7. Training the Destiny Slayer

Xander POV

Dawn broke, bringing with it the usual crisp, fresh atmosphere in the territory. Thoughts of the previous day still clung to the air like a thick fog. I stood with the elders, gathered in a circle around the old fire pit where countless significant decisions had been made, none as pivotal as today's.

"Isabelle is still resting, but once she wakes up, I plan on informing her of the importance of her training," I say solemnly to the elders after a thorough discussion of yesterday's events.

Elder Marcellus, the oldest and wisest of us, nodded gravely. "She must understand the power she possesses, and she must be guided. There is no time to waste."

Yesterday, a lot of the pack members witnessed the incredible, blinding power Isabelle wielded. It obliterated a zombie wolf in a second—an achievement that none of our pack had ever managed alone. Seeing how strong her power is, we are now more than determined to help her control this newfound power. 

I turned to Alpha Benjamin. "Father, where do we begin?"

"We start with the lore," he replied. "Isabelle must know the full extent of her role as the Destiny Slayer. Marcellus, you will handle this. Xander, assemble a team to help her harness her power." 

I nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders. I knew the importance of this task, and I was ready to face it head-on.

Isabelle POV

I woke up feeling a strange mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. The events of the previous day played over in my mind like a haunting melody. The light that had erupted from me, the sheer power that had disintegrated the zombie wolf—it was all too much to comprehend. There is a part of me that loves the feeling of being strong and needed for the first in my whole life, but there is a part of me that is scared that I would not be enough. That I would not be able to fulfill the obligations or responsibilities expected of me as the Destiny Slayer. Part of me wants them to be wrong, for me not to be the Destiny Slayer, but the other part wants this life. To be the hero for once, to be seen, to be loved, to be a part of a family, to be an important part of a community.

"Good morning baby. How are you feeling?" Xander came inside the bedroom, carrying a tray of food. I slowly sat up, smiling at him, recognizing the solemn look he had despite the happy smile he presented to me. He is about to talk to me about something serious.

"I brought you breakfast baby, then later, we need to talk." Tiiing! My mind imagined a bell sounding that my guess was correct.

I sat up, taking the blanket off me. "I'll just freshen up. Then we can talk while having breakfast."

...

"We need to train you," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "You have an incredible power within you, but without control, it could be dangerous—for you and everyone around you."

I swallowed hard, my mind still reeling from the reality of everything about me that I never knew before. The freshness of it all making me feel like I was in an apparition. "How do we start?"

"We start with understanding," he replied. "The elders will help you learn about your role as the Destiny Slayer. And I'll be with you every step of the way, helping you master your power."

As we walk to the ancient library deep within the packhouse, I couldn't shake the feeling of dread. What does it mean to be the Destiny Slayer? And how could I possibly live up to such a daunting title?

The library was dimly lit, filled with the scent of old parchment and leather. Elder Marcellus waited for us, surrounded by ancient tomes and scrolls. He motioned for me to sit beside him, his eyes twinkling with a mix of wisdom and curiosity.

"Isabelle," he began, his voice soothing, "your power is not just a random gift. It is part of a prophecy—a legacy that stretches back centuries."

Marcellus unrolled a scroll, its edges frayed with age. "This is the prophecy of the Destiny Slayer, the long-awaited savior of the supernatural realm. It speaks of a time when dark forces would rise, and a chosen one would emerge to confront the Destroyer—a being of immense power and malevolence."

I listened intently as he recounted the ancient words, my heart pounding in my chest. "The Destroyer," he continued, "is a creature born of dark magic, intent on bringing chaos and destruction. The Destiny Slayer is the only destined one to stand against this force, to protect our world from its devastation."

"But why me?" I asked, my voice trembling. "I don't feel powerful. I feel... lost."

Marcellus smiled gently. "Great power often lies dormant, waiting for the right moment to awaken. You have shown incredible strength, Isabelle. Now, you must learn to control it, to use it wisely."

Xander stepped forward, his gaze locked on mine. "We'll train together," he said. "I'll help you harness your power, and the elders will guide you in understanding your destiny."

I nodded, feeling a surge of determination. If this was my destiny, I would face it head-on. I owed it to these people, to my newfound family, to Xander, and myself.

Afterwards, Xander led me to a secluded part of the forest, away from prying eyes. "We'll start with the basics," he said, handing me a small, silver pendant. "This will help you focus your power for now until the time comes that you can do it without."

I took the pendant, feeling its cool weight in my hand. "What do I do?"

"Close your eyes," he instructed. "Focus on the pendant. Feel your energy flowing through it, like a river finding its path."

I did as he said, concentrating on the small object. At first, nothing happened. But as I breathed deeply and let my mind clear, a faint warmth spread through my fingers. The pendant began to glow softly, a pale light emanating from within.

"Good," Xander said, his voice filled with encouragement. "Now, try to direct that energy. Imagine it as a beam of light, strong and controlled."

I focused harder, feeling the warmth intensify all over my body, but concentrating on my hands. A thin beam of light shot from the pendant, illuminating the forest floor. I gasped, almost losing my concentration.

"Keep going baby," Xander urged. "You're doing great."

The light wavered but held steady, a testament to my growing control. As I practiced, I felt a sense of empowerment, a connection to the energy within me that I had never known before.

After hours of training, we returned to the council chamber where the elders awaited us. 

"You've made remarkable progress," Marcellus said, his voice filled with approval. "But there is much more to learn."

Elder Selene, a fierce and wise member of the council, stepped forward. "You must understand the destroyer's origins," she said.

She handed me a weathered book, its cover marked with intricate runes. "This will help you understand its weaknesses. Knowledge is as important as power in this battle."

I took the book, feeling its weight in my hands. "Thank you," I said, my voice resolute. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect everyone."

As we left the council chamber, the weight of my new responsibilities settled over me. But I also felt a glimmer of hope. With Xander by my side and the guidance of the elders, I was ready to embrace my destiny.

Xander POV

I take the ancient book from Isabelle's arms as we walk back to the packhouse, feeling a surge of pride. She is stronger than she knew, and together, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

I mind linked the elders, the officers, and my parents. "She'll be ready," I said, my voice filled with conviction. "We'll make sure of it."

 "We must all help her be ready. The fate of our world depends on it." Everyone agreed with my father. 

And as the sun dipped below the trees, casting long shadows over the packhouse, I knew that our journey was just beginning. But with Isabelle's awakening power and our combined strength, we would stand against the darkness and protect our world from the impending threat.

The destiny slayer had risen, and we would be ready to face whatever came next.