Chapter 7 Dark Revelations, Scars of the Past

I didn't want to have to tell the truth to my daughter, but after the disturbing events we witnessed in that dark forest, I realized I could no longer hide the truth from her. My concern was to protect her, so that she wouldn't suffer the same tragic fate as her mother.

We sat together in front of the fireplace, the crackling of the flames seemed to echo the anguish I felt in my chest. I looked into her eyes, seeking the courage to reveal the secret I had kept for so long.

"My dear, there is something I need to tell you. It's a painful story, but I believe you need to know the truth about your mother and what happened to us."

Her expression became serious and concerned, but she nodded, showing her readiness to face any revelation.

"A wolf was responsible for your mother's death," I murmured, fighting back the tears that threatened to escape. "It was a tragic and devastating event that filled me with hatred and resentment towards those creatures. Since then, I've tried to protect you by keeping wolves away from our lives."

Her expression turned into a mix of shock and sadness, and she held my hand firmly. I felt her solidarity and understanding in the comforting grip of her fingers.

"I understand, father," she whispered with a choked voice. "I understand why you acted that way and tried to keep me away from them. But now, after everything we've seen in the forest, I want to seek justice for mother. I want to protect myself and protect you."

My admiration for her grew even more in that moment. She had absorbed the sadness and pain, transforming them into courage and determination. I knew we needed to find a balance between vengeance and compassion, between protection and understanding.

Together, we embarked on a new journey. I promised her that I would help her train her skills, not only as a fearless hunter but also as someone capable of understanding the complexity of nature and wildlife. We would seek justice, but also understanding. We would confront the past, but we wouldn't let the darkness consume our humanity.

Both of us knew it wouldn't be easy, but we were willing to face the challenges that lay ahead. United by love and determination, we would face the future, honoring the memory of her mother.

...

Curious and eager for answers, I tightly held my father's hand and encouraged him to continue. I knew that conversation would be a turning point in our lives, a crucial moment to understand the past and seek a solution for the future.

My father began to tell me about the ancient alliance between humans and wolves, where harmony and mutual respect once existed between the two species. However, a tragic event shattered that peace. A group of hunters, thirsty for power and revenge, killed a sacred she-wolf to the wolves. This event triggered a bloody war between humans and wolves, a war that lasted for years and left deep scars on both sides.

My father revealed that our family was descended from those hunters and that, for generations, we had been taught to hate and fear wolves.

What I didn't imagine was that the worst was yet to come. The impact of my father's words was overwhelming. My heart raced, and a lump formed in my throat. Hearing that my mother was killed by a wolf was a truth I never expected to face. Tears began to stream down my face as I tried to grasp the magnitude of this revelation.

My father held my hands, seeking comfort amidst the pain that surrounded us. He explained that the loss of my mother was a traumatic event that deeply shook our family. Out of fear of exposing me to the same danger and to preserve my innocence, he chose to keep this secret for all these years.

As I listened to those words, a mix of sadness, anger, and confusion engulfed me. On one hand, I felt the pain of loss, the absence of a mother I never knew. On the other, conflicting feelings towards the wolves, who now seemed to bear the weight of responsibility for this tragedy.

All the memories I had of my father speaking about the wickedness of wolves and the need to protect ourselves took on a new meaning. His defensive stance and desire to keep me away from any potential threat were understandable. However, now I found myself at an emotional crossroad, where anger and love fought for space in my heart.

I looked at my father, whose eyes showed remorse and sadness. He murmured words of apology and promised to do everything in his power to protect me. As I absorbed the truth behind my father's anger, I realized that his protective attitude towards Lucas and the wolves was driven by the pain of loss. He was afraid of seeing me involved with a wolf, fearing that history would repeat itself and I would suffer the same tragic fate as my mother.

Shaken by the shocking revelations about my mother's death, my mind was consumed by anger and a thirst for revenge. I felt betrayed not only by the wolf responsible but by the entire race. I decided it was time to distance myself from everything and become a fearless hunter, determined to seek justice for what had happened.

Only now, after this devastating conversation with my father, do I truly understand the immense pain he has carried in his heart all these years. He sacrificed his own peace to protect me, hiding the truth about my mother's death at the hands of a wolf. Deep down, all he wanted was to prevent me from experiencing the same suffering.

In front of that fireplace, facing his weary and remorseful eyes, something changed within me. A silent promise formed within me: I would never again get close to a wolf unless it was to hunt it down. That promise was a mix of vengeance and protection, a commitment to confront the wolves and prevent other families from being torn apart by the fury of these creatures.

I know how brave and determined my daughter is, and I have full confidence that she will fight for what is right. The revelation of the truth about her mother and the wolves has ignited a flame of justice within her that cannot be ignored.

As I watch her train her combat skills, I sense the intensity in her eyes and the determination in every movement. She has become a skilled hunter, capable of facing the challenges life presents.