An original and empowering shapeshifter/werewolf mystery.
Lily's abusive life with her childhood pack is about to change forever when she's assigned to attend Rochester Academy; A boarding school rumored to be for unmated shifters.
What does this...
It was strange for Lily to find herself back in her childhood pack, lying in her bed as the warmth of the morning sun filled the room. The clock neared 7, and a sense of surrealism lingered, as if her time at Rochester Academy was nothing more than a dream she had just awakened from.
Memories flooded back of days when she would hurriedly wake up to do her chores, the stress of being late weighing heavily on her mind. Now, without the need to rush, she found herself in unfamiliar territory. The bed, though small and rickety, provided a sense of comfort and safety, especially in the midst of changes.
While the other orphans had been moved to nicer bedrooms, Lily chose to stay in her humble room. It felt like a sanctuary, a place where she could process everything she had experienced.
Working with the Alpha now, Lily found his support reassuring. Despite the pack's confusion over her involvement, she felt it was necessary for her own transition. She had changed outwardly and inwardly, and being back with her pack prompted her to reflect on the past year and make sense of it all.
Despite her efforts to conceal her newfound power, the pack seemed to sense it. Yet, there was no hostility towards her. It was a strange reality to accept, but one she was grateful for.
Her interactions with the other orphans brought a sense of nostalgia and belonging. She traded toys with Stephen, feeling unexpectedly fond of the yoyo he gave her in return—a symbol of the life she had left behind.
As she spent time with her friends, now members of the pack, Lily felt a sense of gratitude for their support and resilience in helping the orphans as best they could.
Lily felt a profound sense of gratitude for all that had transpired. While she hadn't sought out such immense power, she understood its necessity in protecting her loved ones, a responsibility she now bore.
Yet, amidst her gratitude, Lily couldn't ignore the changes within herself. She no longer resonated with the patient and nurturing person she once was. Balancing her newfound assertiveness with her old self was a challenge she grappled with daily.
Returning to her childhood pack, Lily sensed a disconnect with her old friends. While they had moved on with their lives, she couldn't shake the feeling of intruding or causing stress.
Despite this, Lily cherished the time spent with the other orphans during their bonfires and meetups. She often observed quietly, finding solace in their happy chatter and the crackling of the fire.
Experimenting with her powers during these gatherings, Lily worked on creating protective shields and practicing partial shifts, though success remained elusive.
Leaving early from these gatherings, Lily often found solace in walks with Sauti, Amber, and Paul, reflecting on how their lives had changed.
Nostalgia tugged at Lily's heart as she reflected on her past. Despite its challenges, she longed for the simplicity of her childhood.
However, amidst these challenges, Lily remained grateful and trusted in her ability to navigate whatever came her way.
Despite feeling distant from her friends, Lily knew she wasn't alone. She felt their love and respect, knowing they would support her through her challenges.
Yet, the reality of her situation became clearer with each passing week. Lily understood that she needed to return to her duties. While her time with her childhood pack had been psychologically beneficial, there was more work to be done.
Before departing, Lily looked forward to one more night of being herself, resting, and living in the moment. Despite feeling drawn to a life that was no longer hers, she knew the time had come to embrace her new path.
But Lily knew that it would soon be time for her to pick back up and keep pushing forward, striving to reach her full potential and seize the opportunities that lay before her.
Reflecting on her past, Lily realized that while she once focused on the betterment of her fellow orphans, her responsibilities now extended to all the packs, shifters, and Lycans. This realization served as her motivation, pushing her to embrace her new role as a leader, despite past doubts about her worthiness and capability.
Though she acknowledged that it was still too soon to fully manage her position, Lily remained optimistic that with time, she would successfully navigate her new responsibilities and even take pride in her accomplishments.
For now, Lily allowed herself some time to observe the happiness of her loved ones and adjust to the changes in her life. She understood that until she could fully accept who she had become, she wouldn't be in the right mental position to continue evolving into the person she needed to be.
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