Chapter 6: Hunter and Hunted
1374words
"So," Deaton says, placing an ancient wooden box on the counter, "can you describe what happened last night?"
"I felt something inside me break," I recall, "then energy flowed from my hands. I could see it—silver light, flowing like liquid."
Deaton nods, opens the wooden box, and takes out an ancient dagger with runes carved on the blade. "Do these symbols mean anything to you?"
I stare at the dagger, feeling a strange familiarity. "They're like the runes on my mother's pendant."
"Of course," Deaton smiles slightly, "because they come from the same source." He turns to Derek, "Did your mother ever mention another branch of the McCall family?"
Derek shakes his head, "She only said Beacon Hills had multiple guardian families."
"Guardian families," I repeat the term, "my mother used that term in my dream too."
Deaton takes a deep breath, as if preparing to tell a long story. "Long ago, when the war between werewolves and humans was at its fiercest, a special group of people emerged. They were neither purely human nor completely werewolf, but a balance between the two. They were called 'Shadow Hearts,' because they could walk between humanity and wolf nature."
"But I'm not a werewolf," I say confusedly, "I don't transform."
"Not all powers manifest as fangs and claws," Deaton explains, "Shadow Heart abilities are more subtle, but equally powerful. They can sense supernatural creatures, influence werewolves' emotions and abilities, even heal wounds caused by Alphas."
Scott looks at me in surprise, "So she's some kind of... super hunter?"
"No," Deaton shakes his head, "hunters kill, while guardians balance. Valerie's bloodline makes her a natural mediator, able to bridge the gap between humans and the supernatural world."
I remember the words in my mother's diary: "McCall bloodline—potential guardians." Now everything makes sense.
"But why awaken now?" I ask.
"Usually it requires a trigger," Deaton answers, "strong emotions, life-threatening crisis, or..." he pauses, "contact with an Alpha."
Derek and Scott exchange a look.
"Ethan," Scott says quietly.
"Not just him," Derek points out, "me, the Alpha that attacked you, even Scott. You've been surrounded by Alphas, which may have accelerated the awakening process."
I feel dizzy, it's too much information. I always thought I was ordinary, now I discover I have supernatural abilities.
"One more thing," Deaton says seriously, "the Shadow Heart bloodline is extremely rare, and extremely valuable. Once word gets out, many people will be interested in you, not all with good intentions."
"What does that mean?" Scott asks, his protective instinct obviously strengthened.
"Her blood has special value for certain rituals," Deaton explains, "and her ability is a powerful weapon for anyone wanting to control werewolves."
Derek walks over from the wall, "Deucalion already knows. That's why he sent Ethan to approach her."
I recall Ethan's gaze, his protective posture. "I'm not sure Ethan is just following orders," I say softly.
"Don't be fooled by him," Derek warns, "the Alpha pack doesn't change plans because of feelings."
Just then, the clinic's doorbell rings. Deaton goes to answer, returning with a grave expression.
"The Argent family," he announces.
A middle-aged man and a young girl enter. I recognize the girl—Allison, Scott's ex-girlfriend.
"We heard about last night," the man says, his gaze fixed on me, "someone who can influence Alphas."
"Chris," Derek's voice is full of warning, "this isn't your business."
"Anything involving supernatural power is a hunter's business," Chris Argent replies, then says to me, "do you know what you are?"
"I'm learning," I answer calmly, not liking being treated as an object of discussion.
Chris takes out a folded paper from his pocket, unfolding it to reveal an ancient family tree. "The name McCall has significance in hunter history. Was your mother Eleanor McCall?"
I nod, surprised this stranger knows my mother's name.
"Eleanor was the last known heir of the Shadow Heart," Chris explains, "we thought this bloodline had ended."
"Obviously not," Derek says coldly.
Allison steps forward, "We're not here to threaten," she says to me, "on the contrary, we want to offer help. My father has information about your bloodline that might be useful to you."
Scott looks surprised, "Really?"
Chris nods, "The hunter's code contains records about Shadow Hearts. They were once neutral mediators between hunters and werewolves, respected by both sides."
"Until hunters decided they were too dangerous and started hunting them," Derek adds sarcastically.
Chris doesn't deny it, "That was a mistake of the dark times. Things are different now."
I feel everyone's gaze focused on me, waiting for my reaction. I take a deep breath, feeling the new energy flowing within me.
"I need to learn more," I finally say, "about my abilities, my bloodline, and how to control them."
"I can train you," Derek unexpectedly offers, "my mother worked with Shadow Hearts, she left some notes."
"We also have materials to share," Chris says, "but first, you need to decide which side you're on."
I stand up, my gaze determined, "I'm not on any side. If I truly am the guardian of balance, then my duty is to maintain balance, not choose sides."
The atmosphere in the room becomes tense. Just then, my phone rings. It's a text from Ethan:
"Need to see you. Urgent. About your abilities and Deucalion's plan. Come alone."
I look up at everyone in the room—Scott, my brother, wanting to protect me; Derek, mysterious and dangerous, offering training; the Argent family, with ancient knowledge and suspicious motives; and Deaton, the druid who understands my bloodline.
Then there's Ethan, an Alpha, part of the enemy, yet possibly the only one who truly has feelings for me.
"I need time to think," I say, sliding my phone back into my pocket, already making a decision in my mind.
Whatever my bloodline means, whatever my abilities are, I know one thing: from now on, I'll act by my own rules. I am both a hunter's daughter and a werewolf's sister, and this dual identity will become my greatest strength.
That night, as the moon rises again, I stand at the forest edge, waiting for Ethan's arrival. My silver dagger is hidden in my boot, my mother's pendant gleaming on my chest.
I feel his approach, even before seeing him. This is one of my newly awakened abilities—sensing the presence of supernatural creatures.
"You came," Ethan walks out from the shadows, "I thought Derek would convince you to stay away from me."
"I make my own decisions," I answer, "you said you had information about Deucalion's plan?"
Ethan comes closer, his eyes flashing with complex emotions, "Deucalion knows what you are now. He wants you, Valerie. Not as an ally, but as a weapon."
"Why tell me this?" I ask, "Isn't this betraying your Alpha?"
Ethan is silent for a moment, then looks directly into my eyes, "Because I find myself caring more about your safety than his plans."
In the moonlight, they stand so close, I can feel his heartbeat. I'm not sure if I should trust him, but my instinct—perhaps my bloodline—tells me he's speaking the truth.
"Help me," I say softly, "teach me how to control these abilities, how to protect myself and those I care about."
Ethan reaches out, gently touching my cheek, "It's dangerous. If Deucalion finds out..."
"I'm not afraid of danger," I interrupt him, "I'm only afraid of ignorance."
At that moment, a low growl comes from deep in the forest. Ethan immediately becomes alert, shielding me behind him.
"They're here," he says quietly, "Deucalion sent someone to track me."
I feel the energy in my blood surging again, and this time I don't resist. Instead, I let it flow through my body, feeling the power and clarity.
"Then let them come," I say, my silver dagger gleaming in the moonlight, "it's time they know I'm not anyone's prey or weapon."
As red eyes light up in the darkness, I, Valerie McCall, heir of the Shadow Heart, guardian of balance, prepare for battle. My journey has just begun.
