The night had fallen, and the howls of the Blue Moon Pack echoed through the forest as they prepared for the attack. Callista's heart pounded in her chest, her fingers trembling as she tried to steady herself. The bond with Lucien burned hotter than ever, the pull of his emotions stronger, and the fear that lingered made her skin crawl.
She had sensed something was wrong, the witches were not just targeting the pack; they were targeting her.
Callista's mind raced as she stood outside the packhouse, her senses heightened by the magic that was still tingling beneath her skin. She could feel the distant presence of the witches, a dark, malicious energy that made her stomach churn. Sabrina's twisted laughter seemed to echo through the trees, and Callista clenched her fists in determination. No more running, no more hiding. She was done being the pawn in their game.
The pack was already gathering at the edge of the territory, preparing for battle. Lucien stood among them, his eyes scanning the forest, his expression hard with determination. But when his gaze met hers across the distance, Callista saw the flicker of something deeper—something that mirrored the fear in her heart.
She had to be strong.
Without thinking twice, Callista moved forward, stepping into the clearing where Lucien and his pack were waiting. She could feel the intensity of their gaze as they recognized her presence. The air seemed to crackle with the combined energy of the pack's wolves and the magic flowing through her.
Lucien turned to her, his eyes softening when he saw the fire in her gaze.
"You shouldn't be out here, Callista," he said, his voice full of concern. "It's too dangerous."
Callista shook her head, the weight of her decision solidifying with each breath. "I can't stand by and let this happen. I won't let them hurt you or the pack."
Lucien opened his mouth to protest, but before he could speak, a low growl sounded from the trees. The hairs on the back of Callista's neck stood up. The witches were close.
From the shadows emerged a group of robed figures, their eyes glowing with an ominous light. At the forefront was Sabrina, her expression one of smug superiority. Her eyes locked onto Callista with a look of cold disdain.
"So, the little Luna has finally found her courage," Sabrina's voice rang out, her tone dripping with malice. "How quaint."
Callista stood her ground, her chest rising and falling with steady breaths. The bond with Lucien surged within her, empowering her, but she refused to let it cloud her focus. She had a purpose now. A destiny.
"I've had enough of your games, Sabrina," Callista declared, her voice strong despite the fear that churned in her gut. "You won't control me. You won't control anyone anymore."
Sabrina laughed, a high, cruel sound that echoed in the clearing. "You still don't understand, do you, little witch?" She took a step forward, her fingers crackling with dark energy. "You are nothing but a tool. A pawn. You always have been."
Callista felt her pulse quicken. She wasn't the same helpless girl she had been when Sabrina had first attacked her. Her magic had grown, and now, she was ready to fight.
Before Callista could respond, Sabrina raised her hands, unleashing a wave of dark energy that surged toward her. In the same instant, Callista's instincts kicked in. She raised her arms, a protective shield of magic bursting to life around her. The two forces collided with a deafening crack, sending shockwaves through the air.
Lucien growled in fury, but before he could charge forward, Callista's eyes met his. "I've got this," she called, her voice steady. "Stay with your pack."
Lucien hesitated, the deep bond between them making his emotions swirl with concern and pride. But he nodded. "Be careful."
Callista turned her attention back to Sabrina, who was now circling her like a predator. The witches behind her were ready to attack, waiting for their leader's signal.
Sabrina's voice was low, almost whispering. "You think you can defeat me? I have the power of centuries on my side, Callista. You're just a child playing at magic."
But Callista wasn't listening to Sabrina anymore. The power within her was awakened, the magic of her witch blood and the strength of her mate bond to Lucien filling her completely. The magic surged, stronger than before, as she focused every ounce of her energy into one final spell.
"By the moon's light, by the blood that binds us, I command the power of my birthright!"
The ground trembled beneath her feet as a wave of energy erupted from her, swirling outward in a powerful burst. The magic collided with the witches, sending them stumbling back. Sabrina's face twisted in shock, but Callista didn't stop. She pushed forward, her spell growing in intensity, as she channeled the full force of the bond she shared with Lucien.
The witches faltered, their defenses weakening against Callista's magic, but Sabrina wasn't done yet. She raised her hands one last time, her eyes blazing with fury.
"You may be strong now, but you don't have enough power to defeat me!" she shouted, her hands glowing with dark energy.
But Callista, feeling Lucien's presence beside her, knew what she had to do. The bond between them was more than just a connection; it was a weapon. She reached out with her mind, pulling Lucien into her magic. Their bond flared, and together, they cast the final blow.
A burst of light erupted from the ground, overwhelming Sabrina and her coven. The dark magic was countered, and with one final scream, Sabrina was thrown back, her power shattered.
The witches scattered, their leader defeated. The remaining coven members fled into the woods, leaving Callista and the pack standing victorious.
Lucien rushed to Callista's side, his hand gently touching her arm. "You did it," he whispered, awe in his voice. "You're incredible."
Callista, exhausted but triumphant, looked at Lucien, her heart swelling with love. "We did it," she corrected, her voice soft. "Together."