The Alpha's Hidden Heir

The Shadow's Warning

Lila's POV

The wind raged around us and ripped through the trees like a wild monster. My entire body felt like it was on fire as the bright light raced through the glowing lines on my skin. Like a crashing storm, I could feel the raw, uncontrolled power shooting through me.

"Kian!" I shouted, my voice scarcely heard over the roaring wind. "I'm powerless to stop it!"

Kian grabbed my arm, softly but strongly. "Listen up, Lila! You have power over this. Just breathe.

I tried to control my breathing, but the strength was too strong. It looked like it was engulfing me, ripping me apart from the inside out. A tornado of dirt and leaves spun around us as the wind picked up pace.

"I am unable to!" I had tears running down my face. "It's excessive!"

Kian drew me in, his arms wrapped around me, covering me from the rain. "You're better than this, Lilia. You have to be.

I was quickly rooted by his quiet, steady voice. I shut my eyes and focused on the feeling of his body against mine and his beating. The colored spots on my skin gradually faded as the wind began to slow down.

I opened my eyes to find the forest quiet again, but for the pleasant sound of leaves moving in the air.

My voice shook as I answered, "I… I did it."

Kian nodded, his eyes shining with relief. "You did. But we have to keep going. They are still around.

I nodded as we started walking again, my legs still shaky. Even though it was silent now, I could still feel the power constantly beneath my skin.

We moved in quietly for what seemed like hours, the jungle getting more dark and dangerous with each step. Tension was high, and I couldn't help but sense that someone was studying us.

There came a time when I mumbled quietly, "Kian." "Do you sense that?"

He nodded, his eyes wandering over the trees. Yes. Something is wrong.

Before I could react, a shudder went down my back. My heart beating, I turned as a dark figure emerged from the trees.

It looked like fog, flapping and swirling, tall and frightening. Its eyes glowed with a weird, strange light, and its voice was loud and strong, booming through the forest like a far-off thunderclap.

I got shivers down my spine when it stated, "Lila Monroe." "I've been observing your arrival."

As I stepped back, my hands immediately went to my stomach. "Who are you?"

The ghost c****d its head and gazed at me with its sparkling eyes. "I am the guardian of the Moonstone gene. A spirit that has a job to protect people it touches.

Kian moved in front of me, his body tense and ready for war. "What are you looking for?"

The strange face of the ghost moved as it peered at Kian. "I don't want to hurt her. I am trying to help her.

"What should I be warned of?" I questioned in a shaking but furious voice.

As the spirit's eye met with mine, a cold, heavy weight dropped upon my chest. "Your baby is incredibly strong, Lila Monroe. But it will draw more than just forces or villains.

Darker forces are already gathering, drawn to the light of the Moonstone Gift. If you do not protect your baby, your baby will be lost to the darkness.

My heart began to rush as his words took hold. "What dark forces are there?"

The spirit's form faded and its voice got softer. Villains from a long time ago that the world has forgotten. They are hungry for the power your child holds and will stop at nothing to gain it.

With shaky hands, I grasped my stomach and swallowed hard. "What do I do? How can I protect my child?

The ghost's eyes glowed brighter, and it stretched out a black hand, pointing deeper into the woods. " There is a haven tucked away from the normal people. A spot that has kept generations of Moonstone history. You may find the answers you seek if you look for them.

"Where is it?" Kian's voice was gentle.

The picture of the ghost started to disappear as its words echoed across the woods. From the place where the river spills into the sky, follow the path of the crescent moon. You will learn about the haven and the truth it bears.

It left, leaving a scary quiet that made my skin crawl.

Kian and I stood there for a long time, the words of the spirit weighing down on us.

"What are your thoughts?" I asked in a scarcely audible voice.

Kian studied the trees with a frown. "I don't think we have a lot of choices. If what the spirit says is true, we have to find that place.

I nodded, my heart racing. But how can we track the path of the crescent moon? What does that mean, though?

Before Kian could answer, a roar boomed over the bush, sending a shudder down his spine.

"Cyrus's pack," Kian noticed seriously. "They're near."

With my heart beating, I looked around, the bush now appeared more dangerous than before. "What are we going to do?"

Kian clasped my hand more tightly. "We run. And we find that protection.

As we rushed into the bush, the growls and cries behind us got more fierce. My legs hurt with every step I took, but I forced myself to ignore the pain and focus on keeping up with Kian.

The trees appeared to engulf us, and the shadows got darker and more frightening. I could feel the power within me stirring once more as the glowing lines on my skin sparked with a beautiful, golden light.

My voice was tremulous as I said, "Kian." "What happens if we can't find it? What if it's already too late?

He turned back to me, determination shining in his eyes. "We'll find it, Lila. I promise.

However, a number of wolf packs with ugly eyes ran across the forest before I could answer. Cyrus led the way, his huge wolf form rising over the rest.

"Lila!" he yelled, his voice full of anger. "You cannot run indefinitely!"

Kian moved in front of me, his body tense and ready for war. "Stay behind me."

I nodded, my heart beating in my stomach. The power within me grew, lighting the burning lines on my body.

I said, my voice trembling, "Kian." "I'm not sure whether I can control it."

He turned back to face me, a mix of determination and fear in his eyes. "You have to, Lila. For our baby.

I took a deep breath and focused on my inner power. The glowing marks on my skin pulsed stronger as I felt the wind around us increase up pace and spin harder and faster.

Cyrus's pack charged toward us, their teeth bared and their claws slicing through the air.

As he turned into a wolf, Kian's huge size met with Cyrus's in a rush of jaws and claws.

I focused on my inner force while shutting my eyes. We were split from the wolves by the wind, which grew stronger and swept leaves and garbage into the air.

"Lila!" Kian's voice sounded eager as she spoke. "We must leave!"

I felt the power within me surge as I opened my eyes and blasted out a blast of wind that drove the wolves fleeing.

"Now!" As we rushed into the woods, I yelled and grabbed Kian's hand.

As we hurried, the forest got darker and the cries of Cyrus's group became more loud. The bright marks on my skin pulse stronger, and I know that the haven is closer than we imagined. But as we reach an opening, a giant beast with weird light shining in its eyes comes out of the darkness. With a voice full of hate, it adds, "You're too late." "I own the sanctuary."