novelraw Chapter 305 - I promise
Chapter 305 - I promise
305
~Lisa’s POV
Branches scratched at my arms and face, but I didn’t care. I wanted the rush, the freedom of action. I wanted power, not waiting. My lungs burned, my heart pounded like a drum in my chest, but I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t stop until I was far enough away, until I could think, act, do something on my own.
I finally slowed, leaning against a thick oak, gasping for breath. My hands shook, my body sore, my mind spinning with frustration and anger. Why couldn’t she just... teach me? Just a little? I could handle it. I knew I could.
I screamed. I couldn’t hold it in anymore. Anger, frustration, the raw need for power, it all erupted from me. "I refuse! I won’t wait! I want it now!"
The trees around me shook as if they could feel my rage. My hands clenched at my sides, fingers trembling. My body began to pulse with heat, the raw, untamed energy surging from somewhere deep inside. My chest heaved, my heart pounding like a drum.
And then... I felt it. The familiar rush, the wolf inside clawing its way out. My muscles tensed, my bones shifted, my vision sharpened. My senses exploded. I wolfed out, teeth bared, claws scratching the earth.
For a heartbeat, it felt incredible. Pure power. Pure freedom. But I was so tired at that moment. My body, untrained, unprepared, screamed in protest. My legs buckled under me, my head spun, and the world tilted. I collapsed, gasping, claws retracting as consciousness slipped away.
When I woke up, everything was quiet. Too quiet. My body ached all over, every muscle screaming, but I felt... lighter somehow. My eyes blinked open, and I realized I was back in the hut. The soft morning light streamed through the window, and there, standing over me, was Lira.
She had a small bundle of herbs in her hand. The smell hit me instantly, sharp, bitter, almost like the earth after rain. My stomach churned at the thought of taking medicine, of being controlled, of letting someone else decide what was right for me. I wanted to snap at her, push her away, run even, but I was too tired, too raw.
"You’re too old to be throwing tantrums like this," she said, moving closer. Her hand swung lightly, but firmly, across my back. The sting burned sharply, making me wince and straighten my shoulders as if that could somehow protect me. My chest heaved, my fingers dug into my knees.
"I refuse!" I yelled, my voice cracking. "I refuse to give up! I want what I want! I won’t wait! I won’t!" The words felt jagged in my mouth, full of desperation and frustration. She didn’t respond right away, just placed the bundle of herbs in front of me on the floor. Her eyes were calm, almost too calm, unshakable. It made something inside me burn hotter, a mix of shame and stubborn pride. I felt my chest tighten as I glared at her.
"I won’t take it," I spat, shaking my head violently. The herbs sat there, small and harmless-looking, but to me, they represented control, obedience, and giving up. I could feel my jaw ache from clenching it so hard. My hands shook, half from anger, half from the power I refused to let go of.
Lira’s gaze hardened. She stepped closer again, slow but certain, her presence commanding. Her hand came down lightly, but firmly, across my back once more. The sting made me cry out involuntarily, my chest jerking forward as my pride and anger collided.
"Stop behaving like a brat, Lisa," she said, her voice low and commanding. I could hear the calm in it, the patience, but underneath there was steel. I felt cornered, trapped between wanting to lash out and wanting to obey.
"I... I don’t care!" I shot back, my voice shaking. "I don’t care if you say it’s for me! I won’t take it! I want it my way! I... I just want it now!" My hands curled into fists, nails biting into my palms. I could feel tears welling up, burning behind my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.
I glared at her, breath shaky, lips trembling. My pride screamed, my body screamed, my mind screamed. And yet... something inside me softened. Slowly, reluctantly, I picked up the herbs. My hands shook as I brought them to my lips, but I obeyed. I drank them down, the bitter taste burning my tongue and throat.
When I finally swallowed, I let out a shaky breath. I slumped forward, exhausted, tears slipping down my cheeks again.
"I... I’m ready," I whispered, my voice breaking slightly. My chest felt tight, my whole body trembling from the mixture of fear and anticipation, but the fire inside me still burned. I sank to my knees in front of her, hands clenched tightly in my lap, fingers digging into my skin. "Please... please, Lira... show me the shortcut. Please... I can’t wait anymore."
Her eyes softened immediately, warm and steady, and I felt a strange sense of calm wash over me. She knelt down in front of me, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from her body. She reached out, cupping my face gently with her hands. Her touch was light, but firm, and it made my heart race even faster.
"Fine," she said softly, her voice low and calm, carrying authority but not harshness. "I... I’ll take you through it. But you have to promise me something. If your body resists the power... if it fights you... You have to let me know. You must listen to your body, Lisa. Can you do that?"
I blinked, swallowing hard. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, hot and urgent, but I held back my sobs. My throat felt raw as I nodded quickly. "I... I will. I promise. I’ll listen. I’ll do whatever it takes... please, Lira. I trust you." My words came out shaky, but sincere. I meant every single one. I needed her to trust me, too, to believe I could handle this.
Her lips curved into a small, proud smile, and something inside me fluttered at the sight. She leaned closer and pressed a gentle hug against me, her arms wrapping around me with careful strength. The scent of herbs clung to her, calming and earthy, grounding me in a way I hadn’t realized I needed. I rested my head briefly against her chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of her breathing, letting it steady my own frantic heart.
"That’s all I needed to hear," she whispered, her voice brushing against my ear like a soft wind.