The Day He Forgot He Hated Me by Evangeline Marrow 111 Summary
In “The Day He Forgot He Hated Me,” the atmosphere within the packhouse shifts dramatically after a significant bonding event, leaving a heavy sense of unease among the characters. Arlo, now marked by a silver symbol on his wrist, sits in solitude, grappling with the changes brought on by the bond. His friends, Asher and others, observe him with concern, recognizing that while he remains Arlo, there is an unsettling presence within him, hinting at the shadow that threatens to reclaim him. The tension is palpable, as they all feel the weight of the bond and its implications.
As the day unfolds, the group’s interactions are filled with apprehension. Gage and Lilly, once playful, now carry a serious demeanor, reflecting the gravity of the situation. Arlo admits to feeling restless, haunted by whispers of cold and anger that he cannot fully comprehend. Dennis warns that the bond they created has stabilized him for the moment, but if the shadow returns, it will not only target Arlo but also threaten the entire group. This revelation intensifies their determination to protect him, reinforcing their sense of family and unity.
The emotional turmoil deepens as Arlo struggles with his fears of harming others if the shadow reemerges. The bond they share is both a source of strength and a reminder of the lurking danger, creating a complex dynamic among the characters. As they spend time together, the bond is tested, and moments of vulnerability arise, particularly between Arlo and the narrator, who offers reassurance and support. The atmosphere remains tense, with the characters acutely aware of the impending threat, leading to discussions about training and preparing for the shadow’s inevitable return.
As night falls, the mood shifts to one of cautious hope. Arlo’s silver mark pulses gently, symbolizing their connection and the strength of their bond. The group resolves to train harder, understanding that their unity is their best defense against the darkness that looms. The narrator’s determination to protect Arlo solidifies their commitment to face whatever challenges lie ahead, highlighting the fragile yet powerful nature of their relationships. The story closes with a sense of foreboding, as the characters brace themselves for the trials to come, knowing that the shadow is patient and will return.
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**The Day He Forgot He Hated Me**
The packhouse felt strangely altered in the wake of the bond, a shift palpable even in the brightness of day. The light seemed less vibrant, as if a shroud of gloom had settled over everything. The air was thick with the lingering scents of burnt candles and aged wood, mingling with the faint, acrid tang of sweat that still clung to the walls from the tumultuous night before.
Arlo sat in solitude at the edge of the training field, his posture defeated, shoulders hunched as he stared intently at his hands. The faint silver mark etched on his wrist glimmered softly, pulsing rhythmically like a heartbeat, a sign of something significant that was now a part of him. It felt eerie, out of place—not just for him but for anyone in the pack.
I lingered a few steps away, standing beside Asher, allowing him the space to process. Words were unnecessary; we simply observed, the weight of the moment hanging heavily in the air.
“He’s… different,” Asher finally murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “The bond did something to him. It saved him from the shadow, but it also… changed him.”
I nodded slowly, a sense of unease creeping into my chest. “I can feel it too. He’s still Arlo, but there’s something else lurking within him now.”
Just then, Gage and Lilly emerged from the packhouse together. Gage had his arm draped protectively around Lilly’s shoulder, but the usual laughter was conspicuously absent. Instead, a serious tension had replaced the joy that had once filled the air. Lilly, despite her usual sweetness, appeared as though she had been running through the dark all night, her eyes wide and alert.
“Did you manage to sleep at all?” Gage asked Arlo gently, his tone softening as he approached.
Arlo hesitated, rubbing his wrists almost nervously. The silver lines beneath his skin pulsed faintly, a silent reminder of the bond. “A little,” he finally replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “But it keeps me awake… like it’s whispering.”
Asher’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing with concern. “Whispering what?”
“I don’t know,” Arlo confessed, his voice trembling. “I can’t make out the words, just feelings. Cold… hungry… angry.”
A lump formed in my throat as I recalled the sensation that had washed over me during the bonding. It was the shadow’s energy, still clinging to him, attempting to reclaim its hold.
Just then, Dennis appeared behind us, his face etched with worry. “I’ve been keeping an eye on him,” he said quietly, his voice heavy with concern. “The bond you created has stabilized him for now, but he’s not out of danger. That mark… it’s unique. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s stronger than yours, and it links him to the rest of you permanently.”
“What does that mean?” I asked, my heart racing as I felt a tightening in my chest.
“It means,” Dennis said slowly, as if weighing his words carefully, “that if the shadow returns, it will target the bond. It won’t just go after him. It will come for all of you.”
I glanced at Asher, whose jaw was clenched tight, hands balled into fists. “We’ll be ready,” he declared, more to himself than to me, determination lacing his voice.
Arlo lifted his gaze, his gray eyes softening as he spoke, “I… I don’t want to hurt anyone. Not now. Not ever.”
