CHAPTER 15
As our pack members entered the large room, their faces showing concern and fright, I felt the responsibility of my new position as Luna weighing heavily on me.
Xander’s voice, powerful and commanding, echoed through the space. “By now, you’ve all heard about the fate of the Silver Lake Pack. We believe this attack was carried out by the same twisted wolves we encountered before.”
A quiet talk spread among the people. I moved closer, my heart beating fast but my voice calm. “We do not know when or where they will attack next, but we need to get ready.” From today, all combat training sessions will be doubled. Every able-bodied wolf will participate.”
As I talked, I noticed the fear in the pack members’ eyes being replaced by determination. They were afraid, but they were also ready to fight.
After the meeting, exhaustion hit me like a tidal wave. I collapsed into bed, Xander’s arms wrapping around me protectively. As I fell asleep, I found myself diving into another colorful dream.
I was in a bright open space under the moonlight, and the surrounding air seemed to glow with a magical power. A voice, which felt both known and unfamiliar, spoke softly through the breeze. “The time draws near, White Wolf. Your power grows, but so does the darkness. Seek the truth in the hidden places.”
I woke up suddenly, with the dream’s words still in my mind. As I rubbed my eyes, trying to get rid of the dream’s confusion, I felt another burning sensation on my hand. I checked, and I saw another mark, much like the one from the Luna ceremony, was now on my other hand.
“Xander,” I murmured, gently waking him up. “Look at this.”
His eyes widened as he examined the mark. “This is… We need answers, Aurora. And I think I know where we might find them.”
And that’s how, two days later, we found ourselves preparing for a journey to meet with the High Alpha Council. While we were getting ready, Jaxon and Selene came over to us, along with some pack warriors.
“We’re going with you,” Jaxon admitted firmly, making it clear that he would not take no for an answer. “You’ll need protection.”
Part of me wanted to protest, to insist that Xander and I could handle this alone. But the determined looks on their faces told me it would be futile. Besides, their presence was comforting.
The journey to the Council’s hidden location was long and tense. Every rustle in the bushes, every snapping twig had us on edge, half-expecting an ambush by the twisted wolves. But we arrived without incident, standing before a grand, ancient structure deep in the heart of the forest.
Five imposing figures emerged from the shadows of the entrance – the High Alpha Council. Their gazes swept over our group, a mix of curiosity and wariness in their eyes.
“Welcome, Alpha Xander of the Blackstone Pack,” one of them, an older wolf with silver-streaked hair, stepped forward. “And this must be your Luna, Aurora. We’ve been expecting you.”
Xander nodded respectfully. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Elder Thorne. We seek your wisdom in a matter of great importance.”
We were led into a vast chamber, its walls covered in ancient runes and symbols. As our pack members waited outside, Xander and I presented our case to the Council. I showed them the marks on my hands, explained my dreams and the sudden feeling of strength I had.
While I talked, I noticed the Council members looking at each other with understanding. After I was done, they were quiet.
Finally, Elder Thorne spoke. “What you describe, young Luna, aligns with ancient prophecies long thought to be mere legends.”
Another Council member, a fierce-looking woman with piercing eyes, leaned forward. “But we must be cautious. If what you say is true, Aurora, you could be either our salvation… or our doom.”
“Alpha Lycan is right to be wary,” a third Council member added. “Power such as you describe is unprecedented. We need proof.”
I felt a familiar surge of energy within me. Without fully understanding how, I called upon the power that had been growing inside me. The chamber filled with a soft, silvery light emanating from my body.
The Council members gasped, some recoiling in shock, others leaning in with fascination.
“Extraordinary,” Elder Thorne breathed.
What followed was a heated debate among the Council members. Some, like Elder Thorne, seemed excited by the possibilities my powers represented. Others, like Alpha Lycan, remained skeptical and concerned.
As they argued, Elder Thorne turned to me. “There is a legend,” he said softly, “of a wolf known as the White Wolf. It tells of a powerful wolf, born during very difficult times, whose purpose is to bring back balance to our world.”
His words touched something deep inside me. Could this be who I truly was? The White Wolf of legend?
After what felt like hours, the Council reached a decision. “We don’t have all the answers you seek,” Elder Thorne admitted. “But we will delve into our most ancient texts and reconvene when we have more information. In the meantime, Aurora, you must continue to explore and understand your powers.”
As we prepared to leave, something caught my eye. A hidden door, barely visible in the intricate carvings of the chamber wall. I felt a strange energy that coming from it. I quickly glanced around to ensure no one was looking, then I moved closer to it.
I was astonished to discover an old symbol carved into the door – it was exe same as the one on my hand. My heart raced with the implications of this discovery. Before I could investigate further, I heard Xander calling my name. Reluctantly, I stepped away, deciding to keep this discovery to myself until I understood more.
The journey home was filled with discussion about the Council’s reactions and limited knowledge. I could see that Xander was getting annoyed because we didn’t have any definite answers. However, my thoughts kept going back to that secret door and the mysteries it might contain.
As we neared Blackstone territory, a familiar figure came racing towards us. It was Jaxon, his face etched with panic.
“Alpha! Luna!” he called out, skidding to a stop before us. “Something’s happened. It’s Lyra – she’s disappeared.”
Xander tensed beside me. “What do you mean, disappeared?”
Marcus’s next words sent a chill down my spine. “She’s gone, and she took some money from the pack’s vault. We think… we think she might have stolen them.”
The implications of this news hit me like a physical blow. Lyra, with her barely concealed hatred towards me, And she has disappeared.
As we rushed back to the pack house, my mind raced. What was Lyra planning? How were her actions connected to the twisted wolves and the growing darkness? And most importantly, how would I – how would we-stop her?