes narrowing as he studied my face. His tone was calm yet laced with a challenge, as if he wanted to push me back into memories of our troubled past.

I knew exactly what he was trying to do. He was drawing on every shared memory, every moment of hurt, and I could feel him trying to hide behind that history.

I knew he had every memory of our past life just like I did. But I was going to play along and keep my expression steady.

"No, you haven't offended me, Sebastian," I replied in a measured tone. "I'm simply keeping my distance from you. After all, you're a married Alpha."

A soft, low chuckle escaped him—a sound that was both gentle and husky. "Ah, I see. You're referring to my reputation, I presume?"

I raised an eyebrow, a silent question in my gaze. "Reputation?" I echoed, not quite sure where he was leading this conversation.

He smiled, and for a moment, his eyes twinkled with playful mischief. "Yes, the rumors that I don't know how to keep a woman. But let me tell you, Eleanor, it's not that I don't know how to keep a woman. It's just that I haven't found my true mate... until now."

My heart skipped a beat as he took a slow, deliberate step closer. His words, bold and unyielding, stirred emotions I had tried so hard to bury. "I feel it every time I see you, Eleanor," he continued, his voice soft yet confident. "Every fiber of my being tells me that you are my mate. I know you feel it too, even if you try to hide it."

A surge of anger and hurt flared up inside me. How dare he try to twist my feelings and our shared past for his own gain? I met his gaze firmly and said, "Sebastian, stop." My voice was firm and clear. "If you continue to speak like this, I will have to speak for you. First, remember that I am the Alpha of my pack. I will never lower myself or abandon my duties just to become your Luna."

Sebastian's eyes flashed with a mix of surprise and something deeper—perhaps regret or disbelief—but I was not done. I raised my voice slightly, letting my words carry the weight of my conviction.

"And most importantly," I said, my tone rising with each word, "you're married—to my sister! How can you even think that I would ever betray her for you? Family is everything to me, Sebastian. If you are willing to discard love and loyalty so easily, then I am not the kind of person you can win over."

For a moment, Sebastian's face darkened, and I saw a glimpse of the old Sebastian—the man who had caused me so much pain and sorrow. That brief flash of his former self made my heart tighten with old wounds. But then, as quickly as it appeared, his expression softened and a sly smile returned to his lips.

"We'll see about that, Elenor," he said, his voice low and husky once more. "We'll see about that."

The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken challenges and memories. In that tense moment, I realized that our conversation was not just about words—it was a battle for our future, for the honor of our past, and for the path each of us would choose to follow. I took a deep breath, steadying myself, knowing that this confrontation was only the beginning of a long, difficult journey ahead.

I pushed aside the unsettling feelings that still lingered from my conversation with Sebastian. There was no time to dwell on the past now; I had a duty to find out if more attacks had taken place in the neighboring village. Along with my trusted advisor, Ryker, and a small group of bodyguards, I set out on the journey.

When we arrived at the village, a heavy sense of dread fell over me. The streets were quiet, and the villagers had gathered in small groups, their faces marked by fear and sorrow. It did not take long for me to see that another attack had occurred. My heart sank at the sight of the ruined homes and the tear-streaked faces of those who had survived.

Ryker and I moved closer to the scene of the tragedy. There, on the cold ground, lay the lifeless bodies of two villagers. As I knelt to examine the area, I noticed a familiar pattern—a small, deliberate mark left behind by the killers. It was a signature of their work, one that I knew all too well. I resolved then that I would use this sign to track them down and bring them to justice.

Overwhelmed by the grim scene, I told Ryker that I needed some time alone. I retreated into the nearby forest, seeking the quiet and privacy to gather my thoughts. The forest was a welcome contrast to the chaos of the village—a place where I could feel the pulse of nature and remember who I truly was.

Standing among the tall trees and soft undergrowth, I began to reflect on both my past and my present. I recalled the time when my powers first emerged at the age of twenty, and I felt a familiar stirring deep within me. Today, the feeling was stronger and more immediate than ever before.

A strange sensation began to wash over me. I felt my senses heighten, as if every sound, every smell, and every rustle of the leaves became more distinct. I looked down at my hands in disbelief—they were slowly changing shape, shifting into paws. My skin gave way to soft, thick fur, and I felt my muscles grow denser and more powerful with each passing moment.

I was transforming into a wolf, and it was not even a full moon night. This gift was rare and usually reserved for only a few, mostly male Alphas, yet here I was experiencing it firsthand. Shock mingled with awe as my hair turned silver and my eyes became a piercing blue, glowing with the strength of my new form. I could feel a rush of power coursing thr

ough my veins, a power I had longed to feel.