I gasped awake, my body jerking upright as my heart hammered in my chest. My breath came in short, panicked bursts as my eyes dorted around the dimly lit room.
Marish’s room.
The familiar scent of lavender and old books lingered in the air, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. The worn–out furniture, the slightly crooked picture frames on the walls, the thick, knitted blanket covering my legs—it was all exactly as i remembered it.
A shuddering sigh of relief escaped my lips.
It wasn’t a dream. I was still here. With Mariah.
Before I could process what t coffee.
that truly meant, the door creaked open, and Mariah stepped Inside, balancing two steaming cups of
“You good, kid?” Mariah raised a brow. “You look like you saw a ghost.”
I stared at her, struggling to find words. Practically she is a ghost.
Mariah’s warm laugh filled the space as she handed me a cup. “Relax Stormi. Why are you panicking?”
I swallowed, fingers trembling around the ceramic mug. “1–I thought I shook my head, my throat tightening. “I thought I had gone back. And all of this was just a dream.”
Mariah’s eyes softened with understanding. She let out a small chuckle and sat beside me on the bed. “Nah, you’re still here. You said you wanted to stay, right?”
I blinked. “That’s… how this works?”
Mariah nodded. “Yeah. This place is different. You get a choice–to go back or to stay.”
I let out a shaky breath, relief washing over me.
I was safe. I didn’t have to leave.
A small smile tugged at my lips. “Then I’m glad. I want to stay.”
But Mariah’s expression shifted.
The warmth in her eyes dulled, and the lines around her mouth tightened as she pressed her lips together.”
“Storm….” she said softly
1 stiffened. A sinking feeling settled in my chest. “What?”
Mariah exhaled. “You can’t stay.”
The words hit me L
like a slap.
My grip on the coffee cup tightened. “What?”
1/3
Madah placed her mug on the nightstand, turning to Ence me. “You don’t belong here—not yet.”
I shook my head violently. “No. No, that’s not true. You said I had hole!”
Marish sighed, running a hand through her curls. “I know, kid. And I were selfish, I’d let you stay. But I can’t. You have to go
My breath caught.
“Why?” Her voice cracked. “Why are you pushing me away?”
Mariah’s face twisted with pain. “Stormsi
“Don’t you want me here?!” I burst out, her chest aching, Tears welled in her eyes. “Don’t you miss me? you know how hard it was when you died! I was all alone!”
Mariah flinched,
My voice wavered. “Don’t you want me to stay?”
Mariah’s jaw clenched, and suddenly she was pulling me into a crushing embrace.
“or course,
want you to stay,” she whispered fiercely, her own voice thick with emotion. “Of course, 1 missed you. You’re my child, Stermi.” She pulled back just enough to cup my face, her thumbs wiping away my tears. “But the world needs you more.”
My lips trembled. “1-1 can’t go back.”
Mariah shook her head. “Yes, you can.”
“I’m scared.”
Mariah smiled sadly. “I know. But you’ve always been the bravest person I’ve ever known.”
My vision blurred. “I’m not strong enough.”
Mariah tilted my chin up. “Yes, you are. You are the Silver Wolf, Storm. Your birth was written in the stars.”
I shook my head. “I can’t do this alone.”
Mariah’s expression softened. “You don’t have to.”
I swallowed.
Mariah bold her gaze firmly. “You have your mates, your friends, the people who believe in you. And when the time comes–when your journey is over–I’ll be right here. I’ll take your hand, and we’ll walk into the spirit realm together.”
I let out a strangled sob, throwing herself into Mariah’s arms,
“I love you mommy.” I whispered.
Mariah’s arms tightened around me. I love you too, Stormi
We held each other for a long time, neither willing to let go.
But deep down, I knew,
2/3
This was goodbye.
When we finally stepped outside the cabin, I froze.
A sen of silver wolves stood before me, their glowing forms shimmering under the celestial sky.
I gasped, my barath
breath stolen from my chest,
“Who…” I whispered.
Mariah smiled proudly. “You know who they are Stormi, Your ancestors.
The Silver Wolves of the past, every wolf that had come before me, every wolf that had carried their legacy–they were all here.
Their gazes were filled with pride and strength, and I could feel the power radiating through the air.
But two figures stood out among them.
Fira.
Savannah.
My heart clenched as they stepped forward, with smiles on their face
Then, slowly, they both nodded,
I choked on a b
breath.
For the first time, I truly understood.
This was my destiny.
She was born for this.
And then-
As one, the Silver Wolves spoke.
“Remember–it’s in your blood.”
A bright silver light engulfed her, warmth flooding her soul-
And then-
Everything vanished.
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