“They demoted me to a slave when I couldn’t shift,” she admits. “It was their proof that I’m useless.”

I frown. I call bullshit on that. When Trixie spied on Colton, he did say something along the lines of Freya being a risk. He hated her, maybe even scared of her, and his wrath and hatred definitely didn’t come from her rank or lack thereof.

I could try to read her aura. I never use my gifts on friends or family without asking because it would be a huge breach of trust.Can I try something, Freya?I mindlink her.

What do you want to try?She asks curiously.

My gift allows me to read another person’s aura,I explain.It’s a bit of a tricky gift because I depict feelings that way but also someone’s intention. It’s not always reliable, but it did show me that Colton was not to be trusted, and neither were his warriors. It also showed me that Arman could be trusted.

Do you think you could see why the test didn’t work on me?

Maybe, but as I said, It’s peculiar and open to interpretation.I don’t want to lie to her and raise her hopes too much.

She nods at me and smiles.Of course, you can use your gift on me. I trust you.

Alright, you won’t feel anything,I promise.

I take a deep breath and allow Max to come forward a bit. We focus on Freya only, carefully taking in the light surrounding her. Shades of green and blue make up her whole aura; it’s strong, calm, and controlled. There is another part, though, something I can’t quite reach. Amidst the blue and green, there is something dark swirling around.

Max,I breathe out.What’s that?

I’m not sure.He sounds surprised.I haven’t seen that on anyone ever before.

I allow him to retreat, not wanting to exhaust him or my mind, and take Freya’s hand into mine. “And?” she asks curiously.

“There is something,” I admit quietly. “I’m not sure, though.”

She looks fearful all of a sudden. “Is it bad?”

“Why do you think that?” I smile. “Just because we don’t know what it is, doesn’t make it bad.”

She nods thoughtfully. Then her eyes widen like a sudden realization dawns on her.Finn, I completely forgot! The prophecy!

The prophecy?

Yes, Arman’s sister Leila…she is an oracle.She pauses, gathering her thoughts. Right, I remember they said something like that when we escaped.She saw a prophecy for me.

You have a prophecy about you?I ask, shocked.

She looks at me wide-eyed.Is that unusual?

Yes, prophecies are very rare.I pause.Do you remember it?

Of course. I wrote it down. Do you want me to recite it now?

I shake my head.No, not here. I want us to be in the safety of my pack, in a secure place, so that no one can hear it. Prophecies are rare and peculiar, and I don’t want anything to latch on our minds right now.

She looks worried. This must all be so hard for her. She had escaped two days ago, and suddenly all the truths she thought she knew had turned into lies, and everything about her seems to be a mystery too.

“We’ll find answers to all your questions,” I say with conviction. A smile curls around Freya’s lips when she hears my words, sending butterflies through my stomach. She is so beautiful, so ethereal, and I love how strong she is. She is my little miracle.

We make the rest of the walk over the lake in silence, everyone pondering their own thoughts. I keep walking hand in hand with Freya, hoping to soon be alone with her and get to know her properly and give her the chance to get to know me too. I’m sure she still feels wary around male warriors, which makes it all the more amazing how confident she is around us.

I can’t wait for her to meet the Silverlake Pack and my family and friends.

“So, who else can’t wait for another night outdoors?” Henry asks sarcastically, breaking the silence.

“I can’t even fight you on that complaint,” Elodie admits begrudgingly. “Back in France, Emilien goes camping sometimes. Beats me why he loves it.”