The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the room. Callista stirred in Lucien's arms, her body aching in the most pleasant way possible. The events of the night before were still vivid in her mind—the way they connected, the way their souls had fused through the bond. Everything felt different now. Sharper. Clearer. She could feel him in her mind and heart, his emotions brushing against hers like a warm breeze.
Lucien was already awake, his eyes watching her with quiet adoration. He brushed a strand of hair from her face and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Good morning, my Luna," he whispered.
Callista smiled, feeling warmth bloom in her chest at the sound of the title. This time, it didn't feel strange. It felt right.
"I like the sound of that," she murmured, nuzzling closer into his chest.
They remained that way for a few minutes, wrapped in each other's embrace, until a knock sounded at the door. Lucien tensed slightly, but Callista placed a calming hand on his chest.
Ella's voice followed. "Alpha, Luna… urgent message from the Silver Fang Pack. They've agreed to a meeting. They'll be here by nightfall."
Lucien responded with a curt "Thank you," then turned his attention back to Callista. "It's time we gather our allies."
She nodded. "They'll come. They have to."
Later that day, Callista stood beside Lucien in the grand hall, dressed in her Luna garments for the first time—an elegant, dark-blue cloak embroidered with silver threads, the Blue Moon insignia gleaming over her heart. Her presence radiated power and calm, but she couldn't shake the feeling in her gut—a warning of something looming.
As promised, the Silver Fang Pack arrived just before sundown. Their Alpha, a battle-scarred man named Alaric, was accompanied by his Beta and two guards. Though cautious at first, Alaric bowed slightly to Lucien and offered a firm nod to Callista.
"I've heard rumors," he said, his voice gravelly. "About a witch who carries a wolf's heart. I didn't believe them—until now."
Callista met his gaze without flinching. "I'm not just a witch or a wolf. I'm both. And if we don't unite, we'll all fall to the wrath of the coven."
Alaric studied her for a moment before speaking again. "Then perhaps it's time we put old grudges behind us. You have our support."
Lucien and Callista exchanged a look. This was just the beginning. One pack down, many more to go.
But as the meeting ended and Callista stepped away to catch her breath, her heart suddenly clenched. A sharp pain pulsed through her chest—foreign, dark, and cold. Her head spun, and she stumbled against the wall. Visions flashed before her eyes: flames… a dark forest… and Sabrina's cold smirk.
"Lucien…" she gasped, grabbing the edge of a pillar. "Something's coming. Something worse."
Lucien rushed to her side, catching her before she fell. "What did you see?"
Callista's eyes widened, her voice shaky. "Not what… who. She's coming. And she's bringing a storm with her."