The full moon bathed Hollow Valley in silver light as Selena stepped through the mist.
She came alone, just as the invitation demanded, but she wasn't defenseless. Her aura shimmered faintly beneath her cloak, ready to strike at the first sign of danger.
She waited.
Minutes passed.
Then the shadows shifted.
From the edge of the cliffs, a massive black wolf emerged, his fur rippling like midnight water, eyes glowing sapphire-gold. He shifted smoothly into his human form tall, scarred, magnetic. His aura felt like thunder wrapped in silence.
> "You came," he said, voice low and steady.
Selena raised her chin. "You've been watching me."
> "Protecting you," he corrected. "From what hunts you in the dark."
She frowned. "Who are you?"
> "Alpha Kael of the Nightbane Pack."
The name hit her like a spark. Nightbane was a rogue kingdom
hidden, feared, untouched by the Council. Its wolves were said to be cursed… or blessed, depending on who told the story.
> "Why me?" she asked.
Kael stepped closer. "Because your rise threatens a balance they're desperate to keep. You're not just the Moon's Chosen, Selena. You're her last blood."
Selena blinked. "You know about the First Wives?"
> "I was raised by one," he said. "The Council hunted them into extinction. But they missed one."
He reached into his cloak and tossed something to her, a necklace. A silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon and claw entwined.
> "My mother wore this until her final breath. She said to give it only to the one who would bring the bloodline full circle."
Selena caught it in her palm. It pulsed.
Alive.
Connected to her.
Kael's voice dropped to a whisper.
> "They will come for you, Selena. Not just rogues… but Kings. Council wolves. Even your own kind. And when that war begins, I will stand with you."
Selena's eyes locked on his.
> "Why?"
Kael gave a half-smile. "Because you're not just a prophecy. You're a storm. And storms like us… recognize each other."