Chapter 3 3

The wind outside howled like a living thing, rattling the windows of the old house. Aurelia sat at the desk in her grandmother's study, the journal open in front of her. Flickering candlelight illuminated the pages, casting long shadows that danced across the room. Every word she read deepened the mystery surrounding her grandmother and the town of Ravencross.

The journal wasn't a simple collection of thoughts or memories-it was a manifesto of sorts, filled with cryptic references to the "lunar key," ancient rituals, and warnings about the wolves. One passage in particular had captured her attention:

"Only under the blood moon will the truth be revealed. But the truth demands a price-one that not all are willing to pay."

The words chilled her, yet she couldn't stop reading. Beneath the entry, her grandmother had sketched a symbol: a crescent moon encircled by vines. It matched the seal on the letter Aurelia had received.

A heavy thud echoed from the porch. Her breath caught, and she instinctively reached for the candlestick she'd left nearby. Another thud followed, deliberate and measured, like someone-or something-was testing the threshold.

The door creaked slightly, its aged hinges protesting against the movement. Aurelia rose slowly, gripping the candlestick tighter. Her pulse thundered in her ears as she approached the door.

"Who's there?" she called out, her voice trembling despite her best efforts to sound firm.

The only response was the wind, carrying with it the faint rustle of leaves.

Her free hand grasped the doorknob, and she hesitated for a heartbeat before pulling the door open. The porch was empty, save for a freshly carved symbol etched into the wood-a crescent moon with jagged claw marks slashing through it.

Aurelia's heart raced. Someone had been here, and they were sending a message.

The unmistakable sound of footsteps behind her sent a surge of panic through her chest. Spinning around, she raised the candlestick, ready to strike.

"It's just me."

Liam's voice stopped her mid-swing. He stood in the doorway, his dark eyes glinting with urgency.

"You can't keep sneaking up on me," she snapped, lowering her makeshift weapon.

"You should've locked the door," he said, stepping inside and glancing at the carved symbol. His expression darkened. "They're getting bolder."

"Who?" she demanded.

"The rival pack," he replied. "The ones you met in the forest. They want to scare you into leaving, but you can't let them win."

"They're not just trying to scare me," she said, pointing to the symbol. "What does this mean?"

Liam hesitated, his jaw tightening. "It's a warning. They think you're dangerous."

Her brow furrowed. "Why would they think that? I don't even know what's going on here."

"Because of what you are," he said, his voice heavy with meaning. "Or more accurately, who you're descended from."

The weight of his words pressed against her chest. "You're talking about my grandmother, aren't you?"

"She was more than just a storyteller," he said. "Margaret Lane was a guardian-a protector of the balance between humans and wolves. And you've inherited her legacy."

The room felt colder suddenly, the air thick with unspoken truths. "I don't understand. What does that have to do with me being here now?"

Liam stepped closer, his presence steadying yet intense. "The blood moon is approaching. It's a rare event, one that amplifies the connection between wolves and the lunar key. The rival pack believes your arrival will shift the balance of power, and they'll do anything to stop that from happening."

She shook her head, the information overwhelming. "Why me? I didn't ask for any of this."

"No one ever does," he said softly. "But fate doesn't care about what we want. You're here for a reason, Aurelia. The question is whether you're willing to embrace it."

His gaze held hers, a silent challenge wrapped in something deeper.

Before she could respond, the distant howl of a wolf cut through the night. It was mournful and haunting, raising the hairs on her arms. Liam stiffened, his attention snapping toward the sound.

"They're watching," he said, his tone grim. "We need to move."

"Move? Where?"

"To the pack's territory," he replied. "You'll be safer there."

She hesitated, her instincts screaming to stay put. But the urgency in his eyes, coupled with the lingering threat of the rival pack, convinced her. "Fine. Let me grab my things."

Liam waited by the door while she packed a small bag. The journal went in first, followed by the crescent moon-sealed letter. She paused for a moment, glancing around the house that held so many unanswered questions, before slinging the bag over her shoulder.

"Let's go."

The forest was a maze of shadows and whispers. Liam led the way, his movements swift and sure. Aurelia struggled to keep up, her feet crunching against the damp undergrowth.

"Where exactly are we going?" she asked, her breath coming in short bursts.

"To the heart of the pack's land," he said over his shoulder. "It's protected-no rival wolves can enter without permission."

"How does that work?"

"Magic," he replied simply, leaving her with more questions than answers.

The trees began to thin, revealing a wide clearing bathed in moonlight. A cluster of wooden cabins stood at its center, smoke curling lazily from their chimneys. Figures moved between them, their forms blurring at the edges as though they weren't entirely human.

"This is it," Liam said, gesturing for her to follow.

The pack members stopped what they were doing as they approached, their eyes narrowing with suspicion. Whispers rippled through the group, and Aurelia could feel their distrust like a physical weight.

"She's the one?" a tall woman with silver-streaked hair asked, stepping forward. Her piercing gaze raked over Aurelia, assessing her.

"Yes," Liam said firmly. "She's under my protection."

The woman's eyes flicked to Liam, a silent conversation passing between them. Finally, she nodded. "Then we'll trust your judgment. For now."

Liam led Aurelia to one of the larger cabins, its interior warm and welcoming. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting a golden glow over the rustic furniture.

"You can stay here," he said, setting her bag down. "It's safe."

"What happens next?" she asked, her voice quieter now.

"We prepare for the blood moon," he replied. "And hope we're ready for whatever comes."

The weight of his words settled over her, a reminder that the days ahead would bring challenges she couldn't yet comprehend.