Chapter 5 5

The tension in the air was palpable the next morning. Aurelia woke to the sound of muffled voices outside the cabin, their urgency sharp even through the thick wooden walls. She sat up slowly, her mind still grappling with Caleb's words from the previous night. The idea that she wasn't entirely human lingered like an itch she couldn't scratch.

Pushing the thoughts aside, she dressed quickly and stepped out into the clearing. The pack was gathered in clusters, their faces etched with worry. Liam stood at the center, speaking to the silver-haired woman Aurelia now knew as Serena, one of the pack's elders.

When Liam spotted Aurelia, he excused himself and strode toward her, his expression unreadable.

"Morning," she greeted, though her voice carried none of the casual ease the word implied.

"We need to talk," he said, steering her toward a quieter corner of the clearing.

"I figured," she replied, crossing her arms. "What now? Another warning? More cryptic talk about fate?"

"It's not cryptic if you listen," he shot back, his tone sharper than usual. He took a breath, visibly calming himself. "Sorry. Things are... tense right now."

"I noticed." She gestured to the pack, who were still murmuring among themselves. "What's going on?"

"Caleb's visit wasn't just a warning. His pack is mobilizing. They're preparing for something, and with the blood moon tomorrow night, we don't have much time to figure out what."

Her stomach churned. "And you think it involves me."

"I know it does," he said. "They believe you're the key to something-something powerful enough to tip the balance between the packs. If they get their hands on you during the blood moon..."

The sentence hung unfinished, but the implication was clear.

Aurelia frowned. "So, what's the plan? Am I supposed to just hide here while you all deal with them?"

"No," he said firmly. "Hiding isn't an option anymore. You need to be prepared."

"For what?" she asked, incredulous. "I'm not a fighter, Liam. I don't even know what I am."

"You're more capable than you think," he said, his eyes intense. "And we're going to figure out exactly what you're capable of before it's too late."

---

Training began that afternoon.

Liam led her to a secluded part of the forest where the trees grew close together, their branches forming a natural canopy. The filtered sunlight gave the clearing a sense of quiet urgency, like the woods themselves were holding their breath.

"We'll start simple," he said, handing her a wooden staff he'd brought along. "Focus on balance and movement first."

Aurelia took the staff, feeling its weight in her hands. "This feels... unnecessary. Are you expecting me to fight wolves with a stick?"

"It's not about the stick," he said, positioning her feet. "It's about learning to trust your instincts. Your body knows more than you think."

She gave him a skeptical look but obeyed as he guided her into a basic stance. He walked her through the movements slowly at first, correcting her posture and demonstrating how to shift her weight.

The first few attempts were awkward. She stumbled, the staff slipping from her hands more than once. Frustration bubbled up, but Liam remained patient, his calm instructions cutting through her irritation.

"Again," he said after she fumbled for the fifth time.

"I'm trying!" she snapped, throwing the staff to the ground. "This is pointless. I'm not some chosen warrior, Liam. I'm just a girl who got dragged into a nightmare."

He stepped closer, his expression softening. "I know this is overwhelming. But you're stronger than you realize. You survived Caleb. You've stood your ground when most people would've run. That's not nothing."

Her anger faltered under his steady gaze. She bent to pick up the staff, gripping it tighter this time. "Fine. One more try."

"That's the spirit," he said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

They worked until the sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the forest in hues of gold and crimson. By the time they returned to the clearing, Aurelia's arms ached, and her legs felt like jelly, but a small sense of accomplishment had taken root.

The pack was waiting for them. Serena approached, her expression grim.

"Trouble," she announced. "Scouts spotted Caleb's pack near the northern border. They're testing the perimeter."

Liam's demeanor shifted instantly. "How many?"

"Enough to make a statement," Serena said. Her eyes flicked to Aurelia. "We need to strengthen the wards. She should help."

"Me?" Aurelia blinked, caught off guard. "I don't know anything about wards."

"You don't need to," Serena said. "The wards respond to intent, not knowledge. Your connection to the lunar key makes you a powerful ally."

Liam nodded. "She's right. If you help us reinforce the wards, it'll buy us more time."

Aurelia hesitated but finally nodded. "Tell me what to do."

---

The northern border was a jagged ridge that overlooked the valley below. The air was colder here, biting against Aurelia's skin as she followed Serena and Liam to a series of stone markers embedded in the earth.

Serena knelt beside the first marker, her hands tracing the symbols carved into its surface. "These stones are the foundation of the wards. They create a barrier that keeps rival wolves out-most of the time."

"Most of the time?" Aurelia asked.

"The wards weaken during the blood moon," Serena explained. "That's why we need to strengthen them now."

She placed a hand over the marker and gestured for Aurelia to do the same. The stone was cold beneath her palm, but a faint warmth began to build, like a pulse awakening beneath the surface.

"Focus," Serena instructed. "Picture the boundary in your mind-an unbreakable wall, strong and unyielding. Pour your intent into it."

Aurelia closed her eyes, her breath steadying as she tried to concentrate. The warmth beneath her hand grew stronger, spreading through her arm like a current. She pictured the forest, its edges guarded by an invisible barrier that no one could breach.

The stone began to glow faintly, its symbols lighting up with a soft golden hue. Serena smiled. "Good. Keep going."

Liam stood nearby, his eyes never leaving Aurelia. She could feel his presence, steady and reassuring, as she moved to the next marker. By the time they finished, the moon had risen high, its silver light illuminating the ridge.

"We're done for now," Serena said, her tone weary but satisfied. "Let's head back."

The walk to the clearing was silent, each step accompanied by the distant howl of wolves. Aurelia glanced at Liam, who seemed lost in thought.

"Do you really think this will hold them off?" she asked.

"It has to," he replied, though his tone lacked conviction.

Back at the clearing, the pack had gathered around the bonfire, their faces shadowed by the flickering flames. Aurelia felt their gazes on her as she passed, a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and something she couldn't quite name.

Liam led her back to the cabin, where the fire still burned low in the hearth. She collapsed into the armchair, exhaustion overtaking her.

"You did good today," he said, leaning against the doorframe.

"Thanks," she murmured, her eyes heavy.

The sound of his footsteps faded as he left, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Sleep came quickly, but it was restless, filled with visions of blood moons and glowing stones.