Chapter 29: Strength in the Shadows
**Thelma Zane’s Perspective**
A month had passed, though it hardly felt that way. Time seemed to blur when every day was filled with thrilling new experiences. My life had transformed into an endless adventure, like stepping into a wondrous rabbit hole where something new awaited me at every turn. I thrived on that excitement, second only to the joy I felt spending time with Aldrich.
Being with Aldrich was always a delightful experience. He had a knack for making me laugh
ability to share peculiar yet fascinating trivia. Our
with his sharp wit and an here was one subject he avoided: the woman he once
conversations never ran dry,
loved. Anytime I brought it up, he would sidestep the topic, leaving me to assume that the memory was still a painful one for him.
In contrast, I had moved on from the sting of Benard’s rejection. There was no denying that his cruel words still echoed in my mind during the quiet hours of the night, but they no longer held the power to break me. The people around me had surrounded me with so much love and affirmation, reminding me of my worth. While I suspected their reassurances stemmed partly from their affection for me, their unwavering support gave me the strength to heal.
Their love compelled me to leave my pain behind and become someone deserving of such care. I owed it to them to confront the shadows of my past and to learn to love myself fully. Through their eyes, I began to see that my life was far from insignificant. I was surrounded by friends and family who valued me deeply, and their belief in me gave me the courage to believe in myself.
I had grown in more ways than one recently. Physically, my werewolf nature had started to awaken. My senses sharpened; I could distinguish scents with clarity, see further than ever before, and excel in physical training. My instructors often commented on how far I had come, and I could feel my confidence growing with every accomplishment.
Emotionally, I had begun to reconcile with the person I once was. Looking back, I realized how foolish I had been to hurt the people who had always stood by me–my brother, my adoptive parents. For the sake of someone as undeserving as Benard, I had inflicted wounds on those who loved me most. Though finding my birth parents had been a silver lining, I couldn’t ignore the pain I had caused. I could still picture the tears of my adoptive mother, hot with heartbreak, and the memory filled me with shame.
Despite my guilt, I wasn’t ready to face them just yet. The rejection from Benard no longer controlled me, but the memory of that night still held me back. I had made so much progress, but I needed more time to transform into someone who could stand tall before them. The day was near, and I was determined to greet it as a new version of myself, free from the chains of my past.
As the days slipped by, I adapted to my demanding training schedule. There was little room
Choppr 20 Spongth in the Shadows
for personal time, but I welcomed the challenge. Each lesson brought me closer to the strength I sought, and Aldrich’s companionship made the journey less daunting. He wasn’t just a friend; he was a mentor.
During our classes, he was the consummate professional–focused and serious. Yet outside of training, his playful side would surface, often making me laugh with silly faces or jokes. Our weekend outings had become a tradition, giving me a deeper appreciation for the city I would one day protect.
There was one thing I still longed for: to see my parents‘ wolves. Their roles as leaders. demanded so much of their time, and though they made a point to visit me when they could, it was usually at the end of the day when I was winding down. I understood the weight of their responsibilities, and it only made me prouder of them.
Seeing their wolves would have to wait, but I was patient. I knew the day would come when they could share that part of themselves with me.
On this particular Friday, my excitement was twofold. Not only was it another day to train, but I also had plans to meet Aldrich afterward. Physical training had become one of my favorite classes, and though the teacher wasn’t as engaging as Aldrich, the lessons gave me a tangible
sense of
progress.
“Hey, guys!” I called out, waving to Mara and Avril as I approached the training ground. Over the past month, the three of us had grown close, and their presence made school something to
look forward to.
“I thought you’d be late for once,” Avril teased, her tone slow and deliberate.
Mara smirked. “The odds of her being late are about as rare as a solar eclipse. Sure, it could happen, but don’t hold your breath. Now me skipping class? That’s a safer bet.”
Their banter made me laugh, though they weren’t entirely wrong. I was always punctual for physical training and combat classes. These lessons were crucial for the challenges I knew were ahead, and I couldn’t afford to fall behind.
“Alright, let’s get going, or we *will* be late,” I urged, still grinning. “I don’t mind extra training, but I’d rather not get punished for it.
At my words, they stopped their playful exchange and hurried with me to the training grounds.
When we arrived, the area was already buzzing with activity. My attention, however, was drawn to a figure at the front of the team. His silver–gray hair, broad shoulders, and commanding presence were unmistakable. Even the scent of bitter lemon that clung to him, a fragrance I had once adored, brought back memories..
Aldrich.
He stood there, frowning as he reviewed some papers, the coach beside him pointing out
Chapter 29: Strength in the Shadows
something on the documents.
For a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Memories of our shared past, both painful and fleetingly sweet, surged to the forefront of my mind. But instead of fear or heartbreak, I felt at quiet resolve. I wasn’t the same person he had hurt.
This was my journey, and nothing–not even him–could take that away from me.
