**When Dawn Breaks Slowly Hope Finds Space To Grow by Jin Rowan Vale**
**Chapter 6: Follow Your Desire**
AMY
“You’ll regret this,” he muttered, his voice low and edged with disdain, before he turned on his heel and strode out of the room, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.
As the door clicked shut behind him, I released a shaky breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “Good. We won’t let them corner us again,” Eve whispered, her voice a soothing balm against the turmoil that churned within me.
Leaning back against the cool wall, I felt the weight of exhaustion settle over me like a heavy blanket. My body was still recovering, each movement reminding me of my fragility, yet a flicker of calmness ignited within me. I was no longer the timid girl they could bully at will.
But deep down, I sensed that this confrontation was far from over. Brian would not simply let this slide, nor would Mark. They were relentless, and I had no doubt they would come for me again.
As I attempted to find solace in rest, an all-too-familiar sensation tugged at my core. My heart raced, and I could feel Eve stirring within me, her energy bristling like static electricity.
“That’s him,” she murmured, her tone both excited and cautious. “Daniel Carter’s wolf is awake. For some reason, he’s reaching out to you.”
I spent the remainder of the day trying to relax, knowing that tomorrow would be anything but easy.
The dawn of the next morning found me determined. I approached the nurse with a sense of urgency, asking for my discharge papers. She looked taken aback, her brow furrowing in concern. “Are you sure you’re ready?” she queried, doubt lacing her voice.
“Yes,” I asserted, my voice steady and firm. The dull ache in my head was a minor inconvenience compared to the suffocating atmosphere of the hospital. I refused to remain in this sterile cage a moment longer. The memory of my injuries felt distant; my cuts had healed, and I was ready to reclaim my life.
She nodded slowly, turning to prepare the necessary paperwork. A few moments later, she returned, holding a file in her hands. “All your bills have been covered. You’re free to leave once you sign here,” she said, her smile polite yet tinged with something I couldn’t quite place.
I hesitated, my heart skipping a beat. “Covered?” I echoed, confusion mingling with a sense of foreboding.
“Yes. Everything is settled,” she confirmed, her expression unwavering.
I didn’t need to ask who had footed the bill; the answer was glaringly obvious. Mrs. Carter. Who else would do such a thing? Perhaps in her mind, this was her first step toward claiming me as her own.
With a swift motion, I signed the papers and stepped out of the hospital. The sunlight greeted me like an old friend, warm and invigorating. The air was infused with the scent of blooming flowers, a stark contrast to the sterile, antiseptic smell I had grown accustomed to. My wolf stirred within me, stretching and shaking off the remnants of confinement.
I had no intention of rushing back to Mark or lingering near Clara. Until my marriage to Daniel was finalized, I needed my space—a fresh start, even if it was only temporary.
That’s how I found myself checking into a modest hotel in the city. It wasn’t extravagant, but it suited my needs perfectly. Clean sheets, hot water, and a much-needed silence enveloped me—luxuries I hadn’t experienced in weeks. I had been prudent enough to save some money before everything spiraled out of control, and if I managed it wisely, it would carry me through until I figured out my next move.
Later that afternoon, I retrieved my phone and began sifting through my emails. One particular message caught my eye—a reminder for an open audition for a fashion runway. The casting director had even taken the time to leave a personal note, urging me to attend. He had praised my physique, stating that my application had been approved with enthusiasm.
Eve stirred within me, her voice a gentle push. “You’ve always wanted to explore this path. Take the leap. Create something that is truly yours.”
I felt a surge of agreement. For once, I wanted to pursue something that wasn’t entangled with Mark, Clara, or the Carters. Something that belonged solely to me. If anyone could inspire me to take this chance, it was Eve.



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