The witch led Aria into the forest before dawn, the world still dark and breathing with silence.
Ronan followed a few steps behind, silent as always, though his eyes never left Aria.
Kael remained at the cottage… uninvited.
Aria didn't look back.
"I'm not a fighter," she said as they stopped near a pool of still water, moonlight casting ripples on its surface.
"You're more than that," the witch said. "You are moon-born. You don't just fight. You command."
She bent down and touched the water. The surface shimmered — and then a second version of Aria appeared in the reflection.
But this version had white glowing eyes… and behind her stood a whole army of wolves, waiting.
Aria blinked. "What is that?"
"Your potential," the witch whispered. "But power like that comes with risk. If you can't control it…"
She let the words hang.
Aria nodded slowly. "Then I'll control it."
The witch handed her a stone dagger. "Then start with your blood."
"What?"
"To awaken the bond fully, you must give something of yourself. Your will. Your pain. Your truth."
Aria gritted her teeth — then sliced her palm.
The blood hit the earth.
The trees trembled.
Wind surged around her in a spiral of silver mist, her mark glowing brighter than ever. Her eyes flickered — just for a moment — to pure silver.
Ronan stepped forward, alarmed. "Is this safe?"
The witch didn't answer. "Watch her."
---
Elsewhere…
In the ruins of an ancient fortress, the red-eyed stranger knelt before a dark throne.
"My lord," he said. "She's awakened."
A shadowy figure leaned forward, voice like frost. "And the Alpha?"
"Still clinging to her."
"Then break him."
The figure extended a black clawed hand — and summoned something from the darkness.
A chained beast.
With Kael's scent.
---
Back in the forest…
Aria collapsed to her knees, gasping.
The energy was overwhelming, wild, burning through her like wildfire. Her heartbeat thundered with the rhythm of the moon itself.
Ronan rushed to her side. "Breathe. You're okay."
"I felt… them," she whispered. "Wolves. Not here. Far away. Angry. Chained."
Ronan went still.
"You felt the bloodbound," the witch said quietly.
Aria's fingers dug into the earth.
"They're calling for me."
The witch nodded. "They're waiting. For their queen."