**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 147**
The wolf remained still for several moments, enveloped in a thick silence that Talya had grown accustomed to. She continued her steady pace, her feet crunching softly against the forest floor, while the wolf trotted alongside her, a steadfast companion in the tranquil morning light. “You see, Talya,” he began, his voice deep and resonant, “you are a precious gift, and a precious gift must be safeguarded, shielded from those who would seek to steal or diminish its value.”
A frown creased Talya’s brow as she processed his words. “Why me? I’m really nothing special. What makes me a gift?” she questioned, her tone tinged with confusion and self-doubt.
The wolf’s gaze was unwavering. “You are one of four gifts bestowed upon the Northwoods pack,” he declared, his tone firm yet gentle.
“Four?” Talya echoed, her curiosity piqued. “What are the other gifts?”
“Not what, but who,” he corrected her, his eyes glinting with a wisdom that seemed to transcend mere words.
“Who are the other gifts?” Talya pressed, her heart racing at the thought of belonging to something larger than herself.
“One is already among the Northwoods Pack,” the wolf replied, pausing as if weighing his next words. “As for the others…” His voice trailed off, leaving a tantalizing silence in its wake.
“What do you mean?” Talya urged, her interest growing. “Why were werewolves created?”
The wolf turned to face her, his expression solemn. “From the dawn of time, there has existed an imbalance in the universe. For every flicker of good, there lurks a shadow of evil. Good and evil have been locked in a perpetual struggle. Thousands of years ago, evil triumphed with the emergence of the first vampires. Without a counterbalance, darkness would have prevailed. Thus, to combat this new breed of malevolence, a new race of protectors was born—the werewolves.”
“So, werewolves were created to keep vampires at bay?” Talya asked, her mind racing. “But who was behind their creation?”
The wolf inclined his head slightly, a knowing look passing between them. In that moment, Talya felt a stirring within her, an undeniable truth surfacing in her heart. “You did,” she whispered, the realization washing over her like a warm tide.
“My wolves have strayed from their path. They have forgotten the purpose of their existence. Their kind has been in decline; in their fear, they have withdrawn from the world. They have ceased to battle the darkness, no longer safeguarding the balance of good. It is time for them to awaken and remember why they were brought into being. The gifts I am bestowing upon them will aid in this noble cause,” the wolf asserted, his voice filled with a fierce determination.
Taking a deep breath, Talya felt a weight settle on her shoulders. “I’ll be honest with you. That doesn’t sound very encouraging,” she admitted, her brow furrowed with concern.
The wolf’s silence stretched on, heavy with unspoken truths. “I did not create this race merely for their enjoyment or for them to live for themselves. They were forged for a purpose. True fulfillment comes when they embrace that purpose, regardless of how daunting it may appear. Talya, the journey ahead will not be easy. But remember, anything worth achieving for the greater good rarely is,” he cautioned, his gaze piercing yet compassionate.
Though Talya yearned to ask more questions, she held her tongue, allowing the silence to linger. Eventually, the wolf spoke again, his voice steady. “I have already gifted the Northwoods Alpha with the Finder. She has begun guiding the males in their search for their mates. You must encourage her to persevere. The Alpha harbors fears for her safety, but he need not worry; she is under my protection. You, Talya, have been gifted to the Beta. You are the Dreamer. Your gift lies in your connection to me. You will serve as my voice to my wolves, the ones who have forgotten their purpose. Your task is to guide them back to their rightful path.”
“Who are the other two gifts?” Talya asked, her courage rising to the occasion.
“They will reveal themselves in due time. Your immediate responsibility is to convey my messages to my wolves. The Northwoods Pack stands as the largest of all. They will take the lead in restoring the wolves to their true calling.”
“Of course,” he replied, carrying her with care. He set her down gently, his eyes filled with warmth. “Be careful,” he warned, before stepping back to give her space.
Talya managed to navigate her morning routine—brushing her teeth, taming her hair into a ponytail, and feeling a small sense of normalcy return. “Liam,” she called out, and he was there in an instant.
“Here,” he said, handing her a cozy black sweatshirt. “Just throw this over your pajamas, and you’ll be all set.”
“We’re just going there and right back, right?” Talya confirmed, a hint of nervousness in her tone.
He nodded, helping her pull the sweatshirt over her head. A smile broke across his face as he saw her dressed and ready. He lifted her again, cradling her as he carried her through the house and out to the car. Wyatt and Steven were already inside, waiting for them. Liam settled her into the backseat, and Talya gazed out the window, lost in thought during the short drive.
When they arrived at the clinic, Liam carried her inside, his concern palpable. “You okay?” he asked, glancing down at her with a furrowed brow. “You’re really quiet.”
Talya met his gaze, her heart pounding. “I need to talk to you,” she said, her voice steady yet urgent.
His steps faltered, and he looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and worry. “What’s wrong?” he asked, sensing the gravity of her words.

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