Chapter 3 (Sismance)

Athena's POV

It's been a few days, and I feel much better. Tala has been incredibly kind and helpful.

As a new member of the pack, I'm obligated to meet the Alpha or Lycan. He must be informed of my stay.

"You're really beautiful" Tala admired as I stood before the mirror getting ready. I smiled at her compliment.

Observing myself, I couldn't deny the truth. I possessed a striking beauty with silver hair, captivating gray eyes, and a gracefully appealing physique.

Back at Cone pack, the jealousy from other girls was a constant reminder of my unique allure.

"Do I have to meet him?" I asked Tala, who patiently waited for me as I sluggishly got ready.

"Why? Because he is a vicious monster who kills without mercy?" she questioned, sensing my fear.In response to my reaction, she laughed. 

"My dear, you don't have to believe everything you hear. For what it's worth, he is my friend, and he is kind." 

I was still not convinced. "You have nothing to worry about" she assured me.

As we approached the Lycan's mansion, I was astounded by the sight. It was a vast and beautiful structure.

Lost in admiration, I didn't realize my mouth had fallen open until Tala snapped her fingers at me.

I felt embarrassed, "your former Alpha's home isn't like this one right?" She asked and I nodded. 

"There's a reason we're called the richest pack" she teased.

In the expansive conference hall, Tala instructed me to wait while she climbed the stairs.

Amazed by the grandness of the house, I decided to explore a bit. After a brief survey, I made my way upstairs.

Following the voices, I peeked into a room where Tala was engaged in conversation with someone. 

Initially facing away I can see how masculine he is. He turned, and I found myself frozen. This must be the Lycan. 

Tall and commanding. He is undeniably handsome, with a chiselled jaw that exuded rugged charm and deep brown eyes.

As Tala turned to leave, I hastily departed, nearly stumbling. She blocked me on the stairs, instructing that we leave.

"I thought we were supposed to meet the Lycan," I questioned. 

"He can be like that at times, not wanting to see anyone" she explained, and I fell into silence.

"Don't worry. As the Gamma, I can perform the ritual to officially welcome you into the pack if you want. He trusts my judgment and knows I won't bring harm to the pack" she reassured me.

When a new member seeks to join a pack, a ritual is conducted to sever ties with the old pack and initiate the bond with the new one.

"Well since that was a burst, I'll take you on a tour round the pack" she consoled. I smiled and nodded in agreement.

Tala guided me through the expansive and beautiful sites of Stormwind. It's very large in comparison to Cone pack.

She generously purchased dresses, snacks, and various items, seemingly deriving pleasure from my happiness. 

I felt overwhelmed by her generosity. I had so much fun, which I have had aren't in a long time.

Returning to her house, she prepared dinner, and over the meal, we engaged in a conversation about my identity.

"I don't mean to rush you, but I have to know more about you" she gently expressed.

She was right, but the task of unveiling my story seemed unsettling. Tears streamed down my face, as I wrestled with where to begin.

"Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel that way" she apologized, gently holding my hand.

"I'm sorry, I just…" I began, but she cut me short. "It's fine. We'll talk when you're ready" she reassured.

"I'm from Cone pack, and my mate rejected and humiliated me before the whole pack" I confessed.

"I'm so sorry about that" she empathized, patting my back. "You should take your medication and go to bed" she advised.

Following her suggestion, I lay in bed, immersed in my tears as I reflected on past events. Eventually, tiredness overcame me, and I drifted into sleep.

For days, Tala didn't bring up the topic again, maintaining her kindness. I wrestled with whether to trust her or not.

As weeks passed, my health improved. 

Attempting to connect with my parents through mind link proved futile, likely due to being in another territory.

I decided to officially join the Stormwind pack and confide in Tala, prepared to face whatever consequences may arise later.

One evening, before a full moon ceremony, I opened up to Tala. She proved to be an attentive listener, allowing me to narrate the entire ordeal without interruption.

"I'm sorry you went through all that" she consoled me, enclosing me in a comforting hug.

A feeling of transformation swept over me, whether from her warmheartedness or the release of my pent-up emotions. 

I felt a newfound connection to her.

"I've made up my mind to join Stormwind" I confided.

"Are you sure about that?" she inquired. I nodded in affirmation. 

"I think I'm ready to let go of the bond I have with the Cone pack".

Standing up, Tala fetched water and instructed me to wash my hands, which I did. "Now repeat after me" she directed.

"I, Athena George, break my bond with the Cone pack and accept to be part of Stormwind" I repeated as instructed.

Upon completing the ritual, I felt a peculiar feeling, something inexplicable. "It's done" she declared with a smile.

"Welcome, Athena" she conveyed through the mind link, and I reciprocated, "Thank you".

As a member of Stormwind, I now could use the mind link to communicate with anyone within the pack.

Excitement filled the air as we attended the full moon ceremony. However, my attention couldn't help but be captivated by Ralph, the Lycan.

His striking handsomeness held my gaze, and I felt an inexplicable draw towards him.

"Do you like him?" Tala playfully teased me through the mind link. Embarrassed, I averted my gaze, unable to find the right words.

After the celebration, we returned home. "Before you sleep, I have something for you," Tala informed me.

Anticipating her return, I waited as she came back with excitement.

"Here" she handed me a small dagger and held one herself.

"I've always been a fighter. My mother used to tie two tiny daggers to each of my legs, and I've always wanted to share them with someone" she explained.

"Are you sure you want to part with this?" I asked. "Of course, I have this one" she happily waved the other dagger.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, I embraced Tala in a saying "Thank you so much". 

Suddenly, something baffling occurred. 

I found myself witnessing a vision of young Tala being beaten by two hefty men with a silver whip. 

A sinister man stood by, smiling maniacally, while young Tala cried and screamed in anguish.

Letting go of Tala, I experienced a surge of anger and pain, feeling the exact emotions she endured in the vision.

"What is happening?" I murmured in pain, clutching my chest, which felt like it was on the verge of exploding.