The forest stretched endlessly ahead of Aurora, Cassian, and their small team as they pushed forward in search of the moon wolves. Shadows clung to the trees, and the air carried an unnatural chill. Cassian's sharp gaze scanned the underbrush, his hand brushing the hilt of his blade. "Something's following us," he murmured to Aurora, his voice low but tense.
Aurora glanced over her shoulder, her silver hair gleaming faintly under the forest's filtered light. The Pact's energy hummed in her chest, stronger than usual. "It's not just the beasts," she whispered. "The Pact feels... different. It's reacting to something." "Your child?" Cassian asked, his concern evident.
"Maybe," she said, touching her abdomen. She felt a warmth there, a sense of presence she couldn't ignore.
Anica, walking ahead with a worn map clutched in their hand, waved the group forward. "The moon wolves' territory should be close. But we'll know when we're there they aren't subtle about marking their boundaries."
The group advanced cautiously, their breaths visible in the cooling air. As they entered a clearing, the atmosphere shifted. The ground was bare and cold, etched with crescent moon symbols that glowed faintly.
"Moon markings," Anica said, their voice quiet. "A warning to stay away."
Aurora stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the symbols. "We can't turn back. We've come too far."
Cassian moved to her side, his golden eyes scanning the dark forest. "Be ready. If they don't want us here, they'll make it known."
A piercing howl shattered the stillness, echoing through the clearing. Glowing silver eyes appeared in the shadows, circling the group. Dozens of wolves emerged, their forms ethereal and striking, their fur shimmering like starlight. Aurora instinctively raised her hand, a faint light emanating from her palm. The wolves halted but didn't retreat.noveldrama
A massive silver wolf stepped forward, shifting into a tall, regal figure with piercing eyes. His voice rang out, calm yet commanding. "You dare trespass on our sacred ground. Speak quickly, or face the consequences."
Cassian's hand went to his blade, but Aurora stopped him with a glance. She took a step forward, meeting the man's gaze. "We seek your help. The Lycan King threatens not just us, but your pack too. We have no choice but to ask for your aid." The leader studied her for a long moment before speaking. "Words are not enough here. Prove your worth, or leave."
The glowing eyes of the wolves surrounding them flickered, the intensity of their stares pressing down on Aurora and her group.