She sank to the forest floor, the cool earth seeping through her thin clothing, and curled into herself, the silence of the woods amplifying the echoes of her heartbreak. Every shared moment with Dan replayed in her mind, each memory a fresh wave of agony. She remembered the day they were attacked by rogues, the fear that had constricted her lungs as she watched him throw his body over hers, shielding her from the immediate danger. He had assumed she was incapable, unaware of the fierce warrior spirit that burned within her, a fighter far more skilled than he knew. Pride had fought that day like her life depended on it, fuelled by a primal need to protect him as he lay injured, having saved her first. The metallic tang of blood, the harsh growls of the rogues, the frantic beating of his heart against hers all these sensations flooded back, a painful reminder of a love that now felt like a cruel illusion.
As the shadows of the trees deepened around her, Pride knew that her life had irrevocably changed on the banks of the murmuring river, and the echoes of Dan's rejection would shape the powerful woman she was yet to be.
The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the forest, the trees' silhouettes etched against the vibrant sky like dark brushstrokes on a canvas. But Pride didn't notice. She was lost in her thoughts, her mind replaying the painful scene of Dan's rejection. The sound of breaking twigs and footsteps snapped her back to reality, the crunch of gravel and leaves beneath Victor's feet echoing through the forest like a gentle warning. Her senses, heightened due to her mixed Lycan and werewolf heritage, picked up on the approaching figure. She turned her head, and Victor's scent wafted towards her, the familiar aroma of leather and wood smoke mingling with the earthy smell of the forest floor, making her stomach turn. He was already four meters away, his eyes fixed on her with concern, the gentle breeze rustling his hair.
Pride's senses were dulled, a stark contrast to their usual sharpness. She should have heard the sound of Victor's footsteps from at least 50 meters away, the rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs announcing his approach like a herald. She should have caught his scent from 25 meters, the sweet earthy smell of the forest mingling with the tang of his cologne. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks being rejected had weakened her more than she thought. She had forgotten to clean herself, still reeling from her tears, the saltiness of her own sorrow drying on her cheeks.
Victor sat beside her, his gentle eyes scanning her face, the warmth of his gaze like a soothing balm. "What happened to my lovely princess?" he asked, his voice soft and soothing, like the gentle lapping of waves on a summer shore. "Please tell me everything. Godfather and your father-in-law will always be by your side." As he spoke, Pride's tears flowed again, stronger than before, the sound of her own sobs echoing through the forest like a mournful cry. She trusted Victor with her life, and he was the only parent figure she had known for years. But she hesitated, unsure if she should reveal the truth.
Her senses kicked in harder than ever, and she felt the scent of everything around her. The earthy smell of the forest floor mingled with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers, and the musky scent of small creatures scurrying through the underbrush. Some smells were unfamiliar, while others were comforting. Suddenly, a sweet voice echoed in her mind. "Hi, Pride. Please calm down. I'm your wolf. We've never spoken before, but I know you're strong. Tell our Godfather the truth. Your first shift is happening today, and it will be painful. When the moon rises to the center of the sky, it will start. I'll comfort you as you speak with him." Pride's eyes widened in shock, and she almost stood up. Victor's eyes locked onto hers, and he saw the powerful wolf within them, the intensity of her gaze like a spark of electricity. He understood that she was about to shift.
"Pride, we need to go home fast. Your first shift is approaching, and it can be painful," Victor said, standing up quickly. The rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs beneath his feet echoed through the forest as he moved. But Pride remained seated, her eyes locked on his, the fading sunlight casting a warm glow on her face. "Please sit," she said, her voice low and calm, the sound of her own voice a gentle hum in her ears.
Victor sat down slowly, his eyes never leaving hers, the creaking of the tree branch beneath him a soft accompaniment to their conversation. The scent of damp earth and decaying leaves filled the air, a familiar and comforting smell for Pride. "Father, you have to know that you're important to me, and I'll never blame you for others' mistakes," Pride said, taking a deep breath, the cool forest air filling her lungs. "I'm no longer your daughter-in-law, but I'll always be your daughter. Dan rejected me for Lucy. It was painful, but I'll live with it. But you have to promise me two things."
Victor's expression changed from concern to shock, his eyes widening like saucers. He looked like he had aged 30 years in an instant, the lines on his face deepening, and his shoulders slumping slightly. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion and concern, but Pride ignored his question. "Will you please promise me two things?" she asked, her eyes never leaving his, the intensity of her gaze burning with determination.
Victor nodded, trusting her and knowing she would never ask for something impossible. The sound of a distant bird chirping and the rustling of small creatures in the underbrush filled the silence between them. Pride's eyes locked onto his as she spoke, her voice steady and firm. "One, you'll never abandon me as your daughter. Two, you'll never beg me to be back together with Dan, no matter what?"
Victor sighed, his heart heavy with the promise, the weight of his emotions settling like a stone in his chest. He loved her and wanted them to be together, but he nodded and said, "I love you, daughter, and I'll always be your father. But for the second option, I feel like you're stepping on me. I always respect your choices, babe girl." The sound of his own voice was tinged with sadness, and Pride's heart ached for him, but she stood firm.