Chapter Five: The Awakening
362 Words
The rogues emerged from the shadows, snarling, their red eyes gleaming like burning coals. There were three of them, each larger than any wolf I had ever seen. My grip on the dagger tightened, but my hands shook.
Kael shifted instantly, his wolf exploding from his body in a blur of dark fur and muscle. His howl shook the night, and the rogues answered with their own bloodthirsty cries.
“Stay back!” he ordered through the bond, his wolf voice commanding, Alpha-strong.
But I couldn’t. Not this time.
The first rogue lunged for me, fangs snapping. Instinct took over. I thrust out my hands — and light erupted from me in a blinding wave, silver and fierce. The wolf was thrown back into the trees with a yelp.
I stumbled, staring at my glowing skin. My veins shimmered with silver fire, my wolf howling with exhilaration inside me.
**“Yes, Aria!” Selene roared. “Let it out — all of it!”
The second rogue came at me. My dagger was useless, but the light surged again, wrapping around my arm like a blade. I slashed, and the creature shrieked, collapsing into the dirt.
Kael’s wolf fought savagely, pinning the third rogue, but even he paused to look at me — eyes wide with something between awe and disbelief.
I panted, my chest heaving, silver sparks still crackling from my fingertips. I should have been terrified. But instead… I felt powerful. Alive.
When the last rogue fled limping into the woods, the clearing fell silent again, except for my ragged breathing.
Kael shifted back, his bare chest rising and falling as he stared at me. “I knew it,” he whispered. “You really are one of them.”
I swallowed hard. “One of who?”
He stepped closer, his gaze burning into mine. “The goddess’s bloodline. You’re not just a wolf, Aria. You’re something far greater. And now, everyone will be hunting you for it.”
The night wind carried his words through the clearing, and for the first time, I realized the truth: Damien’s rejection hadn’t ended my life.
It had only just begun.
- Writer