“You won’t,” I assured him firmly, my voice steady. “We’re not going to let that happen. You’re part of this family now. You’re bonded to us.”
A small, weak smile appeared on his lips. “Thanks.”
The rest of the morning passed in a quiet haze as we observed him. I remained close, my hand brushing against his occasionally, a silent reminder that the bond was real, that he wasn’t alone in this. Asher stood beside me, his presence protective yet silent.
Gage and Lilly were harder to read. They trained together, but the playful energy that once defined their interactions had vanished. Gage kept glancing at Arlo, his energy flickering with concern whenever Arlo moved or twitched. Lilly stayed close, but her eyes roamed the field and the shadows of the forest beyond, alert and calculating.
Asher leaned in closer, his voice low. “We still don’t know why she’s back. Do you trust her?”
I shook my head, my instincts flaring. “No. But she hasn’t done anything yet. We have to wait and watch.”
Gage approached us, wiping sweat from his forehead. “She’s not doing anything wrong. You need to stop looking at her like she’s a threat.”
I shot him a glare, frustration bubbling inside me. “I’m not staring. I’m protecting Arlo. And you. And everyone.”
He laughed, though it didn’t reach his eyes, a hollow sound that echoed in the air. “Fine. But don’t make it personal.”
Asher shot me a sidelong glance, his expression serious. “It’s always personal.”
The afternoon dragged on, the training continuing but the atmosphere heavier than usual, as if an unseen weight pressed down on us all.
Even the younger wolves cast wary glances at Arlo’s silver mark. Some wore expressions of nervousness, others curiosity, and a few were simply afraid. I couldn’t blame them—I felt it too.
Later, I found Arlo alone in the library, flipping through his notes, though his eyes seemed distant, unfocused. He kept rubbing his wrist, the silver mark pulsing faintly beneath his touch.
“You need to stop scratching,” I said softly, settling down beside him.
“I can’t,” he admitted, frustration evident in his voice. “It itches… burns… it feels alive.”
I reached for his hand, intertwining my fingers with his. “It is alive. But it’s tied to us now. We’re stronger than whatever’s inside you.”
He shook his head, doubt clouding his features. “I hope you’re right. I can feel it watching, even when I close my eyes.”
I wrapped my arm around him, pulling him close. “Then we’ll make sure it doesn’t watch for long. We’ll control it, together.” For a brief moment, he leaned against me, and I couldn’t help but notice how small and vulnerable he appeared. He was not accustomed to being protected, yet now he had three of us surrounding him, energies intertwined in a bond that was stronger than anything the shadow could throw at us.
I contemplated the fragile nature of the bond we had forged. Yes, it was delicate, but it also represented our greatest strength. We had saved him once, and I believed we could do it again.
Asher appeared behind us, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “He’s holding on,” he said quietly, his voice laced with concern. “But if the shadow comes back… it won’t be gentle.”
“I know,” I replied, determination rising within me. “But neither will we.”
Dinner that night was subdued, a stark contrast to the usual lively gatherings. Arlo sat with us, but his plate remained largely untouched. His gaze kept darting toward the shadows lingering outside the windows, those dark figures that loomed at the forest’s edge.
Across the table, Gage and Lilly whispered to each other, their heads bent close. I could see the tension radiating from Gage, his shoulders tight as he frequently glanced at Arlo, as if he were privy to a secret I was not.
Asher leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper. “Keep watching them. Especially her.”
I nodded, my instincts on high alert. “I am.”
After dinner, the group began to disperse. Arlo retreated to his room to rest, and I stayed with him until he drifted off to sleep, my hand resting lightly on his wrist. The silver mark pulsed softly beneath my fingers, calm for the moment, but I could sense the faint tension beneath it, like a silent warning.
Asher remained beside me, vigilant and alert. “We need a plan,” he said, his tone serious.
“We do,” I agreed. “We need to fully understand this bond, and we need to train. Not just the three of us, but with Arlo included. He needs to learn to control it before the shadow can return.”
Gage and Lilly reentered the common room, Lilly’s attention keenly focused on everyone around her. I caught Asher’s eye and whispered, “Still watching.”
“Always,” he replied quietly.
Later, I wandered through the packhouse alone, checking the energy points Arlo had been studying. His notes were scattered across the table, filled with diagrams and symbols that were foreign to me. But something caught my eye—a small symbol at the edge of one page. It pulsed faintly when I touched it.
A frown creased my brow. “The shadow’s influence… it’s tied to him in ways we don’t fully understand yet.”
A shiver coursed down my spine. If the shadow could manipulate him like this, it could find a way to reach any of us if we weren’t careful.
Returning to Arlo’s room, I found him awake again, seated by the window. The moonlight illuminated his silver mark, making it glow faintly in the dim light.
“You’re awake,” I said softly, stepping closer.
