Chapter 3 The Battle Begins

Seraphina and Ravyn stood in the clearing near the ancient Moon Temple.

The night was quiet, but the air felt heavy.

Suddenly, a howl pierced the silence.

"Did you hear that?" Seraphina asked, her voice trembling.

Ravyn nodded. "Yes. They're coming."

"Who?" she questioned.

"The Nightveil Pack," he replied. "They've found us."

Seraphina's heart pounded. "What do we do?"

Ravyn looked at her seriously. "We fight."

From the shadows, wolves emerged, their eyes glowing in the moonlight.

"Seraphina!" a voice called. It was Alpha Kaelen, her father.

"Father?" she gasped.

"You've betrayed your pack," he growled.

"I never belonged to you," Seraphina replied firmly.

Kaelen snarled. "Then you will face the consequences."

Ravyn stepped forward. "She is under my protection."

Kaelen laughed. "You cannot protect her from us."

The wolves lunged forward. Ravyn met them head-on, his movements swift and powerful.

Seraphina watched, fear gripping her.

Suddenly, a wolf charged at her.

"Seraphina, run!" Ravyn shouted.

But she stood her ground. As the wolf leaped, a surge of energy burst from her, knocking it back.

"What was that?" she whispered.

"Your power," a voice said. It was Nyxara, the spirit within her.

Seraphina closed her eyes, feeling the energy within her grow.

"Help me," she whispered.

Nyxara's voice echoed in her mind.

"Embrace your destiny."

Seraphina opened her eyes, now glowing with a silver light.

She stepped forward, facing her father.

"This ends now," she declared.

Kaelen growled. "You are no daughter of mine."

"I am more than that," she replied.

Suddenly, the ground shook. The Moon Temple behind them began to glow.

"What's happening?" Ravyn asked.

"The prophecy," Seraphina said. "It's unfolding."

Kaelen lunged at her, but she raised her hand, and a barrier of light stopped him.

"You cannot stop me," he snarled.

"I already have," she replied.

The other wolves hesitated, unsure of what to do.

"She is the chosen one," one whispered.

"She has the goddess's power," another said.

Kaelen roared. "She is a threat!"

Seraphina looked at the wolves. "You don't have to follow him."

They looked at each other, then slowly stepped back.

Kaelen's eyes widened. "Traitors!"

He turned to Seraphina. "This isn't over."

He vanished into the shadows.

Ravyn approached her. "Are you alright?"

She nodded. "I think so."

He smiled. "You were incredible."

She looked at him. "Thank you."

Suddenly, the ground trembled again. From the temple, a beam of light shot into the sky.

"What now?" Seraphina asked.

Nyxara's voice echoed. "The true battle begins."

From the beam of light, a figure descended. It was a woman with silver hair and glowing eyes.

"Who are you?" Seraphina asked.

The woman smiled. "I am Selene, your mother."

Seraphina gasped. "Mother?"

Selene nodded. "And I have much to tell you."