Olivia’s POV
I was up early in bed. My body was still aching but I was much better than I was a few days ago. My nights didn’t get any better though. Since Alvida told me about my parents and Jonas’ hand in their death, my nightmares were plagued with his face and blood everywhere.
I would see my mother in a pool of blood and Jonas standing over her. The look of pride and satisfaction in his eyes was terrifying, and when he tried to clamour for me, I would scream and wake up.
I couldn’t count the number of times Andre had come to the rescue with hugs and soft words. He would ask me what had happened, and I would simply tell him that it was a nightmare.
They scared me and continually fed my hate for Jonas. I would make him pay.
I got out of bed and walked to the window. I threw the curtains open, and the sunlight seeped in and warmed my skin.
Glorious.
The door creaked open, and Alvida came in with the breakfast tray. Sephora, Andre, and Pierre followed. I was slightly startled to see all of them in my room.
“You should be in bed, Olivia. You need to rest,” Andre chided.
“I’m feeling better. I want to stand up and look out of the window.”
I pouted, and Andre strolled to my side and planted a kiss on my forehead.
“Why is everyone here?” I finally asked.
I sat on the bed, and Alvida passed me the breakfast tray. The bacon and eggs smelled wonderful, and my mouth was already watering. If not for the many pairs of eyes in the room, I would have pounced on the food instantly.
“Andre and I had a talk, and I think that you are feeling better. We want to ask if you can tell us what happened the day you were rescued.”
I felt my appetite reduce. I took a deep breath and searched the murky waters of my mind.
“I…I can’t remember much, but Jonas’ men had me tied and were forcing me to watch a video of Andre and…”
I stopped mid-sentence. I didn’t want to remember what I saw. Andre lowered his head in shame as well. I felt awful that I made him ruminate on that disgusting day.
“… I was angry and I could…”
I searched for the words in my mind. Were there really any adjectives to describe it?
“… I could feel my blood boiling. I was so angry, and I yelled at them to stop.”
Everyone seemed to have leaned closer to listen to my tale. All eyes were transfixed on me, and the silence was so thick that I could hear the whispers of even the slightest breeze.
“We are listening, Miss Olivia,” Alvida encouraged.
I swallowed and continued.
“I was angry, and they laughed at me. That was when I felt something snap. It felt like I was no longer in control of my body. I think my wolf had taken over. I felt such intense murderous intent. And I wasn’t able to reel myself in…”
I felt my mind slowly expanding, and the image became clearer and clearer. I could remember a name. Paul.
“One of the men, Paul, tried to tie me up, but I commanded him to turn on his colleagues. I didn’t know what I was really saying. My voice sounded unearthly and cold. It almost didn’t sound like me.”
The mood in the room shifted. They seemed to shift backwards a little. Were they scared of me?
“He suddenly turned on his colleagues, and they fought to keep him under control. They said his eyes were white as if he had no irises. I didn’t do anything after that. He caught his comrades, tied them up, and threw them to my feet. I made them all unconscious and I escaped.”
Alvida looked slightly pale. She looked fearful but nonetheless kept a straight face.
“How did you feel after?” She questioned.
“Weak. I coughed a little blood, and I had a terrible headache.”
“Then what happened next? How did I find you in that room?”
Andre drew closer and wrapped his arm around my waist. His warmth comforted me, and I continued.
“I saw light from a door and went in. Jonas’ father and brothers were in the room. They tried to get me to marry Jonas, but I refused. I… I called my wolf, and the whole thing happened again, but this was much more forceful. I made them all unconscious, and I felt totally spent. I coughed up more blood, and I felt my head on the verge of exploding. Then, I fell unconscious.”
I ended my tale, and everyone seemed slightly concerned. Pierre moved uncomfortably, but Sephora looked at me in awe.
Alvida was pale, but she gave a single nod, and Andre pulled me even closer.
“From your tale, I can tell that the power overwhelmed you. You used so much of it without proper conditioning. You are lucky to be alive and well. I do have a request. We would like you to show us your powers so that we can assess them and your strengths. We think that your training should begin soon, but we need to be able to know its extent.”
My heart leaped. Mixed emotions invaded my soul. I was fearful of using my powers. I didn’t want to pass out again and be trapped in my subconscious, being forced to watch Jonas’ mindless genocide of my people. But on the other hand, I was excited about learning to control it.
“Olivia? What do you say?”
I took a deep breath.
“Alright. I’ll try.”
Sephora pushed Pierre forward, and he looked at her in horror.
“You volunteered, remember?”
“I know. You don’t have to put it out there.” He sounded slightly offended.
“Olivia, we want you to command Pierre. Maybe a small command like walk or jump. Don’t overwhelm yourself.”
I looked at Pierre. He looked terrified but kept a straight face all the same. Everyone stepped back.
“We are ready when you are,” Sephora called out.
I was sceptical but took a deep breath when Pierre signalled that it was okay for me to proceed.
I closed my eyes and tried to focus. I called out to Nima to give me her powers and waited.
Silence.
She didn’t reply. Not even a peep.
I squeezed my eyes harder, but five minutes later, Pierre was still there, and he seemed slightly relieved.
“Stop,” Andre ordered.
Pierre stepped back, and all eyes were on me again. My heart sank, and I lowered my head.
“I…I don’t think I can initiate it on command,” I said shamefully.
Andre pulled me into a hug and I buried my head into his chest. I had failed everyone.
“How close are you to your wolf?” Alvida inquired.
I peeled my face away from Andre’s chest and looked at her.
“Not very. She is very sassy.”
“I see. Do you change into her often?”
I shook my head.
“No. Not since I got pregnant.”
Alvida nodded slowly. Did she know what was wrong with me?
“And the full moon? How many times have you surrendered yourself to its effects?”
I was too ashamed to say ‘no’, so I simply shook my head.
Alvida gave a warm smile.
“All these are necessary for building a relationship with your wolf. She is a part of you, and you must be a part of her in turn. I advise you to go for a run in your wolf form every morning and evening. It will help your health and will have no effects on the baby. You must build your wolf to get stronger.”
She turned her head to the window and smiled at the beautiful scenery outside.
“You are in luck, Olivia. Tonight is a full moon.”