Chapter 3 Secrets of the Moonstone

The night was still, save for the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze that echoed through the dense forest surrounding the Moonstone Pack's territory. Aria stood at the edge of a clearing, the moon casting a silvery glow over her surroundings. The quiet of the night was a contrast to the storm that churned within her chest.

Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts-thoughts of Asher's rejection, of her father's expectations, and of the mysterious power that lingered inside her, just out of reach.

Aria closed her eyes, feeling the cool night air kiss her skin, and allowed herself a moment of peace. The world seemed so calm here, in the quiet embrace of the moonlit forest. It was as if the land itself was waiting for her to discover something, waiting for her to unlock the mystery that was her true self.

Why can't I connect to my powers? She wondered, her thoughts slipping back to the bitter words Asher had spoken earlier. His rejection had stung, but it was the way he'd spoken of her powers, the way he'd made her feel like nothing more than a disappointment, that gnawed at her.

Her celestial blue eyes flicked to the sky, where the moon hung high and full. Her father had often told her that her powers were tied to the phases of the moon and that she was destined for something great. But what was the point of destiny when she couldn't even connect to the very essence of her heritage?

Aria had tried. She had spent countless nights under the moon's light, hoping to feel that spark, that connection that would unlock her power. But each time, she felt nothing-nothing but the ache of failure.

A sudden rustle in the bushes snapped her out of her reverie. She turned, instinctively reaching for the dagger hidden at her waist, her heart pounding. But it was only Elias, her older brother, stepping into the clearing.

"Aria," Elias said softly, his brown eyes filled with concern. "You've been out here for hours."

Aria let out a soft sigh, her hand dropping from the dagger. "I know. I just... I don't know what I'm doing anymore, Elias."

Elias stepped closer, his presence warm and steady. He was a rock in her life, someone she could always rely on. As the heir to the Moonstone Pack, he was everything she wasn't-confident, strong, and deeply connected to the pack's power. But despite their differences, Elias always had her back.

"You don't have to prove anything to anyone," Elias said, his voice gentle but firm. "Not to Father. Not to Asher. And certainly not to yourself."

Aria shook her head, frustration bubbling to the surface. "But I have to prove something. I'm the Alpha's daughter, Elias. The Moonstone Pack's future depends on me. And yet, I can't even access my powers. How can I be what everyone expects me to be if I can't even control the one thing that's supposed to define me?"

Elias studied her for a moment, his expression softening. He reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You're still young, Aria. You don't have to have everything figured out right now. I know you feel the weight of being the only daughter, but you're not alone. You have us."

The words were comforting, but they did little to ease the restlessness that churned inside her. Aria pulled away slightly, looking up at the moon once more. "I've spent my entire life waiting for something, anything, to happen. But I can't feel anything, Elias. It's like there's a part of me locked away, and I don't know how to open it."

Elias was quiet for a moment before speaking again, his tone more serious. "Maybe you're not meant to unlock it alone."

Aria turned to look at him, confused. "What do you mean?"

"There are ancient texts in the Moonstone Pack library," Elias said, his eyes distant as if recalling a memory. "Our ancestors believed that the true power of the Moonstone bloodline could only be unlocked with the right connection-someone whose essence complements yours. A mate, perhaps."

Aria's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly shook her head. "I'm not talking about that. I mean... I just want to know who I am. Not... this bond with Asher."

Elias gave her a knowing look. "I didn't say it was just about the bond. The texts also speak of another way to unlock your power-through your emotions and your deepest desires. The moon is connected to your soul, Aria. It's not just about control. It's about understanding your heart, your fears, your desires. That's how the Moonstone power manifests."

Aria's brow furrowed as she processed his words. "You think... I just need to understand my emotions better. To feel something more deeply?"

Elias shrugged, his face thoughtful. "I'm not entirely sure. But I do know that there's more to you than what you've been told. Your powers aren't something to be feared or ignored. They're a part of who you are."

The silence stretched between them, the weight of his words settling over her. Aria wasn't sure what to believe, but the idea that she could unlock her power through something as simple as understanding herself felt both overwhelming and freeing. Could it be that easy?

Before she could respond, Elias's gaze flicked to the distance, his expression changing. "You should go to bed, There's a meeting with the Silverfangs tomorrow. Father will want you there."

Aria sighed, nodding. She was already dreading the encounter with Asher, but Elias was right-there were bigger things at stake now. As much as she hated the thought, the alliance with the Silverfang Pack was essential for their survival.

"I'll be there," Aria said, her voice steady, though the storm of emotions within her remained unresolved.

Elias gave her a reassuring smile, but it was clear that he was still worried about her. "Take care of yourself, Aria. Don't let the weight of everything crush you. You're stronger than you know."

With that, he turned and disappeared into the trees, leaving Aria alone once more under the moon's gaze.

She stood there for a long moment, the cool night air surrounding her like a blanket. Her thoughts were a jumble-conflicting desires, fears, and questions. But beneath it all, one truth lingered: she wasn't alone. Not entirely.

Something had changed tonight. Something she didn't yet understand.

The bond with Asher was just the beginning. There was something greater out there, waiting to be uncovered, and Aria was determined to find it.

The moonlight bathed her in its soft glow, and for the first time in years, Aria felt a flicker of something inside her-an ember of hope that had long been buried beneath layers of doubt and fear.

Maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as powerless as she thought.

___

As Aria lay in bed that night, the pull within her chest grew unbearable. She dreamt of a storm, of gray eyes and lightning, of a voice calling her name. When she woke, her celestial blue eyes were glowing faintly in the darkness.