Moonlit heart

Chapter 6: The Pack’s Burden

Elena stared at Kellan, disbelief coiling in her stomach. A line of moon priests? Her? It felt absurd, yet a whisper of recognition surged within her—those dreams she had been having, the ones that felt so vivid and real, began to make eerie sense.

“I don’t even know what that means,” she said, shaking her head slightly as if trying to dispel the reality of Kellan’s words. “How could I be part of something so... mystical?”

“You’re not alone in this,” Kellan reassured her, his gaze unwavering. “The pack can help you understand your powers and what your lineage means. But it won’t be easy.”

“What do you mean?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper, her heart racing at the thought of facing the unknown.

“Being part of the pack comes with responsibilities. When you embrace your role, you’ll have to make choices—difficult ones—about who you are, what you stand for, and where you belong.” His expression grew serious. “And right now, with the threat brewing in Silverwood, those choices may become even more complicated.”

Elena opened her mouth to respond, but she was interrupted by a low growl echoing through the grove. Both she and Kellan turned instinctively toward the sound, which seemed to emanate from deeper within the woods.

“What was that?” she asked, her heart hammering in her chest.

Kellan stiffened, his body tense as he shifted into a protective stance. “We should go,” he said, scanning the surrounding trees. “It could be the rogue.”

Before she could protest, Kellan took her hand, guiding her swiftly out of the clearing and deeper into the forest. They moved quietly, the tension thick in the air as they made their way back to his pack’s territory. Elena’s mind raced—her thoughts were a chaotic swirl of revelations, fear, and the electrifying sensation of Kellan’s hand in hers.

As they emerged from the dense underbrush, the familiar sight of the pack’s meeting place unfolded before her—an expansive clearing nestled between towering trees. The air was thick with unease, and several members of the pack were gathered near the center, their expressions serious.

Kellan led Elena forward, and as they approached, the murmurs died down. The pack turned their attention to her, and Elena felt a mix of apprehension.