Chapter 42

Claire’s POV

I felt like I was able to breathe properly again.

I gasped sharply and sat up as the sound of my gasp echoed in the hospital room. My heart beat felt fast, desperate and alive. I clenched my fist against my chest trying to calm down, the dream was still fresh in my mind even though I am back in reality.

For a moment, I felt my heart stop as I felt I was not able to breathe. The vision of my parents will never leave my mind. My parents' laughter, their blood, my mother’s final touch. Her words.

You have to stop the cycle, Claire. Save them.

My mother's voice echoed in my mind as I carved those words in my mind. I will keep those memories in my heart forever. My chest tightened, I felt the tears blurring my vision they were about to fall from my eyes.

Then I forced myself to look around.

The room was dim, lit only by the faint glow of a lamp in the corner. The scent of faint herbs and medicine were still in the room. And there, tucked closely against me on either side, were the children.

Leo slept on the right side of my bed, his head gently pressed on my bed, his little hands held onto my sleeve. Nova laid on the other side, her cheeks were puffy as if she was pouting in the dream, her small body curled towards me protectively as she held my sleeve as well, not wanting to let go.

My throat felt tight. My family.

I almost lost my family, I was meant to protect them. At that moment I realized the true meaning behind my mother's words.

Slowly, I lowered my gaze to my wrist. I felt my breath hitch.

I saw the mark, it was glowing softly on my wrist. The mark of the moon glowed like silver fire on my skin, it pulsed syncing with my heartbeat.

That vision was not just a dream or illusion afterall. It was a gift. a warning. a command.

The moment I looked at the mark a warm healing energy spread through my body. I gasped as I finally felt my wolf, it was now awake. I felt the changes in her, now she was more powerful, I sighed with relief that she was finally back. I thought I lost her forever.

You are really back. I whispered softly and closed my eyes with relief.

Her voice answered me calmly yet proudly. I never left you on purpose, Claire. I was waiting for you. With the blessing of the moon goddess, I have finally healed completely.

I asked her curiously yet gently “what really happened to you after Daphne gave us wolfsbane?”

My wolf answered “I became very weak after having wolfsbane in our body, I was not able to communicate but then Moon goddess took my soul out of your body to heal me properly.”

I asked thoughtfully “then how am I healed?”

My wolf answered, “Moon goddess was very impressed by your sacrifice for your children. After she healed me, she decided to heal you as well. She didn't just heal us but made us more powerful.”

Tears blurred my vision again. I felt her absence for so long, it felt like a part of me was gone. I felt incomplete without my wolf. Now that she is back I felt complete and healed, her presence felt fierce and vibrant just like before. I felt our bond becoming strong.

I gently traced the moon on my and closed my eyes praying “Thank you Moon Goddess for giving me the second chance in life.” I whispered softly to myself.

I felt the strength returning in my limbs. I stretched my body a bit to feel my body movements. The weakness I felt before was completely gone. I felt happy that I was feeling myself again.

But I didn't let it show on my face. I didn’t revel in the miracle.

Because my mother’s warning still burned in my veins. Do not let history repeat itself.

Someone had tried to kill me. I remembered what happened before I found myself in a hospital bed. Someone tried to take my family away from me, that maid was nothing more than a mere pawn. The true culprit was still in the shadows, even though I can guess who was the real culprit. Knowing she will try to attack me again I will have to be more careful now.

And if she realized that my powers have returned and my wolf is healed, if she found out that I am Claire. She will not hesitate to attack me again. And Gideon he will not like that I lied to him if my truth comes out.

My gaze softened on the children again. Nova's eyes were puffy from crying. I can tell she was exhausted. That's why she was sleeping which made my heart ache.

Leo on the other hand kept holding onto my sleeve as if I would disappear, he was too afraid even in his sleep to let me go. I looked at my children with determination.

No.

I would not risk them.

Not until I can confront my enemy. Not until I could strike first.

I gently lowered my wrist and covered the mark with my blanket. I tried to control my breath as I tried to control the power surging through me and forced my aura to stay still. No one would sense what had returned to me. Not Gideon, not Daphne, not even my enemies.

Until the truth was clear.

Until the moment came to end this threat once and for all.

I leaned down and gently caressed Leo’s head, I sighed softly as I felt his warmth and then looked at Nova and gently brushed away her curls from the face, seeing them with me help me steadied the power that threatened to consume me. Nova stirred gently and sighed, not awake yet.

“I promise my children," I whispered to myself softly. “I will always protect you. Both of you. Whatever it takes.”

I looked at my children with determination, the words I spoke were the vow that carved deep into my heart and bonded to the moon itself.

My wolf growled in agreement and stirred within me as if it was ready to protect. We will not fail them. Not this time.

I looked at my children silently as I heard their soft and steady breathing.

I gently leaned back against the pillow. As I gently held Leo’s hand protectively and the other hand kept gently patting Nova’s head. I closed my eyes and focused on my pulse and the mark on my wrist.

And for the first time since I had fallen, since the poison had nearly stolen everything—I didn’t feel like prey.

Even though I have my power back,I still feel like the danger is far from over. The danger was still lurking. The enemy kept a close watch on me.

But now I will try my best to fight off the danger.

And when the time comes I will make sure they will regret messing with my family.