"You cannot expect me to merely observe while everything changes!"Dax's wrath burst out from the quiet of the council chamber. The weight of the occasion shattered his normally calm head, and I felt the pressure separating us like a storm just ready to strike."And you can't expect me to ignore what's coming," I responded angrily. "This transcends just what we do these days. It touches everyone.Emitting peculiar energy that shapes Zaia's mark and sets off a vision of a new prophecy, the mysterious relic discovered in the previous chapter begins to disclose its secrets.The idea holds that wolves would redefine their role in the planet and challenge the balance of power amongst packs, therefore creating a "New Destiny".Reversing the view, sweat dripping down my face, I said, "This isn't just a warning." It's an appeal to action.The new prophecy tests Zaia and Dax's friendship as their methods of handling the rising threat vary.Dax fears about her safety but Zaia is determined to f
Do you rely on me, Zaia?Dax asked as the sound of war subsided into the silence of the woodland. His hand hung close by mine, his golden eyes fixed, yet behind them I could sense the weight of doubt."I have always trusted you," I said, my voice low but forceful. Still, trust is not exactly like certainty. Not these days.Attaching their allies—a varied collection of wolves, witches, and magical entities— Zaia and Dax Old grudges bubbling to the surface challenge the delicate alliances they have painstakingly created, therefore fueling great tensions.Drawing on her personal experiences and the strength of her relationship with Dax, Zaia has to figure out how to bring them together to motivate teamwork."We don't have to like each other," I remarked, staring across the assembly. We must, nonetheless, battle for one another. We survive solely in that manner.Symbolic of their common dedication to the prophecy, Zaia suggests a ceremony to unite the groups thereby strengthening the part
"Zaia, get waking!"Dax's anxious voice startled me from sleep; his fingers gripped my shoulder as shadows danced across the tent walls. The air seemed to be weighty with an unnatural quiet, as if the earth itself were breathing."What is it??" My voice raspy as I grabbed for the dagger under my cushion."You were glowing," he exclaimed, wide-eyed. "Your mark—that's never burned like that before." The Goddess sends Zaia a clear vision, her mark brilliant as she is carried to a heavenly domain.Only if Zaia passes one more test will the Goddess unveil a promise of peace and harmony."You are the bridge between worlds," the Goddess remarked, her voice ringing over the emptiness. But bridges have to support people who walk over them.The Goddess tells Zaia that the last fight would challenge her in ways she never would have anticipated and calls on her to trust not just herself but also others close by totally.Knowing how much she has given to get to this point, Zaia struggles with thi
Zaia, never tell me to stay behind.Dax spoke gently, however his eyes clearly showed a lot of feeling. The air thick with ash and the quiet sound of wind through the trees under the modest light of the sacred grounds.Words catching in my throat, I said, "I can't lose you." Not now—not when we are so close to the conclusion.Then don't push me away," he murmured, walking over. Either none at all or we call off jointly.As the coalition gets ready for the final fight, Zaia has to make a tough decision: should she lead the assault or remain behind to protect Dax and the pack?Her dual positions as Luna and partner push her to weigh her own wants against her responsibilities.My voice faltering, I said Dax, "They need me to lead," but I need you to be safe.Whispering, "I don't want safe," his fingers caressing mine "I wished you."Gathering the flock, Zaia uses a poignant speech to motivate them to remain strong in front of the coming fight.She wonders about their development and the
Fall backwards immediately; or lost everything!My voice emerged across the battlefield, demanding, persistent, even as the darkness surged towards us. The alliance was thinly stretched, its power towards the brink pushed. Their eyes turned to me, however, and I felt the flutter of hope I resisted let fly."We will not fall today." I sobbed, and flames sprang out of my palms. 'We stand!'"The chapter starts in the thick of conflict, the alliance pushed to its breaking point by continual shadow troops.Leading, Zaia once again inspires the groups' courage and determination by means of an emotive speech.I shed tears, my voice cutting through the anarchy: "They want us split". Still, they will come to recognise that group is our strongest suit.Dax strikes a clever counterattack; his strategic ideas and relentless presence inspire the men to hold their position.Working in perfect time, Zaia and Dax obviously exhibit their bond in every decision they both make." COVER THE Eastern flank
"Zaia, they have taken hers!"Dax's voice rocked the peace of the evening and made me shiver no flame could warm. The words sunk like daggers; my heart stopped.I said, "Who?" in a whisper, knowing immediately. The only response that would really terrify me this much.His voice shaky, he responded to Amara. "No one picks my child," I yelled, flames hotter than they have ever been. Not at all.As Zaia's single-minded protection of her daughter causes other members to doubt if they should give their resources to one kid, conflict ensues within the alliance.Dax is totally supporting Zaia and will not allow anybody undercut her will.Dax continued on, his voice dangerously low, "then you don't know what we're fighting for. If you think this refers only to her."Setting out to pursue the evil forces who kidnapped Amara across dangerous area and multiple assaults along the road were Zaia, Dax, and a few reliable companions.Even when the road tries Zaia's limitations, her will encourage
