THE ALPHA'S MISSING BRIDE

CHAPTER EIGHT — WHISPERS OF THE PROPHECY

Aria’s POV

The moonlight hit her face the moment they emerged from the underground chamber. Cool air washed over her skin, carrying the scent of pine and wet soil. She had never been so grateful to breathe fresh air.

Damian’s arm was wrapped firmly around her waist, supporting her as they climbed the rocky incline. Wolves from the patrol units rushed toward them, eyes wide with shock and relief.

“Alpha!” one of the sentries called, shifting back into human form. “We thought we lost you both.”

Damian’s gaze was cold and commanding. “Lock down the perimeter. No one gets in or out. Double the guards. And summon the Elders immediately.”

The wolves bowed and scattered to obey.

Aria leaned against Damian’s chest for a moment, exhaustion pulling at her limbs. But beneath that exhaustion, something new pulsed — a power she couldn’t ignore anymore. The way it had responded to danger, the way it had merged with Damian’s strength. It wasn’t a coincidence.

She was no ordinary Luna.

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Damian’s POV

The entire pack had gathered outside the packhouse. Lanterns burned bright, illuminating worried faces. Whispers ran through the crowd like ripples:

“She’s glowing…”

“What happened underground?”

“Is she the one from the old stories?”

Damian felt the unease, but he also saw something else — reverence. His wolves had witnessed power that hadn’t been seen in generations.

He helped Aria onto the steps of the packhouse, turning to face the pack. His voice carried over the murmurs like a thunderclap.

“No more whispers,” he said. “No more fear. Tonight, you saw the enemy that hides in the shadows. You saw who they came for. They will come again. But they will find us ready.”

A rumble of agreement rose through the pack.

Damian glanced at Aria. “And she’s not a weakness,” he added. “She’s our strength.”

For a heartbeat, her golden eyes flickered with light, and the pack fell silent — awestruck.

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Aria’s POV

Later that night, inside the council chamber, the Elders assembled. Their robes were heavy, embroidered with ancient symbols. Elder Mira, the oldest of them all, leaned on her staff as she studied Aria with sharp, knowing eyes.

“So… it has awakened,” Mira murmured.

“What has?” Damian asked, his tone clipped.

Elder Mira motioned for Aria to step closer. “Child, do you remember your real name?”

Aria hesitated, then nodded. “Ariana.”

Gasps rippled through the council.

Mira’s gaze softened, but her voice carried weight. “Then it is as the moon foretold. The lost daughter of the Celestial Line has returned.”

Damian frowned. “Celestial Line?”

Mira turned to him. “Before your grandfather’s reign, there was a union between wolves and ancient guardians — beings born of moonlight. They were rare, powerful, and destined to protect the realms from darkness. The last of them vanished during the Shadow Wars. Until now.”

Aria’s heart pounded. “You’re saying… I’m one of them?”

“You are their heir,” Mira said. “And the darkness that hunts you… has waited centuries for your return.”

The room grew colder. Damian instinctively stepped closer to Aria, his presence protective, his eyes burning with a silent promise.

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Damian’s POV

He didn’t care what destiny she carried. All he knew was this — anyone who tried to take her would have to go through him.

But he also knew this wasn’t something they could fight blindly. The cloaked figures had power, strategy, and purpose. And now, so did they.

He straightened. “Then tell us everything, Elder. Every piece of the prophecy. Every enemy we face. We end this — on our terms.”

Mira nodded slowly. “Then sit, Alpha. Luna. The story begins long before either of you were born…”

The torches flickered as her voice wove a tale of celestial bloodlines, betrayal, and a prophecy that spoke of a wolf with golden eyes who would either save their world — or doom it.

And all the while, Aria felt the weight of destiny pressing against her chest like a heartbeat she could no longer ignore.