The forest was too quiet.
Aria's feet pounded against the dirt path as she ran, branches slapping her arms, the cold night air sharp in her lungs. Behind her, Ronan followed in full wolf form, his black fur streaked with sweat and ash.
They hadn't even packed.
The moment the fire went out — the moment that voice whispered "The lost moon has risen" — they knew staying meant death.
Or worse.
"Where are we going?" Aria called, breathless.
Ronan shifted mid-run, his voice gravelly. "There's a safehouse. A witch I trust. She may know what that mark on you means."
"Why do I feel like I'm being watched?"
"Because you are," he said grimly. "Whoever they are… they're not just tracking. They're calling to you."
Suddenly, a pulse hit the air — like thunder with no sound.
Aria staggered to a stop.
Her vision blurred, and for a split second, the trees vanished. Instead, she saw a throne of bones beneath a blood-red moon — and herself standing at the center, her eyes glowing silver, a circle of wolves bowing at her feet.
Then it was gone.
"Aria!" Ronan grabbed her shoulders. "Talk to me. What did you see?"
She opened her mouth to speak — but her lips trembled.
"I saw... power," she whispered. "But it felt like it wanted to consume me."
Ronan's jaw tightened. "We need to move."
---
Elsewhere…
Kael slammed the scroll shut.
"She's the weapon," he repeated under his breath. "But who are they preparing her for?"
Cassian stood at his side. "If she's really marked by the lost moon, others will try to use her. Or mate her. Or kill her."
Kael's wolf surged forward, furious.
"No one will claim her," he growled. "She's still mine."
Cassian gave him a sharp look. "You rejected her, Kael."
Kael's eyes glowed gold. "Then I'll take her back."
---
Back in the woods…
They reached a cliffside clearing, where a small wooden cottage stood hidden behind vines and sigils. Aria felt the air thrum with energy.
Ronan knocked once.
The door creaked open on its own.
And inside stood a woman with silver hair and glowing blue eyes.
"You've brought her," the witch said softly. "The moon-marked."
Aria froze. "You know who I am?"
The woman nodded slowly.
"Not yet, child. But you're about to."
---
To be continued...