As expected, rumors of the mysterious white wolf who saved our dominant alpha spread quickly throughout the estate. Some whispered that she was a prophecy made flesh—a true messenger of the Moon Goddess. Others, however, wanted her gone more than ever.
That didn't stop the usual pack of disagreeing old mutts from loudly voicing their suspicion that she might be a spy, sent to infiltrate and destroy us from within. They weren't entirely wrong.
According to the Moonbound legend, Elara is destined to either bring ruin to the werewolf packs—or restore balance. For that reason, I'm still watching her closely.
Leticia hasn't seen anything clear about the prophecy yet, and that only fuels my anxiety. My wolf is restless—he senses that something is coming.
Levi has been tasked with teaching Elara basic healing techniques, helping her hone the magic that awakened within her. Leticia mentioned something cryptic—that Elara's gift was meant to be used for me alone. I can't help but think she's trying to set us up. I scoffed at the idea and dismissed it, but the thought lingered.
Luke has taken on her combat training—basic hand-to-hand techniques. She'll need them. Those old wolves won't back down easily. They'd do anything to see me fall.
Since the last full moon, I've noticed something different—Elara now carries a scent. I hadn't noticed it before, but after that night, her scent became... sweet and calming. Almost too comforting.
I frowned, flipping through the reports in front of me without really reading them. I sighed and dropped the papers, my gaze drifting to the window. A white crescent moon hung in the sky.
"It seems I'll have to go to the city soon," I muttered and pushed myself up.
I walked over to my bed, exhaustion weighing down my limbs. I've been feeling unusually tired lately. The migraines come and go without warning, sharp and blinding. Leticia also mentioned holding a ceremony to officially welcome Elara into the pack. It would help her gain status and send a clear message to anyone thinking of harming her.
I considered it. Making her position known would serve as both protection and warning.
I lay down and closed my eyes, letting sleep claim me.
---
The dream came like fire.
Flames licked my skin as my wolf snarled in fury. The battlefield was soaked in blood and fire, screams echoing in every direction. My heart pounded as I tore through enemy after enemy—it was them or us. I had to protect my pack.
And Elara.
My mate.
Where was she? She was with me—fighting by my side, strong and wild as the Luna she was destined to be. The cure to my curse, sent by Selene herself.
Then I saw her—her brilliant white fur and those glowing blue eyes. She was beautiful. Powerful.
And then... I saw it.
A cloaked figure emerged behind her, dark as shadow. She turned to me—her eyes locking with mine. I tried to call out, to warn her.
But no sound came.
My voice—my howl—was gone.
The blade pierced her before I could reach her.
I ran, shifting mid-stride and catching her in my arms. But it was too late.
"She will either free you… or end you," a voice whispered coldly in my ear.
---
"Elara!"
I bolted upright, heart thundering in my chest. My breaths came short and ragged as I looked around.
I was back in my room.
Still here.
Alive.
But that dream... it felt too real.
My hands trembled as I pushed the blankets aside and left my room, crossing the hall to Elara's. I opened the door slowly. She lay there, sleeping peacefully.
I exhaled, a tight breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
I closed the door gently and returned to my room, but the dream clung to me like smoke. Sleep was gone. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at my hands.
For a brief second, I saw blood staining my fingers.
Another sharp throb pierced my skull, and I leaned against the railing outside my room, trying to steady my breathing.
"Elara... died... in my arms?"
The weight of dread coiled in my gut. Sweat beaded on my forehead.
"No," I said aloud, my voice firm.
That will not happen.
My wolf growled in agreement, the sound deep and resolute.
One thing was clear—war is coming.
And in that war, Elara will either survive or fall.
But I won't let it be the latter.
I am her protector.