"Zaia, this is spreading!""My pulse pounding as Dax's terrified scream broke the quiet of the evening, I jerked awake staring down my arm and saw the brilliant mark that had been a faint crescent now blazing over my flesh, twisted light spiral patterns like vines."What does this imply?" My voice shook as the heat of the mark flowed through me."Your fate is calling from the shadow."By the beginning of the chapter, Zaia finds her Luna's mark is shifting and glowing more brilliantly all over her body.Zaia has unresolved concerns regarding its relevance, yet the change produces a tremendous boost in strength."This isn't simply a mark anymore," I remarked, raising my arm, "it is... alive."According to trustworthy friend Elder Cassius, Zaia's ascent to a power Luna has never experienced marks a change in the mark.But he advises Zaia to be ready for challenges that would test her will as such power has a cost."The mark will guide you," Cassius murmured, eyes still full of both wonde
The following are "they."Lyric hardly whispered the terrible words as the darkness descended over the camp; their technique caused the earth to tremble and the terrible cries of creatures not meant for life to fill the air.Nobody crosses this line; I shouted, flames pouring from my palms as I turned to face the anarchy.The chapter opens in a brutal conflict as the shadow forces attack the camp of the alliance with quite great force.Zaia commands straight right now; her flames light the darkness as she lines the group.We have faced worse than this; my voice sliced over the din, "Together, we are capable of anything!""Zaia leads front; Dax utilises his strategic knowledge to outmanoeuvre the opponent on the defend.Their harmony is clear as every choice accentuates the aspects of the other."Guide them towards the northern peak! Dax roared, his voice loud among the commotion! Zaia, just now we need your fire right now!«Zaia notices her arm blazing hotter than before as the fight
Not just a strategic site for the pack, but the southern outpost had been a symbol of our resilience, a reminder of what we had worked to rebuild. It was destroyed now. The story of the incident spread around the camp like wildfire, greatly unsettling the wolves and generating uncertainty. For me, however, it was personal—not just another loss.The weight of the relic pressed on my chest like a subdued reminder of the responsibility I carried as the council gathered in the command tent. Around the table Dax, Kade, Elyse, and Rorin stood with emotions ranging from deadly determination to sheer rage." How nasty is it?" I asked to break the quiet.Sebastian went forward, his voice low and sad. "The outpost is no more nowadays. Those who survived assert it was something else, not Cassandra's will. Shadows, as we came across in the woodland. Still, they were moving towards something."leading them!" Elyse repeated, her silver eyes narrowing. "What type of creature could regulate such thi
The wolves gathered in the area, their moves purposeful and keen, the early air was tense. The scout’s urgent report had placed the whole camp on edge. Though it wasn't Cassandra's army, whatever was crossing the western woodland wasn't less of a menace.With the relic warm against my breast, its faint pulse consistent but quiet, I stood in the middle of the clearing. Elyse and Rorin waited close by, their faces austere; Dax and Kade flanking me had stiff postures.Any updates from the scouts? I asked, my voice calm in spite of the churn in my stomach.Sebastian advanced, his keen silver eyes guiding him. "They are watching from the summit. Whatever it is, it is moving swiftly; even if there is no clear indication of what we are dealing with, then we cannot afford to wait. "We shall look in a small group. Others of the camp stay here and enhance the defences.Dax furrowed, worry darkening his golden eyes. You are once more endangering yourself. Let us take care of it."I'm the L
Early dawn sent lengthy shadows over the wolves preparing for the day. The camp stood silent. Though the dark figure from the previous night was disturbing, there was a growing sense of urgency in the air—a common sensation we were running out on. Every decision I took now would impact the pack and beyond, knowing Cassandra looming over us like a storm cloud.Sitting on the edge of the clearing, I stared towards the sun rising. Its friendliness felt far off, a little comfort against the weight I carried. My hand came easily to the relic resting against my breast, its subtle pulse serving as a continual reminder of the power I carried—and the obligation that went along with it.Unwanted but vivid, memories of my mother surfaced as I stared out to sea. She had been a fiery Luna, a woman whose unwavering compassion won respect apart from her power. Her voice returned to me, a soft but strong reminder of the morality she had incilled in me."Leadership is not about power, Zahia," she had
