VALERIE'S POV

Sitting on a bench in the garden near my father's house, a place that I consider my personal paradise, there is a peacefulness that I cannot fully explain. 

This is the spot where I can truly be myself, free from any reminders of my destined role as the next leader of the city's wolf hunters.

I frequently come to this beautiful garden to clear my mind, and it also serves as a reminder of the cherished memories I shared with my father before his passing. 

However, on this particular occasion, I am reminded of the time when I found myself in danger in the woods, only to be rescued by the very creature that I have been trained to hunt my entire life - wolves.

I had fallen off a cliff, with no one around to save me, but unexpectedly, a wolf appeared before me. Even after all these years, I can never forget the captivating charm of that wolf.

 At that moment, I believed it would be the end of me, but miraculously, I was saved. Since then, my perspective towards wolves has drastically changed.

"Valerie, Valerie"

Ohh that's my name, I suddenly snapped back to reality from my deep thoughts.

 “that must be Leo" I said to myself 

“Finally, there you are”, Leo breathing out as a sign of relief.

“Leo, you know this is my favourite spot and it feels like heaven here ,you know that right”?

We looked at each other and smiled.

 “Leo, what if there's still good in them? I mean wolves, what if they just want to survive and live among us humans ? or what if they're protecting themselves from us humans”?

“Valerie, it's a lie they killed your father. They are not good people”.

"Yes, I am aware, but... You know what, let's just forget about it”. I rolled my eyes, knowing that he wouldn't comprehend.

I had intended to keep discussing it with him, but I realised he wouldn't understand my point of view, so I decided to end the conversation.

"Valerie, hurry up! The time for your coronation is almost here."

“Oh, right! I completely forgot”, as I burst into laughter.

So we hurried back to the house to ensure we would arrive on time for the coronation.

We encountered my mother near the entrance. When we got there she embraced me tightly while uttering these words.

“Your father's desires align with this. It is important for you to let go of your beliefs about wolves being benevolent and fulfil your responsibilities. The council now regards you highly”.

 There was a terrifying expression in her eyes and at that particular moment, I had no intention of disappointing her.

The hour of the ceremony had arrived, and all the wolf hunters had gathered, their eyes brimming with hope and anticipation.

Led by my mother, I stood before them, my nerves threatening to betray me. 

Yet, amidst the sea of expectant faces, I found solace in the memory of my father.

 It was from his unwavering strength that I drew my own courage, determined to honour his legacy and prove myself worthy of the position he had left behind.

In ancient Greece, amidst the mystical aura, the illustrious sorceress Salma concocted a potion of immense power, which she graciously presented to me. 

My hands trembled with anticipation as I glanced at my mother, whose approving nod signalled that it was safe to partake.

Surrounded by a gathering of valiant wolf hunters, I raised the elixir to my lips and drank the potion Salma had given to me.

It had this weird taste that almost made me throw up.

While squeezing my face like I had tasted soar lime,

"All hail Valeria, all hail Valeria, all hail Valeria!" echoed the resounding chorus of voices, paying homage to me as their leader. 

Now, as the leader of the wolf hunters, it was my time to address them.

"Brothers and sisters, I am aware that I cannot fill the shoes of my father. I may not meet your lofty expectations, but I pledge to serve with unwavering dedication and eradicate every wolf that plagues this town”. 

“Let us raise our glasses in a toast to my father, Luis Alejandro."

To Luis Alejandro... as our goblets clinked together in a celebratory gesture.

Suddenly, Leo approached me with a beaming smile, acknowledging the power of my words. 

 "I have come to rescue you," he whispered, recognizing my weariness and longing for an escape.

Leo has always been a significant presence in my life as he shared my mother's attention with me. 

Unfortunately, Leo's mother passed away during childbirth, leaving him alone with his father. Mr. Santiago, Leo's father, never remarried, as he believed Leo's mother was his one true love and could never be replaced.

 Mr. Santiago and my father have been close friends for a long time. 

Due to the close bond between Leo and me, our parents always assumed that we would eventually become a couple. However, the truth is that I have never viewed Leo in a romantic way. 

"He would have been filled with pride, his deepest desire finally realised... the day his beloved daughter steps into his shoes and carries forward his extraordinary legacy."

But what if that's not my own heart's longing?

Fear not, Valerie, for I have faith in your ability to conquer this challenge.

Just as we were engrossed in our conversation, my mother entered the room unexpectedly.

"Valerie, there you are! I have been searching for you. Remember, the guests have come to witness your triumph. You cannot disappear from sight, and you know that, Leo ."

Returning to the grand hall, I encountered Leo's father in the corridor.

Greetings, Mr. Santiago,

“Valerie, allow me to introduce you to some of your father's esteemed colleagues.”

As we made our way, I caught a glimpse of an unfamiliar face, but my attention was swiftly captured by Mr Santiago's presence. When I turned back, the mysterious man had vanished into thin air.

The ceremony reached its conclusion, and I found myself lying on my bed, lost in a sea of thoughts, gazing at the ceiling. 

Yet, a sense of relief washed over me as the day finally came to an end.

It had been a fortnight since my coronation and life had seemingly returned to its mundane rhythm. 

As I sat outside, basking in the gentle breeze, my ey

es caught sight of Leo making his way towards me.