whispers at Midnight

THE MISSING HOWL

Mira clutched Elias’s arm as the howl echoed again—closer this time. The sound wasn’t just threatening. It was ancient. Twisted. Like a song of blood meant for wolves alone.

Elias’s jaw tensed, the veins in his neck pulsing as he stepped in front of her. His whole body shifted subtly—heightened, poised, ready to defend.

"You need to leave," he whispered without looking at her.

"I’m not running," Mira said, trying to keep her voice steady. But her fingers trembled against his bare arm. "Not from this. Not from you."

He turned toward her. Even now—half-wolf, half-shadow—his eyes softened just enough to remind her of the boy beneath the beast.

"Then stay behind me. No matter what you see."

The wind picked up. Branches snapped. Leaves scattered as something moved through the trees—fast, silent, hungry.

From the darkness, two glowing eyes emerged. Then a second pair. Then four.

Mira’s breath caught.

Wolves. But not like Elias. These were different. Wrong.

Their forms were warped, twisted by something dark. Their fur was matted, their growls filled with malice. They circled the clearing, eyes fixed on Mira like she was prey.

"Rogue-bound wolves," Elias muttered. "They’ve been sent to test me. Or take you."

"Why me?" Mira asked.

But she already knew.

Because of the bond.

Because the moon had chosen her. And there were those who didn’t want her awakening to tip the balance.

The first wolf lunged.

Elias moved like lightning—fluid and lethal. He tackled it mid-air, claws flashing, fangs bared. Mira watched, heart pounding as he tore through the first two rogues with terrifying precision.

But the third one got close—too close.

Mira stumbled back, tripping over a root. The rogue growled and leapt—

And Mira screamed.

But not out of fear.

Out of power.

A blinding light erupted from her chest—silver and warm and alive. The rogue froze mid-air, howling in pain as the light slammed into it, flinging it backward like a ragdoll.

Silence fell.

Elias turned, bloodied but still standing. His eyes widened.

"You... you used moonfire," he said, stunned.

"What?" Mira gasped, staring at her own hands, still glowing faintly.

Elias stepped closer, awe creeping into his voice.

"Only born wolves have moonfire. Only those chosen by the moon."

Mira’s voice trembled. "I’m not a wolf..."

Elias looked at her with something deeper than fear or love now—recognition.

"You were never just a servant, Mira."