A Journey Begins
Alaric stood at the head of the room. His golden eyes scanned the crowd, landing finally on Isla and Draven. The firelight danced across the scarred maps laid out on the table before him, each mark a reminder of the battles they had endured.
“This mission isn’t just about Malrik,” Alaric began, his voice steady but laden with gravity. “It’s about the balance of power in our world. Isla’s father holds knowledge and strength tied directly to the Moon Goddess. With it, we can tip the scales—not just against Malrik, but against the chaos he’s unleashed.”
A murmur rippled through the warriors gathered, uncertainty flickering in their eyes. Isla stood beside Draven, her silver hair gleaming like spun moonlight, her expression calm but resolute. Draven placed a firm hand on her shoulder, grounding her.
“We go together,” Draven said, his voice a low rumble that commanded the room’s attention. “Whatever this journey brings, Isla and I will face it side by side.”
Susan stepped forward, her sharp eyes cutting through the lingering doubt. “Someone needs to hold this pack together while you’re gone,” she said firmly. “I’ll make sure Crimson Fang is ready for whatever comes next. You focus on the fight ahead.”
Draven nodded once, his amber eyes meeting hers. “I trust you, Susan. Keep them safe.”
As the meeting broke up, the warriors dispersed with a mix of whispered apprehension and determined resolve. Isla slipped out of the hall, her steps taking her to the edge of the packhouse grounds. The moon hung high in the night sky, its light bathing her in a pale glow. Her thoughts were a whirlwind—of fear for the future, of the unknown truths awaiting her, and of the fragile but fierce hope she carried in her heart.
The sound of footsteps behind her broke the silence. She didn’t turn as Alaric approached, his presence calm but commanding. He stopped beside her, his gaze lifted to the stars.
“You’ve always felt it, haven’t you?” Alaric said softly, his golden eyes searching hers. “That there’s more to you than anyone realizes.”
Isla’s breath caught, the weight of his words sinking into her chest. “I’ve felt it,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “But I didn’t know what it meant. I don’t know if I’m ready to find out.”
Alaric turned to her fully, his voice steady but urgent. “You’ve faced more than anyone else ever could, Isla. You’re more ready than you think. The answers you’ve been searching for—they’re within reach now.”
The wind stirred around them, rustling the trees and carrying the faint howl of a distant wolf. Isla looked down, her hand instinctively resting on her growing belly. “If this is what it takes to protect them—to protect Draven and our pack—then I’ll do it. I have to.”
“You won’t be alone,” Alaric said, his tone firm. “Draven, the pack—they’ll be with you every step of the way. But this journey is yours, Isla. It always has been.”
She lifted her silver eyes to the horizon, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. “Then let’s go,” she said quietly, her voice resolute. “It’s time.”
