Chapter 3 Beneath the Surface

I jolted awake, my heart racing. Everything around me was a swirl of soft colors and faint sounds, as if I was stuck in a dream. A pounding headache made it hard to think, and when I attempted to sit up, a sharp pain shot through my side.

I blinked a few times, my sight gradually clearing. The room was new to me-spacious and dim, full ones with the smell of woods and herbs. Old bolds lined the walls, and strange symbols were carved into the stone. A fire crackled in the corner, casting dancing shadows.

"Where... am I?" I murmured, my throat dry.

"You're safe."

The deep, soothing voice caught me off guard. I quickly turned my head and noticed Asher seated in a chair close to the fire, his face fixed on me, revealing a blend of relief and concern. His dark hair was messy, and while he appeared to have a endured a lot, he still exudes that quiet strength I had gone to recognize in him.

"Asher," I gasped, attempting to grasp the situation. "What happened? Where's my grandma?"

Asher's demeanor grew serious as he stood and moved across the room to kneel before me. "You're in the safe house, deep within Lunar territory. After Thane's attack, I brought you here. You.. you were out cold for a while. I wasn't certain you would wake up." His voice softened with the last words, revealing a vulnerability I have never heard from him.

I felt my heart drop as his words sank in. "But my grandma-"

"She's safe," Asher quickly reassured me, but there was a pause in his tone that made me feel uneasy. "She was injured, but Julian got her out. She's being looked after."

I exhaled a breath I didn't realize I was holding, but my relief was fleeting. My thoughts raced back to the alley-the blinding light, Thane attacking Asher, the surge of raw power I felt. I shivered without meaning to.

"What was that?" I asked, my voice trembling. "The light... that power... it came from me, didn't it?"

Asher took a moment before responding. He stood and faced the fire, his shoulders tight. "Yes," he finally said, his voice quiet. "It came from you."

A wave of nausea hit me. I had suspected it, but hearing it made it all feel real and frightening. I had no clue what was happening to me or why.

"I don't get it," I said softly. "I can't control it. I don't even know what it is."

Asher looked at me, his expression serious. "That's why you're here. There are people in my pack who can assist you. You're not just any werewolf. Bonnie. You're special. Thane is aware of that."

I felt a lump in my throat. "What does he want from me?"

Asher tightened his jaw. "Your power. Your bloodline. The Blackwood family has a magic linked to the core of the werewolf packs. If Thane captures you... he could harness that power to bring all the packs under his rule. He would be unstoppable."

My stomach churned. "But I don't want any of this," I replied, my voice trembling. "I don't want to be a part of a war. I just want my normal life back."

Asher's expression softened as he knelt down in front of me once more. "I understand," he said softly. "But this is more than just us. You can't escape who you are, Bonnie. Not anymore."

I bit my lip, tryin to hold back tears. "What if I can't manage it? What if I end up being a threat to everyone around me?"

Asher placed his hands gently on mine. "Then I'll be here to support you," he replied, his tone steady. "You're not in this alone. Not anymore."

I looked into his eyes, for a brief moment, my fear and confusion faded, replaced by an unexpected sense of peace. Asher is right. I can't run away from this. I can't hide. But I don't have to confront it by myself.

Before I could respond, the door creaked open, and Julian walked in. His usual air of mystery felt even stronger as he moved across the room, glancing between Asher and I.

Julian noted, "She's awake," his voice calm but tense. "That's good. We have to leave."

I looked confused. "Leave? Where to?"

Julian exchanged a look with Asher, then focused back on me. "This place isn't safe. Thane's pack is moving. They'll find you soon, even here."

Asher's face grew serious. "How close are they?"

"Closer than I want," Julian said, his voice heavy.

"They have been checking the edges of our land. It won't be long before they catch her scent."

I felt my heart race. "What should we do?"

Julian's gaze fixed on me, revealing a side of him I had never seen before-something darker and more threatening. "We take the initiative," he said in a chilling tone. "We attack first, before they can reach you."

Asher tensed up. "Julian-"

Julian interrupted him. "This is war, Asher. You understand what's at stake. We can't wait for Thane to act. Not with her abilities on the line."

I felt uneasy at how he referred to "my abilities," as if I was just a tool. I wanted to argue, but Asher spoke up first.

"We're not using Bonnie as bait," Asher said fiercely, standing tall. "She's not just a piece in this game."

Julian lifted an eyebrow. "I didn't claim she was. But we can't overlook that Thane is pursuing her for a reason. We need to be cautious about this."

Asher's hands tightened into fists, but he held back from arguing. He then looked at me, his expression softening once more. "You don't have to leave if you don't want to," he said gently. "I'll protect you here. We'll sort this out together."

My thoughts raced. Part of me wanted to stay out of sight, to let Asher shield me from the dangers outside. But another part-the part that has always valued my independence, the part that wouldn't let fear dictate my actions-knew I couldn't remain passive forever.

"No." I said, surprising myself with my determination. "I need to know what's going on. I need to understand this... power. And if that means confronting Thane, then I won't hide."

Asher stared at me for a long time before he nodded. "Okay," he said quietly. "But we do this our way, not his."

Julian smiled with satisfaction. "Great. It's decided then. We will leave at night."

I inhaled deeply, trying to calm my shaking hands. I had no clue what was ahead, but one thing was clear-I couldn't return to my old life. Not now. Not ever.

As the minutes passed, the three of us got ready in silence, collecting supplies and weapons. The atmosphere was heavy with tension, and I felt the pressure of what was coming, like a storm ready to unleash.

Night came quickly, and as we walked through the thick forest around Lunar territory, everything felt strangely quiet. Every sound, like leaves rustling or twigs snapping, made my heart race. I sensed danger lurking just out of sight.

"Stay close," Asher said softly, his eyes searching the dark. "We're nearly at the border."

Julian moved ahead, barely visible in the moonlight, but I could feel his tension. He seemed more anxious than usual. Something was off.

Then, a deep growl echoed through the trees, making us freeze. I held my breath as a pair of glowing eyes appeared in the shadows ahead.

"Thane is here," Julian whispered, his voice strained. "We're too late."

Before I had the chance to reply, the ground trembled beneath us, accompanied by a resounding crack that reverberated through the atmosphere. The earth quaked, and I experienced a surge of potent energy coursing through my body, overwhelming my senses. The same terrifying force I had previously encountered erupted within me once more, wild and uncontrollable.

"Asher!" I shouted, but my voice was drowned out by the tumult of the forest collapsing around us.

In the midst of the chaos created by the falling earth and flickering energy, I was yanked away from Asher, descending into the darkness below. The last thing I saw before everything went dark was Thane's glowing eyes fixed on me, a twisted grin on his face.