Shadow's POV

I had been so worried about Mia.

Lydia informed me that she did wake up early in the morning but I didn't get to meet her because I was busy with training.

Later I returned and waited for so long while she slept, hoping that she would wake soon but she didn't, and then I had to go for border patrol.

I had hoped I would have talked to her before my border patrol but— I growled with frustration.

I hope she has woken up by now. I grumbled to myself as I ran with inhumane speed to release my pent-up emotions.

Mia's POV

As I walked about, I saw so many different types of beautiful houses, the fresh greenery was a sight to see and I felt so refreshed just by standing here.

I looked toward the forest surrounding the massive land with longing and then realized that it was okay and I could go there without punishment.

The relief that I felt was so profound as my freedom finally started to feel real.

Walking towards it I daydreamed about when I would be able to run in my wolf and human form healthy and fit than ever before.

I sighed wondering if that would be just a dream. No, I would turn it into reality, I don't care how much hard work it takes. I'm going to be the best I can be. And work harder.

Soon enough I entered the woods.

All of my senses were considerably stronger than before, all thanks to my wolf I suppose.

They stole so much from me, and not just me, countless others.

I glared at the ground, I will not let others like me suffer anymore, I will fight for others who need my help until my last breath.

I walked deeper and saw the world with sharper senses that made me realize truly how beautiful it was, and I hadn't even shifted yet.

I felt my heart warm just at the thought of it.

Strangely I noticed the trees thinning and suddenly came across a clearing. Surprised I looked around wondering how this was just there in the middle of the forest.

I decided to sit down feeling tired already.

I got angry at how pathetic I was that walking such a short distance had left me feeling so exhausted.

Just as I was about to drown in a whirlpool of self-hatred, a figure ran past me.

Startled, I jumped up, looking around frantically.

With my heart pounding, I tried to see something, anything, in the trees around me but I couldn't find anything.

Just as I'm about to turn around to make a run for it I see a figure coming from my left where the shadow had seemingly disappeared to.

Shadow's POV

My wolf Elena suddenly chuckled in my head. I stopped running realizing that it was Mia? She was sitting there in the clearing? But....she woke up already? And then I detected the scent of confusion mixed with fear.

My wolf snickered, "We do run quite fast you know, poor Mia must have not been able to follow our movements, she is, after all, is quite weak now. She must have just seen a shadow run past."

She snickered again saying the word shadow.

I sighed exasperatedly, "Yeah, yeah; I earned that name for a reason you know. Let's not keep Mia waiting shall we?"

I walked back towards the clearing that I often came to when I wanted some peace or just some thinking to do. I used this place for a lot of workouts too.

Mia's POV

As I see the figure approach me I soon recognized it as Shadow's, making me sigh with relief.

Jeez, she does live up to her name, doesn't she? I laughed internally wondering if I would get a name like that someday.

She reached me soon enough looking like the beautiful warrior she is.

Her warrior's mark was visible on the area near the top of her right arm. It looked beautiful with intricate swirls going in various directions.

                    Shadow's warrior mark

She had pitch-black hair, and bright green eyes that were glowing even more due to the setting sun, they popped even more due to her pale skin and plain black clothes.

I noticed that she wasn't even breathing heavily, my eyes widened in surprise, I would be panting like a madwoman by now if I ever achieved such speed.

She grinned at me, making me smile in return.

"You do live up to your name you know," I said with admiration and slight humor.

She laughed loudly which had a strange deepness to it.

Oh her wolf must be with her then. I get to meet her wolf too? Amazing!

"Hello, my name is Elena, nice to meet you, Mia." She said cheerfully, confirming my thoughts.

I grinned in return.

"I wanted to thank you and Shadow from the bottom of my heart for what you did for me," I said bowing slightly.

She sighed, held my shoulders, and moved them to look me in the eyes.

Her eyes stop glowing just a little meaning Shadow was in control, "I did what was right and you don't need to thank me for it. And forget about all of that, I consider you my friend and want to get to know you more soon! We are going to be amazing best friends. I and you—" Elena took over mid-sentence and said, "And your wolf and me!!"

I giggled, overjoyed at how kind and welcoming she was.

"Wanna go check out your new room? My shift is already over anyway." She asked excitedly and then added, "Your room is right in front of mine too!"

I grinned, excited that I had already made a friend.

