The moon hung high above the Blue Moon Pack's territory, casting an ethereal glow across the forest. Inside the packhouse, the tension was palpable. Callista had grown accustomed to the new rhythm of her life with Lucien and the pack, but a part of her heart still burned with uncertainty. Every passing day, the weight of her destiny pressed harder against her chest.
She stood by the window of her private room, gazing into the night, her thoughts heavy. She had become the Luna of the pack, a title she had never asked for, but one that now bound her to Lucien and the fate of their people. The mate bond between them had only deepened since her decision to stay, but even as their connection grew stronger, so did the unease in her heart.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Lucien entered, his presence filling the room. His eyes softened when he saw her standing there, lost in thought.
"Callista," he said gently, walking over to her. He reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder, his touch warm and comforting. "You've been distant lately. What's on your mind?"
Callista turned to face him, forcing a smile. "It's nothing. I'm just... trying to get used to everything. The pack. The title. And the bond. It's a lot to take in."
Lucien studied her closely, his brow furrowed. "You don't have to carry the weight of it alone. We're in this together, you know that."
Callista nodded, her throat tightening. She wanted to believe that. But deep down, there was something gnawing at her, a feeling that everything was not as it seemed. The witches, especially Sabrina, still loomed over her, like a dark shadow waiting to strike.
"I know," she whispered, her voice soft. "But sometimes... it feels like I'm losing myself in all of this."
Lucien's expression softened, his eyes filled with concern. "You're not losing yourself, Callista. You're becoming who you were always meant to be. As Luna, you'll guide this pack, and together, we'll make sure we're ready for whatever comes next."
Callista met his gaze, searching for reassurance in his words. She found it in his eyes, but that lingering doubt remained, the fear that the witches were still out there, plotting their next move.
Before she could respond, a knock echoed through the door, interrupting the moment. A guard entered, his face serious. "Alpha Lucien, Luna Callista, there's news from the border."
Lucien straightened, his protective instincts kicking in. "What is it?"
The guard hesitated before speaking. "There's been a disturbance. Some of the outer patrols spotted movement—rogue wolves. They were heading toward the territory."
Callista's heart skipped a beat. "Rogue wolves?"
Lucien turned to her, his expression hardening. "It's too soon for this. We need to move quickly."
He turned back to the guard. "Gather the pack. Prepare for a possible attack. We'll head out immediately."
As the guard left, Callista felt a surge of anxiety. She wanted to help, but the truth was, she didn't know how. Her training was still in its early stages, and despite her growing strength, she wasn't sure if she was ready for a battle.
Lucien caught her eye as if sensing her hesitation. He placed a hand on her arm. "Stay here, Callista. You're still recovering, and the pack will need you here if anything goes wrong."
Callista nodded, swallowing the words she wanted to say. She knew he was only trying to protect her, but part of her felt restless. She wasn't just the Luna now. She had a responsibility to the pack—and to herself.
As Lucien left to rally the pack, Callista remained in her room, her thoughts swirling. She paced the floor, feeling the bond between her and Lucien pulsing faintly. She could sense his worry, his urgency to protect his pack. But there was something else, something that made her skin crawl.
The witches were planning something. She could feel their presence in the distance, like a constant pull at the edge of her mind. She had to act fast.
Determined, she moved to the center of the room, closing her eyes and focusing her energy. Her mother's words echoed in her mind, reminding her of the power she still hadn't fully unlocked. The magic that flowed through her veins, the witch's blood that was a part of her, needed to be awakened.
She held out her hands, murmuring a spell her mother had taught her, a simple incantation to sharpen her senses. The air around her shimmered with energy, and she could feel the magic coursing through her, making her stronger.
But then, a sudden wave of dizziness hit her. She staggered, leaning against the wall for support. Her mind spun, and for a moment, she lost focus. The room felt too small, too suffocating.
And then, through the fog of confusion, she heard it. Lucien's voice, calling out to her, as if through the bond.
Callista, stay safe. I need you. Please...
Her heart raced. She could feel his desperation, his pain, and a horrible realization hit her: the witches were attacking. And Lucien—Lucien was already weakened. He needed her.
With newfound urgency, Callista staggered toward the door, her body fighting against the magic that still swirled in her. She had to get to him, no matter the cost.