Settling
Serafine POV
It’s been a week since I found the settlement and over a week since I left Xander’s pack. I’m worried though, been apart from him won’t stop the rituals, the heat. I’m not sure how I can cope with that when I’m so far away from Xander.
Helena has been amazing, I’ve settled into my life here at the library, both working and living. I don’t leave often, only to sneak into the forest at the back to see the Raven and Hound.
Placing the book on the shelf, I move quietly. I’m amazed by how many people come here. Most come, get the book they want and leave without saying a word. It’s like most people in this place keep to themselves.
I’ve tried talking to some people, I went to a store for Helena, the woman there Jessie seemed nice. She’s my age but she didn’t respond except for telling me the price of my items. Helena has explained that a lot of people here are hiding from something so aren’t trying to build relationships.
“Serafine.”
I turn and see Lucian walk toward me.
“I have your book,” I say as I climb down the ladder. He moves to steady it for me.
Smiling at him, I get down. I still don’t know about him. He’s an Alpha but has lived here for years and apparently gave up his pack to life a normal life.
Walking through I go to the counter and pull out the book.
“Thank you, how is Helena?” He looks around and I nod.
“She’s doing well, she’s just gone to get more leather to bind some of the older worn books.”
“Let her know I called in please,” he says with a smile before leaving. Lucian is about the only person who talks to others here. I’m hoping that if people see me staying here, that they will become more comfortable with me soon.
Turning, I go back to organising the books. After a while I hear Helena return. She
smiles at me as she carries in the leather.
“Lucian called by,” I say. “I gave him that book he wanted.”
Smiling she nods. “He seems to be visiting a lot this week.” Placing down the items she sits down. “You can take your break if you wish?” She watches me and I nod.
“Thank you Helena, I’ll go for a little walk.” She nods and watches me leave.
Once I get outside I begin walking along the same path I always do. After a quick walk
1/3
Settling
I wait, and hear the shuffle of leaves. The Silvermane Hound steps out and the Hollowfang Raven lands.
“No sight or sound of anyone from Xander’s pack,” the Hollowfang Raven explains.
breath a sigh of relief and sit. I’m not sure why I keep asking them to check, but something tells me Xander isn’t the type to let me go. I sit down agaisnt a tree trunk and the Hound moves and curls around me.
I don’t understand that. It’s happening more and more. Normally, the Hound only came close if I was cold and needed warmth. the past few days it’s always close to me when I come. Sometimes, it tries to follow me back as well.
That makes me more anxious, it’s like the Hound senses something coming and wants to stay close by me. I don’t stay long, but once I begin to walk back, the Hound begins to pace again like it’s restless.
I really don’t like that, I know there’s no signs of Xander or anyone from his pack, but the way the Hound is reacting tells me someone is coming.
As I step into the library I go through to my room and pick up the Threadborn book. I’ve tried using it as much as possible, and tried reading a lot as well. Opening it, I go through the pages I’ve read already.
So far, there’s not been much in it, nothing that really tells me the purpose of me. As I ⚫ read I learn that Veyrathi are often more bonded to the guardians for protection. This
however doesn’t happen until they are adults and find their mate.
Apparently, finding my mate is what unlocks the threadborn within me, which is what makes the guardians come to the pack the Veyrathi is living. Which makes no sense, the guardians were already at Xander’s pack.
Why would they already be there if they were meant to be where I was? If this didn’t unlock fully until I met Xander, then why were the guardians there before that?
Sighing, I rub my forehead. This entire thing is confusing to me right now. It says one thing but what happened for me is different.
“Serafine.”
I move and close the journal before placing it behind my back.
“May we talk?” Helena smiles and I stand up from my small bed and walk out. We get into the main library part and find two cups set on the table with tea in. I hope this isn’t her telling me she can’t give me a job anymore. I really like working here, it’s a library, there’s so much I’ve yet to learn about myself, as a wolf, the basic things and been here is the best thing for me.
“I’m sorry if I made a mistake,” I say quietly.
“No, you’ve not made any mistakes but I do want to speak to you about something
2/3
Settling
else.” She smiles and pushes the tea toward me, and I take a sip. “You’re a Threadborn right?”
My heart almost stops, it stutters. before restarting. She knows? How can she know?
“I’m not going to tell anyone, but for me I can sense it in you. There’s certain things that tell me you’re a Veyrathi, the first no doubt in hundreds of years.”
What do I say? That she’s right, or do I lie? I’m so lost and torn right now.
Subscribe