*+=*+=*

All of the pack was utterly magnificent, there were small cottages and houses of various sizes everywhere, but the largest building was the packhouse, it was a freaking mansion!

I stared up at the beautiful architecture. It looked ancient in a way but it also had a touch of modern times too.

Shadow chuckled noticing my bewildered face, "Wait till we go inside."

I followed behind her still gawking.

The main entrance had huge double doors which she pushed open with ease.

My eyes widened in surprise at this. They looked heavy for one person to open them so easily but I guess being a warrior nothing less was to be expected.

Peering in I gasped at the beautiful interior. It all looked so different from my old packhouse.

There were beautiful designs of intricate markings all around in varying warm tones of colors.

The entire packhouse was a combination of various warm colors which made me feel like I was home.

She turned back towards me, "There are three levels, the top most is for the higher ranks for security reasons and warriors." she smirked at me strangely.

I felt like she wanted me to guess something, but I didn't know what. I stared at her dumbly.

And then it clicked; she had said her room was across from mine and she is a warrior.

Woah, wait what!?!?

"B-but...I-"

She giggled, "Oh chill out, I'm pretty sure our Beta Selena must have sensed something powerful about you so it means you have loads of potential of being a true warrior that is probably why you already have a room up there."

My jaws were practically on the floor by now.

Me and Powerful? It's hard to believe but I don't think she would lie. And it must be the Beta's hidden power of some sort.

I felt amazed. At least this is my first step in becoming a warrior.

It felt strange they knew my intentions of becoming one until I remembered alpha Taylor's mind-reading ability.

Suddenly Shadow let out a small shriek and said, "Mia!! We have to get you ready ASAP! It's gonna take hours. Soon the moon will be at its highest. Let's go! Everything is already ready for you. Come on!!!" She grabbed my hand, dragging me to the elevators.

This place had an elevator too?!?

Why am I even surprised at this point.

*+=*+=*

A few minutes later we step out, going through a few hallways we finally reached a wooden door, I guess this was my room.

Shadow strode forward, pushing the particularly large door open.

I stepped in, once again gaping at the huge size.

Will I ever get used to this? Nope, I don't think so.

There was a theme of cream color and dark brown and it had a homey feel to it.

A queen-sized bed was placed smack in the middle of the massive room. It had dark brown sheets with cream-colored patterns on it and light brown and cream-colored pillows.

I wanted to jump in the comfy-looking, fluffy covers right then and there and sleep for a long time.

The walls are a mixture of light brown and cream.

I noticed a window a few distances ahead of me, the beautiful woods were visible from there.

There was another door towards my left which I guess led to the bathroom. And a large vanity with a huge mirror was on my right, near it was another door which I guess was the closet.

It all looked amazing. I couldn't believe this was where I would be living from now on.

I sighed. My life had changed a lot in the span of a few days.

"Wait here, let me get the bath started first," said Shadow moving towards the door which I had guessed was the bathroom.

"No! Let me do it!" I shrieked, running towards where she was headed to.

She sighed, "Mia, I want to do it okay? Tonight is your night. You are getting accepted into the pack after all and you deserve it. Go on, sit there on the bed and wait."

I looked at her with uncertainty.

She nodded towards the bed once again.

I felt uneasiness, no one ever did anything for me. I was supposed to be doing things for others.

After a few more seconds of reluctance, I admitted defeat and went and sat down.

My thoughts went to Sky, she was such a kind female, always making sure I got as little work as possible on particularly bad days. She had been an omega her entire life and had gone through many hardships, yet she tried her best to make others happy.

It didn't make sense to me how she had such motivation to help others, but I was grateful nonetheless.

I was always left in the same rotting prison after yet another whipping or torture session and she would be there to take care of me.

I would barely be able to stand after and she knew that—she would take me to the pack doctor, who hated my guts but allowed her to lay me on the bed and treat me.

The doctor himself would never come near me, he just gave the gauzes and supplies necessary to clean up my wounds and stitch them.

Sky was exceptionally good at it too, most likely because she had to treat herself countless times.

I liked her name too, it reminded me of how freedom where so many creatures could fly, flapping their wings without a care in the world.

My thoughts were interrupted as she came out soon enough, smiling at me.

I unintentionally smiled back sadly.

I hoped she didn't notice but the sudden frown on her face said otherwise.

I clear my throat, standing up.

She walked over to me and said, "Alright off you go, you can bathe by yourself, right? Or should I-"

I gasped at her bluntness and suddenly cut her off, "Yes, of course, I can, I'm going!"

