Heirs, 23

(POV: Renata)

"I'll be glad to help," I say with a forced smile on my face. Later on, I'll need to come up with an excuse to explain my combat skills. Maybe I'll say I faced many enemies while on the run or fought larger animals... But I was injured and claimed it was an animal attack... Ah, screw it, I'll think about it later. For now, I'm happy about Lucca's new attitude.

I know I shouldn't be doing this. I can't get attached to anyone here; they're all enemies of my mother and thus mine as well. But I sense a strong connection to Lucca and Luan Raphael. I can't explain it; I only know I don't want to harm them. Arms wrap around my shoulders, and when I look back, it's Jonathan, with Luan Raphael at his side.

"How about we go for a swim today, guys?" he invites, all excited. "And we can show the forest to the newest pack member," he says, cheerful.

"Let's go," everyone, except me, says in unison.

I sigh in frustration. I only wanted to go back to Lina's house and explore more of the mansion's ins and outs. But I guess it's good to get to know the territory around the pack.

"You're going to love exploring the area, Lena," Jonathan says. And we start walking, his arm not leaving my shoulder.

"Get off," Rapha pushes him away and positions himself between us, receiving a scowl from his friend.

"I'll tell you some real cool stories. Some might even think they're lies," I become curious and smile, agreeing as we leave the academy.

(PoV: Scarllet)

I pace back and forth, missing waking up to my daughter's warm good morning. But this revenge cannot be set aside. Lina took everything from me, everything that was most precious in the world to me. My home, my love, my children. She has to pay for every tear I shed.

I look at the sky and remember the times I lived in the lab... In the castle. I miss all the little pups so much; they were a part of me. That place was my home... Deniel... he was my love. But she took everything!

"Damn her!" I shout in anger.

Deniel, I miss you so much, my love. A solitary tear rolls down my cheek.

I start punching the first tree in front of me, reducing it to pieces in a matter of seconds. I cry out in anger and frustration. I hope Renata doesn't take too long to put me there. I need to get revenge to move on, to leave this burden behind.

(PoV: Renata)

Observing the forest during the day is wonderful. All this lush green bathed in sunlight, with the sound of birds, brings me peace.

"This forest used to be known as the Dark Forest," Raphael says.

"According to our parents, years ago, terrifying creatures and packs of wolves used to live here," Isabella continues.

"They say no other animals were ever seen, and it always smelled of blood. At night, you could hear strange sounds that sent shivers down your spine," Lúcia says, hugging herself.

"Why isn't it called the Dark Forest anymore?" I ask, curious.

"The Supreme put an end to those creatures, saving everyone, and since then.. It's been nothing but roses," Jonathan replies, smiling at me.

I don't understand why he's smiling so much. Don't those cheeks of his ever get tired?

We reach a lake with crystal-clear water, and everyone starts running towards it. Stripping down along the way, leaving only their underwear.

"Come on, Lena, it's safe here," Lucca says as he takes off his pants.

I shrug and slowly remove my clothes as well. I avoid taking off my shirt and remain in black boxer briefs. When I approach, everyone looks in my direction. I sense embarrassed at this moment, and my cheeks turn red from the unexpected warmth. I try to disguise it and walk towards the lake, diving in. When I resurface to breathe, I see everyone coming towards me, so I dive again to escape. We spend the afternoon playing and laughing.

I enjoyed this outing a lot. It was something different and new that I never had the opportunity to experience. I sigh, frustrated by the direction my feelings are taking.

Still laughing, we leave the lake, put on our clothes, which quick become slight damp, and head back to the pack. When we arrive, each of us goes to our respective homes. The boys and I head to their house, but when we open the door, we find Lina looking at us serious. I gulp; did I do something I shouldn't have? Does she suspect something?

"This arrived from the academy's administration," she holds up a paper that I have no idea about. "They asked me to go there tomorrow. Can you explain why?" My blood runs cold. Is it because of the beating I gave that arrogant wolf pup?