Chapter 19 : Trouble on the Horizon

Ren’s Point of View

Ren stood at the edge of the pack’s northern border, the cold wind biting against his skin as he surveyed the dense forest beyond. The warriors stationed here had reported movement - a flicker of shadows, the sound of snapping branches - but so far, no concrete threat had emerged.

His beta, Kael, approached from the treeline, his expression grim. “Nothing definitive,” Kael said. “Whoever - or whatever - it is, they’re careful. They know how to stay out of sight.”

Ren nodded, his jaw tightening. “But they’re close enough to make a statement.”

Kael grunted in agreement, his gaze sweeping the horizon. “It’s like they’re testing us, pushing to see how far they can go before we react.”

Ren’s wolf growled softly in the back of his mind, restless and uneasy. We’re being watched.

“I don’t like it,” Ren admitted, his voice low. “Keep the patrols tight. No one crosses the border without our knowing.”

Kael nodded. “Already on it. But there’s something else you need to know.”

Ren turned to him, his expression sharpening. “What is it?”

“The elders have called a meeting,” Kael said. “Tonight. They want to discuss the Blood Moon.”

Ren’s stomach tightened at the mention of the Blood Moon. It was a rare and powerful event, one steeped in tradition and prophecy. For weeks, the pack had felt its approach—the air growing heavier, the tension among the wolves escalating.

“They didn’t mention this earlier,” Ren said, frowning.

Kael hesitated, his expression darkening. “They also want to talk about you. There’s a rumor going around the pack.”

Ren’s gaze narrowed. “What kind of rumor?”

Kael sighed, running a hand through his hair. “That you’re seeing a human. It’s spreading fast, Ren. And with the Blood Moon so close, the timing isn’t great.”

Ren clenched his fists, his wolf growling louder now. Of course, they’d stick their noses where they don’t belong.

“Who started it?” Ren asked, his voice dangerously calm.

Kael shook his head. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. The elders have caught wind of it, and they’re concerned. You know how they feel about humans, even partial ones.”

Ren didn’t respond immediately, his thoughts churning. The idea that Elena might be dragged into pack politics infuriated him, but he couldn’t afford to let his emotions cloud his judgment.

“Fine,” he said finally. “Let’s go. If the elders want to talk, they’ll get their answers.”

The pack’s council chamber was a large, circular room carved into the heart of the pack house. The walls were adorned with symbols of their lineage, ancient runes etched into the wood that glowed faintly in the dim light.

The elders were already seated when Ren arrived, their expressions grave. Mirella, the oldest and most respected among them, gestured for him to sit at the head of the table. Kael and Darius, his gamma, flanked him on either side.

“Alpha,” Mirella began, her voice calm but firm. “Thank you for coming.”

Ren inclined his head. “You called, I came. Let’s get to it.”

Mirella’s sharp gaze met his. “The Blood Moon is almost upon us. You’ve felt it, I’m sure - the tension in the pack, the restlessness of the wolves.”

“I have,” Ren said. “And I’ve also noticed the increased activity near our borders. I assume the two are connected.”

“They may be,” Mirella admitted. “But that’s not the only concern we have.”

Another elder, a gruff wolf named Larkin, leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “There’s a rumor spreading through the pack, Alpha. A dangerous one.”

Ren met Larkin’s gaze without flinching. “I’ve heard it.”

“And is it true?” Larkin pressed. “Are you seeing a human?”

The room fell silent, the weight of the question hanging heavily in the air. Ren’s wolf growled softly, urging him to defend himself, but he remained calm.

“I am,” he said finally, his voice steady.

A murmur rippled through the room, and Larkin’s expression darkened. “Do you have any idea what this could mean for the pack? For your position as Alpha?”

Ren’s gaze hardened. “What it means for me and the pack is for me to decide. Not rumors. Not speculation.”

Mirella raised a hand, silencing the growing tension. “Alpha, no one is questioning your authority. But the timing is… concerning. With the Blood Moon approaching, the pack needs stability, focus. Bringing a human into our world -  especially now - could complicate things.”

Ren leaned forward, his tone firm but respectful. “Elena is not just a human. She’s important to me. And she’s more connected to our world than you realize.”

Mirella’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What do you mean?”

Ren hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “I can’t explain everything yet, but I believe she’s tied to the prophecy. The one we’ve all heard about since we were pups.”

The room fell silent again, the elders exchanging wary glances.

“Are you suggesting,” Mirella said slowly, “that she is the human mentioned in the prophecy of the Blood Moon?”

“I am,” Ren said, his voice unwavering.

Larkin scoffed, his tone laced with disbelief. “And how do you know that?”

“My wolf knows,” Ren said simply. “And so do I.”

The elders exchanged uncertain glances, the tension in the room thickening. Finally, Mirella spoke again.

“If what you say is true, then Elena’s role in the prophecy could change everything. But it also makes her a target. And the pack cannot afford to be divided right now.”

“I understand,” Ren said. “And I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her and the pack.”

Mirella nodded slowly. “Then we’ll trust your judgment, Alpha. But tread carefully. The Blood Moon brings not just power, but danger. And your choices will shape the future of us all.”

As Ren left the council chamber, Kael and Darius walked silently beside him, the weight of the meeting hanging heavily over them.

“So,” Kael said finally, breaking the silence. “You told them.”

“They deserved to know,” Ren replied.

“And the prophecy?” Darius asked, his tone cautious. “Do you really think she’s the one?”

Ren’s expression softened slightly as he thought of Elena. “I know she is.”

His wolf growled softly in agreement, its voice filled with determination. She’s ours. And when the Blood Moon rises, the world will know it too.