Chapter 6

VALENTINA The healer put down my report on the table and nodded solemnly. “Yes, there is a chance. Your wolf is not dead yet” A tight knot formed in my throat. Renewed hope surged within me as I glanced at my father and uncle. They also looked hopeful. "Then why can't we sense her wolf?" Papa asked. "Why isn't she responding?” "Although she isn't dead, she's deeply injured, which has faded her existence and disconnected them. You can also consider it a comatose state," the doctor explained. "But rest assured, with treatment and proper training, the bond could be reestablished. It will take time, patience, and determination.” The wave of relief washed over me, and tightly held tears finally spilt from my eyes. I covered my face and cried again. After so long, I am shedding happy tears. I felt my father's warmth. His hug and tenderness made me cry harder. "Hey, baby, you'll be fine. I've got you," Papa whispered in my ear and caressed me gently. I felt so safe and secure, which Atlas could never give me except anguish and trauma. After comforting me, Papa ordered the healer to begin treatment. It is a seven-day process, the first treatment to heal my weakness and horrifying scars. Soon, my treatment began. At my request, my arrival at the pack house remained concealed from all but a few, and I largely confined myself to my private chamber there for treatment. Papa and Uncle personally took care of my needs and appointed my personal maid, Sara. Honestly, I was so happy to see her, and by her expression, she was as well… "I am so happy to see you back, Ma'am," she said with a tearful gaze. "Everything will be alright now," she whispered, though I felt she was referring to something else. But when I asked what happened, she said she hoped for my quick recovery. I didn't think much of it and believed her, perhaps I misunderstood. The treatment was gentle and restorative, allowing ample time for both physical and emotional healing. The scars within my soul may not completely be erased, but they have subsided a lot, and now I can address it as the worst ordeal of my life—a part of me that made me realize my worth, my true loved ones, and made my stance strong. It feels as though I have been given a second chance at life, a new beginning. However, this incident also killed my desire to be in love, and perhaps in this new beginning, there is no place for love anymore… Seven Days Later… I looked in the mirror, and staring back at me was a striking woman. Her midnight hair, ivory eyes with rare violet flecks, and smooth olive complexion were enhanced by her perfect, celestial nose, high cheekbones, and soft, small lips. However, it was all accented by a faded scar across her face, and all over her body which gave her an appearance of intimidation. This second life is a blessing from the Goddess. In this life, there is no place for those who have hurt me, ripped me apart, and blind love for any. This life is now dedicated to me, my close family and friends… "What about the scar, Doctor?" I heard my father's voice outside the bathroom. "It'll only break her more if she looks in the mirror.” "I apologize, Alpha, but her wounds were so deep; they will not heal completely, and she will bear this scar for the rest of her life," replied the healer. Sighing deeply, I pushed open the door and walked into the room. “It’s okay, Papa. I accept it,” I assured him. “This is for the good, I believe; it will remind me of the grievous mistake I made once.” Although sad, Father smiled at me and held me in his warm embrace. “I’m proud of you. It feels like my little princess has finally grown up.” I let his warmth spread within me for a while before breaking the hug and looking at him with hope. "I want to start my training, Papa. I must get my wolf back.” I couldn't wait to get back my wolf and I am willing to do all the hard work. But Father's face turned serious, and he immediately denied, "No, Val, not now, or for the next few days. Your treatment just ended; your body needs rest. Start training a few days later.” I wanted to decline, but seeing his solemn and concerned expression, I accepted and nodded, “Okay, as you say.” My acceptance brought a smile of relief to his face. “Now go back to your room; Audrey kept banging on the pack house doors, wanting to meet you. A few more times, and she might break all the doors.” Audrey's name brought a bright smile to my face. My huge emotional support and only loyal friend, besides Kira. "Okay, Papa. See you later." I kissed his cheek and waved at Uncle before rushing from the private chamber. On my way out Uncle's gritted whisper touched my ears— "if we weren't bound by the laws, I would have ripped that bastard Atlas's throat.” Frankly, I'm glad neither my father nor my uncle met Atlas these days; otherwise, it would have been a huge massacre. But that does not mean I would let Atlas go; I would definitely make him pay, but now is not the right time… I stepped into my room, and the familiarity kissed my soul as I looked around. Everything was the same as I had left it—perfectly organized. No doubt, no one had ever been allowed in my room while I was away. From Sara, I learned that only she and Papa had entered here. This place was declared forbidden to others by the Alpha. My gaze fell on the huge photo of the three of us—me, Papa, and Mama. We all look so happy. The brightness of our faces was unmatched. I remember other pack alphas used to be so envious of us. However, everything changed after Mama's death two years ago. Papa turned stiff and closed himself off from me and the pack. Then, suddenly, one day he arranged a political marriage for me. I tried to make him understand, but he was stubborn, which forced me to run away. Sometimes I wish I hadn't run away and had patiently understood Papa. Perhaps this wouldn't have happened— Suddenly, the door of my room swung open, banging against the wall beside it, revealing a very restless young woman in the doorway. “Val!” She exclaimed and burst inside, or rather, on top of me, knocking me to the ground. “Oh, Val! You have finally returned!” She cried out as if she had discovered the road to heaven. I chuckled and let my arms circle her petite figure. “Yes, I am here, Rey.” Indeed, she is Audrey, my childhood best friend. Although her mother was Mama's omega servant, they were more than that; they were like sisters, which naturally formed a deep bond between Audrey and me. “Umm—can you let me go now?” I said difficulty, she was squeezing me so hard. She broke the hug immediately and glared at me, “bitch how dare you—Ogh!” A loud, shocked gasp escaped her lips as she watched me, or should I say, my scars, and hurriedly got off of me, her mouth covered. “Wha-at had happened!?” A deep sigh left me involuntarily, and gazing at her helplessly, I explained everything to her. My sufferings and torments brought tears to her eyes as she listened. With a smile, I gently wiped away her tears. "Don't cry, Rey. It's in the past; I'm perfectly fine now, and I'm before you.” I didn't lie; I truly am happy. I could have died or suffered more, but the Goddess kept me alive and showed me Atlas's true colours. I am truly grateful for this second chance, where all these years of being lost hadn't taken away my family and friends; instead, they accepted me and showed me more warmth…