hrough the dense canopy, illuminating the path ahead of me. My heart pounded with each step, a rhythm that matche

I couldn't shake the memory of Selene's words from my mind: "If you can't handle the truth of wha

said, his voice bre

t softened his sharp features, but his golden eyes still burned with

f I tell you too much, it might influence what happens.

keep saying that, but i

d at his lips. "You

lade of grass and leaf shimmering like silver. Wolves stood in a loose circle, their eyes glowing as they turn

ly. Selene stood near the center of the clearing, her expression unreadable. Beside her was an ancient stone

her tone neutral but her e

my voice shaking despite my

oon, you'll awaken the truth of your bloodline. If you're strong enough, you'll find your

I do that?" I aske

d reassuring. "Stand before the altar.

ike lead as I moved toward the altar. The air seemed thicker, charged with an energy that made

eyes, I tried to block out the murmurs of the wolves and the pounding of my own hear

it ha

a tidal wave of power. Images flashed behind my closed eyelids: wolves running under the moonlight, a woman's face I didn't recognize but fe

ands were strong and steady as he helped me stay up

a steady warmth. I opened my eyes, and the clearing seemed different. The wolves were watching me with a new i

asked, my voice bar

evident. "You awakened.

ecting me to the pack in a way I couldn't fully comprehend yet. I felt different, stronger somehow, though I couldn'

the forest. The others had stayed behind in the clearing, leavin

d to learn?" I asked. "And

uld have destroyed you. As for what you'll learn..." He hesitated, his jaw tightening. "There are for

staring at him. "

ut the fact that you've awakened now, when the pack needs yo

ity. I'd spent my whole life feeling out of place, as if I didn't belong anywhere. No

?" I asked, my

n eyes unwavering. "You won't.

e-it was enough to chase away the doubts, if only for a little while. But as we reached the ed

f wolves and ancient rituals, of danger and destiny.

of the town, I glanced back. Kael stood at the edge of th

id, his voice carrying e

, my heart heavy with

ined. It was in my blood now, in my very soul. And as muc

er ignore the c