Long after the light of the relic faded, Cassandra's vision stayed with me. Her dark grin, the promise of shadows overpowering us—all seemed too vivid, too real. I understood it was a deliberate attempt to undermine my will, not just a warning.Over the camp, dawn emerged to create long shadows over the clearing. Wolves walked around, clearly tired but their will unbroken. The meeting with the shadows the night before had left its imprint not just in the suspense hanging in the air but in the questions it begged."Zaia," Elyse murmured, hurriedly walking in front. "We have to talk."I nodded, following her towards the edge of the camp where the leaders had convened. Dax, Kade, Rorin, Sebastian stood in a close circle with stern attitudes."What is it?" Already ready for more terrible news, I inquired.Dax murmured, his golden eyes closing, "There's unrest in the camp." "Some of the wolves are wondering if we can trust you—or the relic."The words strike like a blow, but I will myself
The words of the scout hung thick in the air, causing the gathered wolves to whisper questions and discomfort. Shadows that moved on their own sounded like a trick of the light, a story to spook dogs around the campfire. Still, the scout's eyes revealed a different narrative from the fear."Shades?" Dax asked again, his voice tinged with mistrust. "What kind of shadow?"The scout choked hard, his eyes darting between us. "They lacked naturalness." They crossed the woods against the wind. They seemed alive, like this.My spine shivered, but I pushed myself to remain calm. Watching, waiting for my response were the wolves. As Luna, their undoing may be my anxiety. My voice calm, "Show us where you saw them."Under the pale crescent moon, we trailed the scout towards the eastern ridge. The forest was shockingly still, the regular noises of rustling leaves and far-off howling replaced by an intolerable hush. The relic at my breast throbbed weakly, its warmth a consistent anchor amid the m
The camp was restless as the word of Cassandra's exploits circulated through the ranks. Whispers of another item in her hands planted seeds of mistrust, anxiety crackling like a storm on the horizon. Walking in close circles, wolves clearly showed their nervousness getting ready for yet another conflict.At the centre of the clearing, I observed them as my heart weighed their anxiety and my own doubts. Leading has always seemed like a shroud given to those who wanted it, those who sought fame or authority. I had never dreamed of it. Still here, the Luna of a split coalition expected to lead not only with authority but also with unwavering conviction. "Zaia" Dax's words cut right through my ideas. He stood at my side, searching with golden eyes. They are terrified. And indeed, really? I am thus? Cassandra utilising another relic affects the rules.My fingers clenched on the relic that pulsed softly against my chest, then I looked to him. “We don’t know how strong it is or w
The weight of the figure's presence covering us like a suffocating blanket sliced across the dark room with its blazing eyes. Its words floated over the cavern: "Your soul comes with a price—the truth."Closing my fists, my wolf bristling at the challenge became aggressive. The relic in my hands pulsed faintly, its light flickering like a thin flame against the monster's utter darkness. The others stood stiff around me, clearly uncomfortable in silence." Exactly what do you mean?" I pressed forward, my voice calm under duress.The figure's grin became wider, a frigid, devoid of warmth look. Said its deep rumbling, which seemed to echo over the stone walls, "you seek answers." "But information is never offered for free. If you want to glimpse the path ahead, you have to offer something in exchange.I stared at the relic, its faint glow reminding me of everything we had struggled for. I refused to give up my soul—that of everyone else as well. "There must be another way," I said with f
The mark burned softly on the ground, pulsed with a terrible power that gave the area an unsettling light. Its edges were sharp, as if sculpted by darkness and claw, and the air surrounding it seemed weighty, stifling. With their gaze flickering between the insignia and one another, the wolves gathered in a tight semicircle."This wasn't here before," Dax said, his voice keen with mistrust. "It was not part of the fight.""It's a message," Elyse whispered softly, her glittering eyes closed. Not a friendly one as well.The relic in my grasp blazed weakly, its energy reacting to the presence of the symbol. The contrast was startling: hope against despair, light against dark. My heart racing as I moved towards the symbol, I felt its energy brushing against me."It's a warning," I responded, voice firm but quiet. " Cassandra is not just withdrawing. She is preparing ground for something more.Leading the Shadow Claws, Rorin moved forward from the brink of the clearing. His gloomy look mat
The battlefield stopped as the opposing armies sank into a great silence. From both sides, wolves halted with strained breaths and bloodied but still prepared for the battle. Tension permeated the air, an invisible accord hovering between Cassandra's soldiers and us.Cassandra moved closer, a nasty smirk curving her lips as her red eyes glowed with hate. Her voice piercing through the quiet, she said, "Enough of this senseless struggle." Let's resolve this correctly.I straightened as the relic pulsed faintly against my chest. "What are you proposing?" Though I already knew the solution, I asked."A trial by combat," Cassandra said, her tone sarcastic. You and me here. In one-on-one. Winner absorbs everything.The wolves behind me gasped, but I turned my head only towards Cassandra. It was a daring challenge, one that may determine the course of the war in one instant. But it was also a trap, one meant to take advantage of my frailty.I replied, my voice firm, "I don't trust you.""Yo