The Lightning Wolf Chronicles (Evelyn and Nadia) novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21: We Just Want to Talk

Evelyn’s POV

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20

I walked through Silver Pines, my wet clothes clinging uncomfortably to my skin. The night wind cut through the fabric, but I barely

noticed. The storm raging inside me was way worse than any chill.

Finally saying all that stuff out loud should’ve felt good, but instead I just felt… empty. Like I’d ripped open something that was supposed

to stay buried.

Why did I have to say all that?

Because you’re tired, my wolf whispered back. Tired of carrying it alone.

When I reached our house, I slipped through the back door. The kitchen was dark except for moonlight streaming through the windows. I

made it to my room, locked the door, and slid down against it.

All that strength I’d forced myself to show completely crumbled. Tears hit like a damn broke.

I crawled onto my bed without even changing, curling up under the covers. The pillow got soaked fast, but I didn’t care. Years of buried

anger, sadness, loneliness it all came flooding out at once.

Their faces kept flashing through my mind. The shock, the guilt… After so long being invisible, suddenly having all that attention felt

overwhelming.

Exhaustion finally won. I passed out still crying, my consciousness fading into restless dreams.

I woke up at 4:15 AM with a killer headache. My throat felt raw, the pillow was drenched, and my face was sticky with dried tears,

Sitting up made me dizzy, I’d cried too hard and now I was paying for it. But weirdly, that crushing weight in my chest felt a little lighter.

Time for a run, I thought. Like always.

That’s when someone knocked softly on my door.

“Evie?” Elliot’s voice, quiet and careful. You awake?”

My whole body tensed. Why was he here this early?

“Could you come run with me?” His voice had this pleading edge. “I… I need to talk to you.”

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11:35 Thu, Jan 8 M.

Chapter 21: We Just Want to Talk

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I hugged my knees tight, burying my face. Fresh tears started up. Why now? Why when I felt so raw?

The silence stretched forever. I thought he’d left, but then I heard a deep sigh.

880

His footsteps moved away, then the front door closed softly. The house went quiet again except for my muffled sobs.

I dragged myself to the bathroom. The mirror showed exactly what I expected red, swollen eyes, messy hair, skin like a ghost. This was

the real me. The broken version I usually kept hidden.

Cold water helped a little. I brushed my teeth and tried to look less like death, but nothing could hide the damage.

After changing into running gear, I checked the hallway. Dad’s door was still closed – he wasn’t up yet. The kitchen was empty. Elliot had

really left.

I grabbed an apple and planned a new route while I ate. Couldn’t use the old paths anymore – might run into them there. Silver Pines was

huge. There had to be other places.

The morning air felt thick with dew. I started jogging, deliberately picking a trail I rarely used. More rugged here, but also more isolated.

You’re running away, my wolf said.

I just need space. My pace picked up automatically. Last night was enough.

They care about you.

What’s the point now? The words came out bitter. Where were they before?

I ran deeper into Silver Pines where the trees were thicker and dawn couldn’t break through. The darkness felt safe – nobody could see me

falling apart here.

After twenty minutes, my breathing steadied. Exercise always helped, focusing on physical stuff instead of emotional chaos,

Then I heard footsteps. Not just one person at least six from the sound. My heart rate spiked, but not from running.

–

They’d found me. Even changing routes hadn’t worked.

Three left, two right, one ahead, my wolf warned. They’re surrounding us.

running hard.

I held my breath and squeezed my eyes shut. Those footsteps stopped right outside my door and stayed there forever.

Finally, a knock.

‘Evie?’ He sounded winded. “You awake?’

I bit my lip, staying silent. He’d probably found something – my clothes, that silver-blue wolf. But I wasn’t ready for this conversation.

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Chapter 21. We Just Want to Talk

The hallway went quiet. Then I heard it the doorknob turning.

Panic shot through me. I bolted upright. ‘Elliot! I just woke up, I’m getting dressed!”

The turning stopped immediately.

Ob… sorry.” Embarrassment in his voice, but something else too. Understanding. “Come to the kitchen when you’re ready. I just wanna

talk

His footsteps moved away, I collapsed back on the bed, breathing hard.

Maybe they figured it out, my wolf said. But at least you don’t have to carry it alone anymore.

I’m not ready, I shot back. I never said anything before, and I don’t want to now.

Taking a shaky breath, I got up and headed for the bathroom. Whatever was coming next, I at least needed to wash off the dirt and

exhaustion first.

Hot water poured down, washing away my last defenses. Time to face whatever was waiting for me.

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11:36 Thu, Jan 8 M

The Lightning Wolf Chronicles