Chapter 8: The Council's Arrival
778 Words
The announcement spread through Mooncrest Academy faster than wildfire.
By lunchtime, every student knew that the Werewolf Council was coming.
Some believed the Council would honor Aria as the lost heir of the Moon Alpha bloodline.
Others feared they had come to judge her—and perhaps even sentence her to death if she proved too dangerous.
Aria sat quietly in the dining hall, barely touching her food.
Across the table, Luna watched her with concern.
"You should eat."
"I'm not hungry."
"You'll need your strength."
Aria sighed.
"How can I eat when an entire council is deciding whether I deserve to live?"
Luna reached across the table and squeezed her hand.
"Whatever happens, you're not alone."
Before Aria could reply, Kael walked into the hall.
The room instantly fell silent.
He stopped beside their table.
"The Headmaster wants to see you."
Aria nodded.
"Now?"
Kael gave a single nod.
"It's important."
---
Headmaster Orion's office overlooked the mountains surrounding the academy.
When Aria entered, she found Orion and Professor Thorn studying an ancient map spread across a large wooden table.
Orion smiled gently.
"Please, sit."
Aria obeyed.
"You've heard about the Council."
"Yes."
"They're coming because of me."
Professor Thorn folded his arms.
"Not only because of you."
He pointed to several glowing marks on the map.
"During the last week, Shadow Beast attacks have increased across every wolf territory."
Aria looked closely.
"There are attacks everywhere."
Orion nodded gravely.
"Magnus isn't preparing for another battle."
"He's preparing for war."
A heavy silence filled the room.
Finally, Orion looked directly at Aria.
"The Council will ask you to demonstrate your abilities."
"But I can't control them."
"We know."
"That's why your training begins tomorrow."
---
That evening, Kael met Aria near Moon Lake.
The water reflected the full moon like polished silver.
"You wanted to talk?" Aria asked.
Kael nodded.
"I owe you an explanation."
He looked across the lake before continuing.
"When we first met, I recognized your scent."
"My scent?"
"The scent of the Moon Alpha bloodline."
Aria frowned.
"You mean wolves can recognize each other?"
"The stronger the bloodline, the easier it is."
He smiled slightly.
"I knew you were different before the crystal ever reacted."
Aria looked down at the water.
"Everyone expects me to become some great leader."
"I don't even understand what's happening to me."
Kael stepped closer.
"You don't have to become a leader overnight."
"You only have to take the next step."
For the first time in days, Aria smiled.
"Thank you."
Just then, a howl echoed through the mountains.
Kael's smile vanished.
"That's not one of ours."
---
A loud bell rang across the academy.
Students hurried from every direction toward the front courtyard.
The massive gates slowly opened.
Five enormous white wolves entered first, each carrying a rider dressed in silver armor.
Behind them walked an elderly woman wearing a long white cloak embroidered with golden moons.
Her piercing amber eyes swept across the crowd.
Every teacher bowed respectfully.
"The Council has arrived," Professor Thorn whispered.
The elderly woman approached Headmaster Orion.
"It has been many years, Orion."
He bowed.
"Welcome, Elder Celeste."
Celeste's gaze shifted to Aria.
"So..."
"This is Selene's daughter."
Aria stepped forward politely.
"My name is Aria Blackwood."
Celeste studied her in silence.
Then she unexpectedly reached out and touched Aria's forehead.
The courtyard filled with silver light.
Ancient runes appeared briefly around Aria before fading away.
The Council members exchanged uneasy glances.
One of them whispered,
"It is true."
"The Moon Alpha blood still lives."
Another Council member frowned.
"Or perhaps..."
"...the darkness has learned to wear a new face."
The crowd gasped.
Kael immediately stepped beside Aria.
"She is not our enemy."
Celeste raised a hand for silence.
"That remains to be seen."
She turned back to Aria.
"Tomorrow, at sunrise, you will face the Trial of the Moon."
"If your heart is pure, the Moon will recognize you."
"If not..."
She paused.
"The Council will decide your fate."
Aria felt her heart pound.
She had barely begun to understand her powers.
Now, she would have to prove herself before the most powerful leaders in the werewolf world.
Far beyond the academy walls, Magnus Bloodfang watched through a magical crystal.
A cruel smile spread across his face.
"The Trial of the Moon..."
"Excellent."
"They're gathering everyone in one place."
He crushed the crystal in his hand.
"When the trial begins..."
"So will my greatest attack."
Thunder rolled across the distant mountains as dark clouds gathered on the horizon.
The Trial of the Moon was about to begin, and neither Aria nor the Council realized they were walking into Magnus Bloodfang's trap.
- Writer
