Chapter 9 - THE LETTER FROM HER MOTHER
The letter arrived in a wooden box recovered from a hidden compartment in Harrow Manor.
It was addressed to Elara.
The handwriting was delicate.
The paper had yellowed with age.
Elara sat beside Damian as she opened it.
Her hands trembled.
My darling daughter,
If you are reading this, then I was not able to give you the life I wanted.
Tears filled Elara's eyes.
She continued.
You were loved before you were born.
I want you to know that first.
Whatever anyone tells you, you were never a mistake.
Elara covered her mouth.
Damian remained silent.
Our bloodline carries an ancient gift. We do not rule through fear. We calm what has been wounded. We restore balance where power has become cruel.
Some will call that dangerous.
Perhaps it is.
But danger does not make something evil.
Elara wiped her eyes.
If your wolf awakens, do not be afraid of her.
She is not a monster.
She is the part of you that refuses to disappear.
Elara began sobbing.
Damian reached for her hand.
She held it tightly.
And if one day you meet someone who sees you clearly, remember this: love is not a debt you owe.
It is a choice you make freely.
All my love,
Mother.
Elara folded the letter.
For a long time, she couldn't speak.
Damian waited.
Finally, she whispered, “She loved me.”
He nodded.
“Yes.”
“I spent my whole life thinking she died because of me.”
Damian's jaw tightened.
“That was never your burden.”
Elara leaned against him.
He wrapped an arm around her.
Later that night, Elara stood beneath the moonlight.
She closed her eyes.
Felt the silver wolf beneath her skin.
And whispered, “I'm not afraid of you anymore.”
May you like
Deep inside, her wolf answered.
Neither am I.