She chuckled heartily whilst I jogged towards the bathroom in a hurry.

I stared wide-eyed. It was massive. Bigger than the old room or well shack I used to live in.

I walked in slowly, looking around in wonder.

Coming out of my shock, I turned around and closed the door; locking it.

I turned back towards the bath, noticing it was filled up entirely and seemed to be scented of Jasmine and honey.

I couldn't believe I'm getting treated in such a way here.

I got rid of my clothes. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I hurried over to the bath and put my legs in one after the other, and settled down.

The water was just the right temperature, I hummed in satisfaction.

I was so used to the cold harsh water that this felt heavenly.

I looked over to the small shelf which contained soap and other bodily necessities.

I never imagined I would be using such things, I used to always keep check that they never got out of stock for the Luna and other females in my old pack but never thought I would one day get to use them for myself.

I knew for a fact that the higher ranks had branded and high-quality products whereas the lower ones like me used some nameless soap that was harsh on our skin.

With trembling hands, I picked one up, genuinely feeling like I didn't deserve to use such costly things but remembering that Shadow was outside waiting I started scrubbing using my body.

Shadow's POV

With excitement running through my veins I walked towards the closet.

I couldn't wait to see Mia in the dress I picked out for her.

I wondered how she would react knowing it was a walk-in closet. I grinned to myself.

She didn't have any clothes so I got her a dress which was a bit loose-fitting so she felt comfortable.

I'm pretty sure that's what she would want anyways. But it would change soon, I will help her throughout and make her realize how amazing she is and how she should be proud of her scars.

I could see it in her eyes, she hated herself.

I would of course know because I too had been there before.

The scars she had may look horrid but they showed that she survived all that, they showed just how much of an actual warrior she was, they showed how strong she is.

She needed to realize it is all, and I will make sure to help her do so.

Hearing the lock open I turned towards it.

Mia's POV

I felt my cheeks heating up as I opened the door.

I didn't have any clothes with me so I had to wrap the towel around myself. It felt weird. I knew the hospital gown was dirty since I went in the forest and the clothes I wore before exposed a lot of my skin but still, this made me feel uncomfortable.

I looked up at Shadow staring at me and felt my blush deepen. "Umm I don't have any other clothes and those weren't that clean-" she cut me off chuckling, "Of course, you don't have any clothes, here wear this," She said handing me one of the prettiest dresses I have ever seen.

I gasped, "This is for me?" I asked looking at it in disbelief.

It was a white and silver-colored, half-sleeved dress that looked like it would reach below my knees. It had beautiful silver swirls in it and it looked very comfortable. The sleeves were large and cut beautifully too.

It was simple yet elegant.

"Go, put it on already," said Shadow grinning at me.

I went back in the bathroom still in shock at how beautiful it looked, putting it on I came back out.

Shadow gasped and looked me over with admiration in her eyes.

I looked back at her nervously.

Suddenly she ran over to me with her awesome speed making me shriek.

She laughed, covering my eyes she said, "Come here, baby steps." while moving me forward.

We stopped and she said, "Ready....1....2...3!"

I opened my eyes and gasped.

This dress was beautiful. I didn't have words to describe it.

I can't believe such a beautiful dress was actually for me. And for the first time, I didn't feel ashamed of exposing my skin.

The dress reached right below my knees, there were many scars visible on both my arms, legs, and neck but I ignored them not wanting to sour my mood.

Shadow giggled with delight, "I knew it would look great on you." and then continued, "Alright now all we need to do is add a touch of makeup and fix your hair."

*+=*+=*

I sat there, anxious, wondering about how I looked.

I had never applied make on myself in my entire life. 

I knew she said it would be light but for me, it was still a huge thing. I will admit, being an omega I knew how to do a lot of things, including makeup, cooking, cleaning, etc as I was after all the personal maid of the Luna, I just never thought someone else would apply makeup on me.

Having my eyes closed the entire time I felt light touches on my face here and there. It felt a bit ticklish.

I wondered what my wolf would look like and what her name would be. At that thought, I felt emotions of proudness and excitement once again.

I smiled and whispered, "Yes, I can't wait to meet you too." 

Hello Shadowlinks!

I know it's a bit boring but these chapters are necessary for the setup of the whole story.

I promise you'll be getting a lot of excitement and action soon (;