Chapter 56: Chapter 56

Sierra pov.

As his lips delicately brushed against mine, I instinctively pulled away, my gaze locked into his piercing eyes. "I'm so sorry, Henry, but I just can't do this right now," I whispered, my voice heavy with remorse.

Turning abruptly, I hurried back to where Nora stood, my heart burdened by the weight of my actions. Henry emerged from the woods after some time, slowly approaching the spot where Nora and I stood. Avoiding his gaze, I averted my eyes, overwhelmed by shame, feeling responsible for the chaos unfolding in my life.

"So, Sierra, would you consider moving in with me? It might be best if you come stay with me in the Shadowclaws pack. I promise to protect you, and perhaps you can start afresh there," Nora's words echoed in my ears, rendering me speechless. I lowered my gaze, my sadness evident, grappling with the uncertainty of making the right choice.

Raising my eyes, I found myself meeting the expectant stares of Henry and Nora, their silent anticipation urging me to make a decision I was unsure of. Should I abandon everything and embark on a new life in the Shadowclaw pack or remain here, condemned to be an outcast?

Inhaling deeply, I mustered my courage and turned to face Nora. "I would love to join you, Nora, but what about my mother? Who will care for her when I'm gone? Who will ensure her well-being? I'm truly sorry, but I can't leave her," I admitted, my voice tinged with regret.

With those words, I turned away, with Henry and Nora trailing behind me. "Sierra, wait," Nora called out desperately, her footsteps quickening as she approached me. "Sierra, I implore you to wait," she pleaded, seizing my arm and forcefully turning me to face her, her hand connecting with my cheek in a resounding slap.

"What is wrong with you?" Nora shouted, anger blazing in her eyes. Henry, shocked, rushed to stand beside her, his gaze fixed on me. "What more do I have to do to make you realize that this place isn't meant for you, Sierra?" Nora exclaimed, her breathing ragged. "I've done everything in my power to help you, to be your friend, but you simply refuse to see. If it weren't for Henry and me, you'd be drowning in your own tears by now. Why can't you see that he doesn't love you?"

I could feel the anger boiling inside of her, but I never said I was going back to him. I just felt sad, knowing that my mind was going to be alone.

"Am sorry, Nora, but I can't go with you."

I turned around to talk, but Henry held my hands. I stopped and turned, looking at him, and I could see how worried he was.

"Don't worry, I can take good care of myself. Thank you for everything, Henry. At least I now know there are people I can still count on."

With a smile on my face, I pulled his hands away as I turned and started walking home. Everyone's eyes were on me, but I built up the courage not to look down.

I wondered how my mom must be right now and how she would be feeling, just seeing how I was insulted the other day.

I took a deep breath as I placed my hands over my chest. I could feel my heart pounding so fast, and I closed my eyes and stood for a minute before walking again.

"What am I doing? Am I making the right decision?"

My thoughts kept on making me feel like I was in a lost ship, looking for a way to get out. As I was already reaching my home, I felt happier once again.

"Mom," I whispered with a smile, as I just could not wait for her to see me.

As I got closer, I could feel how quiet the place was becoming. My mom had never slept late before, so why was everywhere so quiet?

As I got closer, an overwhelming sense of fear enveloped me. I approached the door cautiously, standing in front of it for a moment, my heart pounding in my chest.

With trembling hands, I slowly reached out to touch the door, but before I could open it, the door swung open on its own.

I stepped inside, and immediately my eyes took in the chaotic scene before me. The entire space appeared disheveled, as if a violent struggle had occurred within its walls.

My gaze fell upon the floor, and what I saw made my heart lurch. The sight of blood splattered everywhere sent shivers down my spine.

"Mom!" I called out, following the trail of blood to wherever it led. I sprinted up the stairs, driven by desperation, until I stood before my mother's bedroom door.

Without hesitation, I forcefully pushed the door open, my mind racing with worry. As I scanned the room, my eyes widened in shock. There, on the floor, lay my mother, her body stained with blood. It was as though she had transformed into a wolf, her nakedness revealing her transformation.

I rushed to her side, my heart pounding in my chest. She lay motionless on the floor, bearing the marks of a brutal attack, as if she had been assaulted by another creature of the night.

I shook her gently, but she remained still, unresponsive. A scream escaped my lips, a cry of anguish and confusion. How could this have happened to my mother? Who could have inflicted such cruelty upon her?

I struggled to comprehend the events that had unfolded, the identity of the assailant eluding me. Anger surged within me, my eyes shifting to a deep, unforgiving blue. Sharp claws emerged from my hands, and my face transformed into an emotionless mask.

"I will find the one responsible for this, Mom. I will make them pay for what they've done, showing them no mercy."

Just then, Henry and Nora burst into the room, drawn by the sound of my scream. Their eyes widened in shock as they took in the sight of my mother.

Nora gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief, while Henry's expression mirrored my own rage. In a moment of uncontrollable anguish, I tilted my head back and let out a howl that echoed through the room, a cry for justice and vengeance.