Lena stood frozen as Eira's words echoed through the clearing. The Moonborn has returned.
Around them the wolves murmured in confusion and awe. Some stared openly while others stepped closer to the firelight as if hoping for a better look at the girl who had arrived beside their Alpha.
"I think there's been some mistake," Lena said quietly. Her voice felt small against the sudden weight of every eye in the valley. "I don't even know what that means."
Eira studied her carefully. "The Moonborn is a child of two ancient bloodlines," she explained. "Wolf and witch bound beneath the same moon."
Kael stiffened beside Lena. "That can't be possible," he said. "Those lines were never meant to cross."
"Yet they did," Eira replied. "And the prophecy says when the Moonborn awakens the balance between our worlds will change."
Lena shook her head. "I'm not part of some prophecy," she insisted. "I just lived in Grey Hollow with my grandmother."
Eira frowned slightly. "Your grandmother knew more than she told you," the elder said softly.
Kael glanced toward the dark forest surrounding the valley.
"If the witches sensed her awakening," he said grimly, "they won't stop hunting her."
Eira nodded slowly.
"Then the Moonborn must learn what she truly is," she said.
"Before they return for her tonight."