Chapter 12
wax jolted awake by a scream. The sound was loud, sharp, and filled with panic and it was just like mother’s. I shot up in bed, my heart racing in fear. “What was that?” I whispered to myself, but somehow, I already had a fair idea of what the answer was. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and hurried to the door, flinging it open
As I rushed down the hallway, I was met with the sight of my mother, and everything around was in chaos, She was crying, flinging cushions off the couch and knocking over magazines from the coffee table. It felt unreal -I had never seen my mother act like this before. She was usually so composed
“Mom?” I called, my voice trembling slightly. “What’s wrong?”
She turned to me, her eyes Lycan King’s ariny!”
wide
with fear and desperation. “Joanne!” She ran to me and held my shoulders tightly. “Please, please don’t join the
I was taken aback. “Mom, what are you talking about? I have to do this! Who told you anyway? I was
is supposed to do that myself this morning” “Not” she pleaded, shaking me slightly. “You don’t understand how dangerous it is! You’re my baby girl! I can’t lose you!”
Just then. I noticed my father and Nathan standing in the doorway, looking worried. Nathan’s eyes darted between my mother and me, and Dad had a serious expression on his face. I sighed wearily at them, wanting them all to understand
my choice.
“Let her go, woman,” my father said softly as he stepped forward, taking my mother into his arms. “Let’s talk this the
through calmly”
I followed them into the living room, tension thick in the air. My mother clung to my father, tears streaming down her cheeks. “She doesn’t know what she’s doing! It’s dangerous!”
“Mom, I can handle it, I insisted, wanting to break through the fear that was all over her. “I’ve thought about this. I want to join the Lycan king’s (army!”
Dad raked a hand through his hair and looked at me, his tone serious. Joanne, you need to understand how rigorous it will be. The training, the battles….it’s not something to take lightly
“I know that!” I said, planting my feet firmly on the ground. “But I want to be the best! I can’t just sit around and wait for life to happen to me!” “You’ll be up against some of the toughest fighters,” he continued, trying to scare me off. “If you don’t excel, you won’t make it. You have to be the best female soldier they’ve ever seen!
“But I want to try!” I shouted, frustration bubbling up. “I want to prove myself! I want to show everyone–including you–what I can del
My mother went silent, staring at the floor as if she were weighing my words. I saw her heartbreak through her silent tears, and i desperately wanted to comfort her. I stepped closer, wrapping my arms around her in a solid hug.
“Mom, please don’t worry, whispered into her ear. “I’ll be careful. No one will get to me. I promise.
Suddenly, her composure broke, and she cried into my shoulder. “I just can’t bear the thought of losing you. You’re my little girl! All of this just to get stronger and beat some stupid boy? It isn’t worth it.”
Hugging her tightly, I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling a mix of anger and resignation in me. I wanted to scream frustrations but, instead, I just hugged her tighter. 111 do this, Mom. I will be okay.”
Nathan stepped closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. “We’re all worried about you, Jo. It’s okay to feel scared. It means we care.” “Thank you,” I said, sniffling a bit. “But I need you to trust me. I need you all to believe in me just like I believe in myself”
Looking at my father, I saw a hunt of understanding in his eyes. He took a deep breath, “Joanne, there is going to be a tournament held by the Lycan King. It’s a chance for faster enlistment. If you can beat everyone in it, they’ll take you straight in.”
“Really?” I perked up, excitement washing over me as I turned to him. “You actually think I could do that?”
“Yes,” Dad replied, his voice steady. “But that means you have to train hard and prepare. You’ll need every bit of skill you can get.” will! I promise!” I nearly jumped up and down with excitement. This was my chance! “I’ll train harder than I ever have before!”
Moin finally pulled away, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. “I just wish it wasn’t like this,” she murmured, her voice shaky but stronger. “It doesn’t have to be what you’re thinking.” I reassured her, holding her hands in mine. “If I do this, it’s for me–and for our family. I won’t down.”
Her eyes searched mine, looking for any sign of uncertainty. I hoped she could see my decision was final. “Just promise you’ll be careful,” her voice treffibling.
1/2
– albe said.
Chapter 12
“I promise! I’ll always be careful,” I swore, feeling the weight of my family’s hope pressing on me. “And I will come back safe and sound with little
“How about no scratches or injuries. Your skin is too precious for 11”
“Mother” I stared at her. In exasperation, Was she really going to do this?
“What It’s just that girls shouldn’t-
“You have our backing Jo, Nathan added, putting an arm around my mother while cutting her short. “You’re going to make us proud, no matter what happens.”
“Thanks, Nathan. That means a lot,” I replied, feeling grateful. This was my family, my pack. No matter what the outcome, I had their support. I needed it
“Just remember to stay safe my father warned with a serious look on his face. “We love you, Jo. We just want you to come home in one piece.”
“I will,” I promised. “And when I do, I’ll be the best soldier this pack has ever seen!”
“I don’t want that just come home in one piece”
“Yes mum. Now please stop fretting.”
