The Prophecy and The Magical Stone

The moon hung low in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the dense forest that stretched for miles beyond the borders of the pack's territory. The winds whispered through the trees, but for Alpha Yung, the night was anything but serene. Standing at the edge of the cliff, his sharp eyes scanned the horizon, his mind heavy with the weight of responsibility.

A distant howl echoed, pulling him back from his thoughts. It was his father's voice he heard more often these days-a ghost from the past, reminding him of the prophecy, the duty that had been etched into his soul since birth.

*"You must protect the stone at all costs. The dark power it holds... it is not to be wielded, only guarded until the time comes. Only your mate can destroy its curse."*

The *Shadow Stone*, a relic of immense and terrifying power, was buried deep within his pack's territory. For centuries, it had remained a closely guarded secret, known only to the Alpha lineage. Many sought its power, but Yung's father had made it clear that the stone wasn't a tool for war or dominance-it was a curse. And it would remain that way unless the prophecy was fulfilled.

But Yung had no mate, and time was running out.

The scent of war was in the air. Alpha Damien and his rival pack were growing bolder, pushing further into Yung's territory with every passing day. Damien's ambition was no secret-he craved power, and the *Shadow Stone* was the ultimate prize. Yung's pack was strong, but Damien's forces wielded dark magic that no normal wolf could withstand.

Yung growled low in his throat, his hands clenching into fists. He needed to find his mate, the woman who would help him fulfill the prophecy, the one destined to nullify the dark spells. But as the years dragged on, doubt gnawed at him. What if the prophecy was wrong? What if there was no one to save them?

The rustling of leaves behind him broke his thoughts. His Beta, Markus, approached, his footsteps light but urgent.

"Alpha," Markus said, bowing his head in respect. "The scouts report movement from the north. Damien's forces are preparing another attack."

Yung's jaw tightened. "How long do we have?"

"By dawn, they'll be on our doorstep."

Yung nodded, his mind already calculating their defense. "Double the patrols. Prepare the warriors. We fight to protect what is ours, no matter the cost."

Markus hesitated, his eyes flickering with concern. "Alpha... about the stone. Do you think it's wise to keep guarding it? If we can't find your mate, we-"

"We protect it," Yung interrupted, his voice hard as steel. "No one will touch it. Not Damien. Not anyone."

Markus dipped his head, though his expression remained troubled. "As you command."

As his Beta turned to leave, Yung's gaze drifted once more to the distant mountains. Somewhere out there, his mate was waiting. A woman he had never met, but who held the key to their survival. And he would find her, no matter what it took.

---

On the other side of the forest, far beyond Yung's reach, Mira knelt on cold stone floors, scrubbing away the bloodstains from the latest battle. Her fingers were raw, her back aching, but she dared not stop. The punishment for disobedience in Alpha Damien's pack was swift and brutal.

"Faster, girl!" one of the guards sneered, kicking a bucket of water towards her. "We don't have all night."

Mira bit back a retort and kept her eyes down, focusing on the task at hand. She had learned long ago that showing defiance only earned her more pain. Being a maid in this pack was a fate worse than death for some, but for Mira, it was survival. She had no choice. No family. No allies. Only herself and the powers she kept hidden.

A small spark of energy flickered at her fingertips as she wiped the floor. She quickly pulled her hand back, heart pounding. She had to control it. If anyone found out about her abilities, especially Alpha Damien, her life would be forfeit.

But it wasn't easy. The dreams had started again. Vivid, haunting dreams of a man with eyes like the stormy sky, a man who called to her in the darkness. She didn't know who he was, but his presence felt so real, so... destined.

Mira closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself a brief escape from the harsh reality of her life. Whoever he was, the man in her dreams, he made her feel... safe. Wanted.

But dreams were just dreams. And no one wanted a lowly maid like her.

The guards' voices echoed through the hall, breaking her reverie. Mira's eyes opened, and she resumed her work. The war between the packs raged on, and soon, she knew, she'd be swept into the chaos.

What she didn't know was that her destiny was about to change. Fate had already set its plan into motion, and the man from her dreams was closer than she could ever imagine.

---