The early morning sun cast a golden glow over the open plains as Elara and Caelan set out from the Whispering Woods.

The memories of the forest lingered in their minds, but the vast expanse before them offered a new sense of freedom and possibility. The grasslands stretched out in all directions, dotted with wildflowers and the occasional cluster of trees.

Their journey led them along a meandering river, its waters sparkling in the sunlight.

The gentle sound of the flowing water provided a soothing backdrop as they walked, the tranquility of the plains a stark contrast to the dense, mysterious woods they had left behind.

Elara's thoughts drifted back to the revelations of the Whispering Woods.

The visions she had seen, the emotions she had confronted, all felt like a distant echo now. Yet, they had given her a newfound clarity and strength.

"Do you think we'll ever be truly free of our pasts?" Elara asked, her voice thoughtful as they walked beside the river.

Caelan looked at her, his expression contemplative. "Our pasts are part of who we are. We can't change them, but we can choose how they shape our future. We can find a way to live with them, to let them guide us without holding us back."

Elara nodded, finding comfort in his words. "You're right. It's about finding a way to live with our pasts, to use them to grow and become stronger."

As they followed the river, they came across a small fishing village. The village was bustling with activity, the villagers going about their daily routines with a sense of purpose and contentment. The air was filled with the scent of fresh fish and the sound of laughter.

"We should rest here for a while," Caelan suggested. "We've been through a lot. We could use a break."

Elara agreed, feeling a sense of relief at the prospect of a brief respite. They made their way to a small inn by the riverbank, where they were greeted warmly by the innkeeper and shown to a cozy room overlooking the water.

The inn was a haven of peace and comfort, a welcome change from the hardships of their journey. Elara and Caelan spent the afternoon exploring the village, enjoying the simple pleasures of village life. They watched the fishermen bring in their catches, chatted with the villagers, and even helped with some of the daily tasks.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the village, Elara and Caelan sat by the river, watching the water flow by.

The peacefulness of the moment was a stark contrast to the turmoil they had experienced in the Whispering Woods.

"Do you ever think about what might have been?" Elara asked, her voice quiet.

Caelan glanced at her, his expression serious. "Sometimes. But I try not to dwell on it. The past is done. We can't change it, but we can learn from it and move forward."

Elara nodded, appreciating his perspective. "You're right. We can't change the past, but we can choose how we let it affect us."

As they sat by the river, Elara found herself thinking about her future.

The memories of her past were still fresh in her mind, but she felt a sense of clarity and purpose. She had faced her fears, confronted her past, and found the strength to move forward.

"Caelan," she said, her voice thoughtful. "What do you see in our future?"

Caelan looked at her, his expression filled with warmth and determination. "I see a future where we're free to live our lives on our own terms. A future where we've overcome our challenges and found peace and happiness."

Elara smiled, feeling a sense of hope and optimism. "I see that too. And I believe we can make it happen."

"Yes, we can," he said softly gazing at her. She was beautiful, very striking in fact. I wish we could stay like this forever, just the two of us. Free from everything.

They sat in silence for a while, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the river.

Suddenly, the peaceful scene was shattered.

From the dense underbrush, a pack of rogue wolves emerged with frightening speed and ferocity. Their eyes gleamed with a predatory hunger, and their growls reverberated through the air, breaking the calm of the evening.

"Get back, Elara!" Caelan shouted, drawing his sword in a fluid motion. His eyes scanned the pack, assessing their numbers and movements.

The wolves closed in, their snarls and bared teeth creating an atmosphere of palpable danger. Caelan moved with precision and strength, his sword slicing through the air as he fended off the attackers.

He was a whirlwind of action, each strike meant to protect Elara from the advancing predators.

Elara tried to help, grabbing a sturdy branch from the ground and using it as a makeshift weapon. She swung at the wolves, but the pack was relentless, their aggression unyielding. The nightmarish growls and snapping jaws filled the air, creating a cacophony of chaos.

One wolf, larger and more menacing than the others, lunged at Elara with terrifying speed.

She barely had time to react as it sank its teeth into her arm, tearing through flesh and sending her crashing to the ground. The pain was intense, a searing fire that made her gasp and cry out.

"Elara!" Caelan's voice was a raw shout of anguish as he fought desperately to reach her. His movements were fueled by a primal need to protect her, each strike of his sword fiercer and more determined.

He reached Elara just as another wolf was about to pounce on her. With a powerful swing, Caelan drove the wolf back, its body hitting the ground with a thud. He dropped to his knees beside Elara, his eyes wide with horror as he saw the extent of her injuries.

"Elara, stay with me!" Caelan pleaded, his voice trembling with fear.

He gently lifted her in his arms, his hands covered in blood as he assessed her wounds. Her arm was torn, and her face was pale with pain.

"I'm here," she whispered, her voice weak but filled with warmth. "Just help me."

Caelan's heart ached as he tore a strip of cloth from his tunic and began to bandage her arm, his hands shaking uncontrollably. The bandages were applied with hurried but careful movements, trying to stem the flow of blood and provide some semblance of relief.

The wolves had been driven off, their howls fading into the distance. The clearing was left in eerie silence, the aftermath of the battle a grim reminder of their vulnerability.

Caelan scooped Elara into his arms, his face set with a grim determination.

"I need to get you to a healer," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "You're going to be okay. I won't let anything happen to you."

With every step, his resolve grew stronger, but his heart was heavy with fear. He carried her back towards the village, each movement a struggle as he fought against the rising tide of desperation and worry.

As they reached the village, the sight of the healer's hut was a beacon of hope. The villagers quickly gathered, guiding them to the healer who worked with swift, practiced efficiency. Caelan stood anxiously outside the hut, his heart pounding as he waited for news.

After what felt like an eternity the healer finally emerged, her face a mask of calm reassurance. "She'll be fine," she said. "The wounds are serious, but she's strong. She needs rest and care."

Caelan exhaled, a wave of relief washing over him. "Thank you," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper.

He returned to Elara's side, holding her hand as she slept. The worry etched into his features was softened only by the gentle rise and fall of her breathing. The pain he felt was a testament to how deeply he cared for her.

"How do I live? How do I live without you?" he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I can't imagine a world where you're not here."

Elara stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Her gaze met his, and though her voice was weak, there was a glimmer of the strength he loved so dearly.

"Caelan," she murmured, "I'm still here. Just stay with me."

He nodded, his heart swelling with a fierce protectiveness. "I will. I'm not going anywhere. I promise."

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Hello everyone!!

A gentle reminder, this book is written for AprilJester's TEGSA. Thank you so much for hosting this. 

Chapter 7, inspired by LeAnn Rimes' "How Do I Live," explores themes of love, vulnerability, and the depth of emotional connection in the face of danger. 

The idyllic setting of the riverbank and the peaceful village is starkly contrasted by the sudden and brutal attack of the rogue wolves, amplifying the sense of peril and urgency. 

Caelan's desperate plea, "How do I live? How do I live without you?" echoes the song's poignant lyrics, highlighting the profound impact Elara's presence has on him. 

With that said don't forget to comment and press the cute ⭐ button!! This would mean a lot to me.

Warm regards,

Lupe

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