Forbidden Paths and Wooden Secrets

 After some time had passed, the others came rushing to join us.

"What are we going to do?!" Caytln's voice trembled with worry.

"I am going to meet with the werewolves," I stated firmly.

"Have you lost your mind?!" Jake's voice thundered.

"I will avenge my mother. This might also lead to finding a way to finally end Vincent and Xander," I asserted.

"This information could be false, Jess. How did Intels even discover that the werewolves knew something about your mother's death or Xander and Vincent? It could be a trap," Jake countered.

"We'll discuss it later," I dismissed, waving them off. I felt drained, everything was happening too fast, overwhelming me with conflicting thoughts.

Once they had all left, I urged Dylan to rest, knowing he was still regaining his strength.

Seeking solace, I hurried to find Hilda amidst the voices and emotions that surrounded me. Her serene aura guided me deep into the garden.

There she sat among the wooden figures, eyes closed, humming a soft melody that infused the air with tranquility.

"What troubles you, child?" she asked without opening her eyes.

"Who are these people?" I asked, awe evident as I traced my fingers over the carefully crafted wooden figures.

One figure stood out—a woman, tall and commanding, hands raised as if guiding others, her features sharply defined. Even as a mere wooden figure, her captivating beauty emanated. I wondered about the color of her eyes and hair.

Hilda's watchful eyes met mine. "They are the brave souls who sacrificed themselves for us. They are the reason we still exist today."

"Who is she?" I inquired, pointing at the commanding figure.

"Our mother. The creator of our kind, Mother Eve."

Shock coursed through me. I hadn't disclosed what Vincent had revealed about my origin—about an 'Eve' being my mother. Could this be her?

I searched for resemblances, finding some—her nose mirrored mine, as did her finely shaped face, though her beauty surpassed mine, captured even in this wooden figure.

Hilda observed me keenly. "What troubles you, miss?"

Surprised by her perception, I hesitated, wondering if my scrutiny of the figures had betrayed my secret.

"Your eyes speak volumes. What's troubling you?" she gently pressed.

I joined her, sitting ungracefully, tucking my legs beneath my dress. "Hilda, I'm uncertain about my impending decision. I want to avenge my mother and end Vincent and Xander. I could focus on finding Vincent and Xander or solely seek revenge, endangering everyone. The werewolves claim to hold answers, but it's forbidden to engage with them, and we're unsure if they're trustworthy. It could be a trap, and I might face consequences. Or I could abandon this path and seek other solutions. I'm torn, afraid of the repercussions if I meet them."

"Sometimes, forbidden paths reveal enlightening destinations. Embrace shadows cautiously; they might hold the keys to illuminate the darkest truths," she offered, locking her gaze with mine.