(Author's POV)
"Thank you." Seline smiled at the cashier as she checked out the items she bought. She opted to take care of the pack's welfare, hoping that she could be far away from Ardianr and her minions. After replying to Ethan that she was fine, she tucked her phone back into her bag and walked out of the store, inhaling the chilly air. Opting for a walk in the woods, she treaded softly as she walked towards the pack's direction.
Her heart clutched with silent sadness and resentment towards Lucius. She couldn't believe that he was treating Dusk like she wasn't worth a thing. He didn't know the privilege of having your mate by your side. Seline had always wished to have an ideal mate relationship, one where she would be loved and cherished. Her heart always went out to Dusk. Another fear: Seline knew that no matter how many times she tries to stand up for her, Dusk has to do the same for herself or else she might not be able to leave the clutches of the broken and rejected life she lived.
But something was off. Seline was powerful in the art of magic and had werewolf powers. For some reason, Dusk's aura seemed to emanate nothingness, which bothered Seline. Was she cursed, or was that the way her family was made? Seline knew little to nothing about Dusk's family; all she knew was that she was the daughter of a famous alpha, and she got auctioned off.
Sighing, she willed herself and walked into the pack's entrance.
"What the hell do you think you are doing?!" A screeching voice called Seline out of her reality. Looking forward, she was met with Ariadne’s stoning glares at her.
"What do you want, Ariadne?"
Oh, are you blind now? Don't you see you bumped into me?" She crossed her arms above her chest, heaving with anger. From her side eyes, Seline could see the nosy pack members already around.
"Is that it?" Seline asked boldly, her voice cool yet sharp. She wasn't willing to start a brawl with Ardiane.
Ariadne stalked forward. "If I were you, I'd do better than step on my toes. Don't mess with me, Seline."
Oh, snap out of it, Ariadne! Everything is not always about you. Get a life and stop acting like a deranged beast." Seline flung herself back without remorse, watching the color drain from her face.
"How dare you?" Ariadne growled, her wolf slowly taking over. Her eye color changed, and a blue-black flame burned on her hands.
Seline sighed, shifting her weight to another foot. "Do all you can, but don't think you can bully her for too long." Seline walked out, some pack girls taking the bags from her hands. Seline moved towards Dusk Chambers, and from afar, he could see her dealing with a huge pile of clothes. Swallowing a lump, she walked back to her room for a rest.
…
Waking up, Seline didn't think that she would be able to face Dusk until she was settled. She was probably asleep. Seline knew just the place to pen out her frustration. The pack bat!
Seline had been sitting in the pack's bar for what felt like hours, nursing her drink and losing herself in thought. She watched every movement, from the service to the people who entered, even using her powers to set a cool atmosphere.
A large-framed figure appeared at the entrance, his eyes meeting hers, and in seconds he walked in and made his way to the bar, taking a seat next to her.
"Hey, Seline. What's been bothering you?" He asked, noticing the troubled look on her face. He had always known Seline to bottle up her emotions.
Seline hesitated. "It's nothing, Ethan, just some little troubles."
Ethan sighed, taking a glass from the waiter, and turned to her. "I know what has been happening; I have been concerned as well."
"I just don't know how to protect her from Ariadne and Dalia. They're getting worse every day, and I feel like I'm failing her." Seline finally said, looking downcast.
Ethan's heart pricked; he touched her arms, and Seline could feel the tension release from her.
"You are not failing anyone, Seline. In fact, you are doing great. You are not the one to blame."
Tears pricked Seline's eyes as she remembered how Dusk was struggling to wash the pile of clothes. "I don't know; I'm confused. We can't let this go on."
Ethan nodded, understanding. "I know it's tough, Seline." He paused. "But have you tried talking to Dusk?"
Seline sighed. "I have, but she's so timid. I don't think she'll ever have the courage to stand up for herself."
"Maybe if you talk to her again, but this time, you could try to help her understand that she doesn't have to take the bullying. She can stand up for herself."
Seline looked at him skeptically. "They'll hurt her, and Lucius will hurt her more if he finds out."
"It's worth trying. But you can't continually help someone who doesn't want the help." He paused. "In our world, power determines everything. A lack of it has a lasting effect on us. Maybe we can start from there. Have you thought of training her?"
“No, I haven't."
"Exactly what you should try doing."
Seline thought about his words for a moment before nodding in agreement. "You're right. Maybe I should talk to her. Thank you, Ethan."
Ethan smiled at her warmly. "No problem, Seline. Anytime."
Seline felt a spark of hope light up inside her. Maybe Ethan was right. Maybe if she talked to Dusk and helped her understand that she didn't have to take it all in, she would finally be able to stand up for herself.
As she finished her drink and gathered her thoughts, she knew that it wasn't easy to stand up for oneself after suffering a lot, but it could start by making her see the reasons. Seline walked back to her room, her mind pumping with ideas and thoughts.