He nodded, his expression weary. “I couldn’t sleep. I can feel it. Even in here… the shadow’s waiting.”
I moved closer, my voice steady and reassuring. “You’re not alone. We’re here, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.”
He looked at me, his eyes wide and vulnerable. “I just… I don’t want to hurt anyone if it comes back.”
“You won’t,” I said firmly, my conviction unwavering. “The bond we made is strong. It will hold. But you have to trust us. And you have to trust yourself.”
He nodded slowly, resting his head against my shoulder. I could feel the faint pulse of the silver mark, steady now, calm for the first time since the bond was forged.
Asher stood behind me, arms crossed, watching over us with a protective gaze. I could sense the irritation bubbling within him at Arlo’s reliance on me during moments of confusion or fear. “We need to train,” Asher said quietly. “We can’t wait for the shadow to come to us. We need to be ready.”
“I know,” I replied, determination steeling my resolve. “And we will be.”
We spent the next hour in quiet conversation, discussing the bond, the ways to control the energy, and how to harness it to protect Arlo. He listened intently, asking questions, striving to comprehend the tumultuous emotions swirling within him.
It was a peaceful moment—a calm before the storm, though I was blissfully unaware of the tempest that loomed on the horizon.
Later, I checked on Gage and Lilly. They were seated close together in the common room, engaged in quiet conversation. Gage’s eyes flickered toward Arlo’s room, a hint of unease etched across his features. Lilly leaned into him, but her expression was inscrutable, calculating. I didn’t like it. I didn’t trust her.
Asher placed a reassuring hand on my back. “We keep watching. That’s all we can do for now.”
I nodded, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. The bond had saved Arlo, but it had also made him a target. The shadows wouldn’t relent until they had what they desired.
I cast one last glance at Arlo’s glowing mark before leaving him to rest.
He was safe for now.
But tomorrow, we would begin training—harder than ever—because deep down, I knew the shadow wouldn’t wait. It was patient. It was clever. And it was coming back.
Conclusion
In the aftermath of the bond, a fragile yet profound transformation had taken place within our pack, particularly for Arlo. The weight of his struggles was palpable, the silver mark on his wrist a constant reminder of the darkness that lingered just beyond our reach. As he grappled with the conflicting emotions that surged within him, we stood resolute, united in our determination to protect him. Each moment spent together, whether in quiet reflection or intense training, was a testament to the strength of our bond—a bond that not only connected us to Arlo but also fortified our resolve against the encroaching shadows. Our collective fear and uncertainty were overshadowed by a burgeoning sense of hope; we were not merely individuals fighting against an unseen enemy, but a family bound by loyalty and love.
As the night deepened, the reality of our situation settled in like a heavy fog. We were on the precipice of an impending storm, aware that the shadow would not hesitate to exploit Arlo’s vulnerabilities. Yet, in the face of such daunting challenges, we found solace in the knowledge that we were not alone. The bond we forged was not just a beacon of light in the darkness, but a powerful weapon against it. Together, we would face whatever came our way, ready to confront the shadows that threatened to tear us apart. With each passing day, we would train harder, grow stronger, and learn to harness the energy that pulsed through Arlo—a force that, when combined with our unwavering support, could illuminate even the darkest corners of our fears. In this moment, as we prepared for the battles ahead, we embraced the truth: love and unity could conquer even the deepest shadows.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the next chapter, the tension within the pack will reach new heights as the ramifications of Arlo’s bond begin to unfold. With the shadow lurking just beyond their reach, the stakes are higher than ever, and the group must confront the reality that their unity will be tested in ways they never imagined. As they delve deeper into training, Arlo will struggle to harness the energy that now flows through him, battling both the remnants of the shadow’s influence and his own fears of hurting those he cares about. Expect to witness moments of vulnerability and strength as Arlo learns to embrace his new reality, but also prepare for the darker elements that threaten to tear them apart.
As the shadow’s presence looms closer, the dynamics within the pack will shift. Secrets will be revealed, alliances will be tested, and trust will be a fragile commodity. Gage and Lilly’s relationship will come under scrutiny, as their motivations become increasingly ambiguous, leaving the others questioning where their loyalties truly lie. Meanwhile, Asher’s protective instincts will clash with the need for independence, forcing him to confront his own fears and insecurities. The tension will not only challenge their bonds but also reveal the true nature of their connections, pushing each character to confront their pasts and the shadows that haunt them.
Prepare for heart-pounding action as the training intensifies and the shadow makes its move. The pack must band together, drawing on their newfound strength and the power of their bond to face the encroaching darkness. Will they be able to protect Arlo and themselves, or will the shadows claim what they desire? The next chapter promises to be a whirlwind of emotions, revelations, and fierce battles that will leave readers breathless, eagerly anticipating what comes next in this gripping tale of loyalty, love, and the fight against the darkness.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
SUMMARY (~1000 Words in English)
