Chapter 12: Night Queen
1345words
I sat on the balcony of Derek's apartment, watching the sunset turn the sky gold and red. Since the Blood Moon night, I felt my abilities becoming more stable, more natural, as if they had finally found their balance point.
"What are you thinking about?" Derek's voice came from behind me.
I turned and smiled, "Everything. All that's happened in the past few months."
Derek walked to my side, leaning on the railing, "Do you regret it?"
"Regret what?"
"Coming to Beacon Hills, discovering your abilities, getting involved in all this."
I thought for a moment, "No, I don't regret it. This place gave me something I never had before—a sense of belonging, purpose, family."
"Family," Derek repeated, his voice carrying some emotion, "even though Scott isn't your biological brother?"
"Blood doesn't define family," I said, "Scott is still my brother, whether we share DNA or not. He stood by me when I needed him, and that's more important than any blood relation."
Derek nodded, his expression softening, "You're smarter than I thought."
"Is that a compliment?" I asked with a laugh.
"Maybe," Derek admitted, the corner of his mouth turning up slightly.
The atmosphere between us became relaxed and intimate. Over the past few weeks, Derek had changed from a stern mentor to a reliable friend, perhaps even more. I felt a connection between us, not as obvious as the one I shared with Ethan, but just as real.
"How's Ethan?" Derek suddenly asked, his voice carrying some emotion I couldn't fully interpret.
"He's good," I answered, "adjusting to life without Aiden. It's difficult for him, but he's strong."
"The connection between you... it still exists?"
I nodded, "Yes, even stronger than before. Deaton says this connection might never disappear."
Derek's expression became complex, "What does that mean for you two?"
I knew what he was asking. My relationship with Ethan had always been complicated, involving both a supernatural connection and real feelings.
"I don't know," I answered honestly, "there's something undeniable between us, but..."
"But?" Derek prompted, his voice low.
I looked into his eyes, "But life isn't that simple, is it? Feelings aren't just about connections and destiny. They're choices."
Derek stepped closer, now very near me, "Then what would you choose, Valerie McCall?"
Just then, the doorbell rang. Derek and I both turned toward the door, the moment broken.
"I'll get it," Derek said, stepping back.
As he left the balcony, I took a deep breath, collecting my thoughts. My life had become so complex—I was the Shadow Heart heir, the guardian of balance, involved in supernatural conflicts, with two powerful men having feelings for me.
Derek returned to the balcony, his expression serious, "It's Deaton. He says there's an emergency."
I was immediately alert, "What kind of emergency?"
"He detected abnormal energy fluctuations at the Nemeton stump. He thinks the seal might be weakening."
I felt a chill, "But that's impossible. We strengthened the seal during the Blood Moon."
"Apparently, things aren't that simple," Derek said, "he wants all of us to meet at the clinic."
When we arrived at the clinic, Scott, Stiles, Lydia, Allison, and Ethan were already there. Ethan immediately came to me, his eyes full of concern.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly, and through our connection, I could feel his worry.
"I'm fine," I answered, grateful for his concern, "what's happening?"
Deaton stood in the center of the room, his expression grave, "While monitoring the Nemeton stump's energy, I discovered abnormal fluctuations. The seal is still intact, but some force is trying to break through."
"Harris?" Scott asked.
"Possibly," Deaton admitted, "but I doubt he has this kind of power alone. More likely, Erebus himself is awakening."
"But how is that possible?" I asked, "We strengthened the seal."
"The seal was strengthened with your blood," Deaton explained, "this created a connection, one that Erebus might be exploiting."
I felt a wave of fear, "You mean he can influence the outside world through me?"
"Not exactly," Deaton said, "but he might be able to communicate with you through dreams or visions. Have you had any unusual dreams lately?"
I recalled the dreams of the past few weeks—dark forests, red eyes, whispering voices. I had thought it was just stress, but now...
"Yes," I admitted, "I've dreamed of darkness and shadows, and a voice, constantly calling my name."
Deaton and Derek exchanged a worried look.
"This is what I feared," Deaton said, "Erebus is trying to influence you, possibly hoping you'll help him break the seal."
"But I would never do that," I said firmly.
"Not consciously," Deaton explained, "but if he can control your dreams, in the long term, he might influence your decisions or actions."
The atmosphere in the room grew heavy. I felt an enormous responsibility weighing on my shoulders. My bloodline was both blessing and curse, and now, it might become a danger threatening everyone.
"What should we do?" I asked, my voice firm but full of worry.
"We need to find a way to completely sever your connection with Erebus," Deaton said, "this might require a new ritual, one that can protect your mind."
"Whatever it takes," I said, "I'm willing to try."
Ethan took my hand, "You won't face this alone. We're all here to support you."
Derek nodded in agreement, "We'll find a solution."
Scott walked to my side, placing his hand on my shoulder, "We're family, whatever happens, we'll face it together."
I felt tears gathering in my eyes, but I held them back, nodding in gratitude.
When the meeting ended, everyone had their own tasks—researching ancient texts, looking for similar cases, preparing possible rituals. I stood outside the clinic, looking at the stars in the night sky, pondering my fate.
Ethan came to my side, "What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking about the irony of destiny," I answered, "I came to Beacon Hills seeking family and identity, only to find myself involved in a supernatural war."
"Do you regret it?"
I shook my head, "No, I don't regret it. This place gave me purpose and belonging. But sometimes, I wonder what would have happened if I'd chosen a different path."
Ethan gently caressed my cheek, "We all have such moments. But what matters are the choices we make, not the choices we might have made."
I looked into his eyes, feeling the warmth and strength transmitted through our connection, "Do you really believe we can stop Erebus?"
"I believe in you," Ethan simply answered, "I've seen you face impossible situations, I've seen your courage and determination. If anyone can stop Erebus, it's you."
The atmosphere between us became intimate and warm. I felt a strong urge to move closer to him, to feel his warmth and strength.
Just then, Derek walked out of the clinic, seeing us standing together. He paused, his expression complex, then continued walking to his car.
I noticed his reaction, feeling a pang of guilt and confusion. My love life was complicated enough, and now, I also had to worry about an ancient evil force trying to influence reality through my dreams.
"I should go home," I told Ethan, "tomorrow will be a long day."
Ethan nodded, understanding I needed space, "If you need anything, anytime, I'm here."
"I know," I smiled, grateful for his support.
As I walked home alone, I felt a strange calm. Whatever challenges the future brought, whatever ways Erebus tried to influence me, I knew I wasn't alone. I had family, friends, people who loved me.
And this was more powerful than any supernatural ability.
As I looked up at the moon, I, Valerie McCall, heir of the Shadow Heart, guardian of balance, made a silent promise—whatever the cost, I would protect Beacon Hills and those I loved. Because in darkness, I had found my light.
Under the night sky of Beacon Hills, a new legend was beginning.
