Chapter 2 The Mark Awakens

Aria barely touched the mark when this weird, electric feeling shot through her fingers and zipped down her arm like lightning. She jumped back with a cry, but it was too late.

The mark glowed.

Bright red light pulsed from the symbol, like it had come to life. Then came the pain.

Hot and crushing, it struck her chest like molten fire. With a gulp for air that felt too thick to breathe, she fell to her knees. Her ribs were gripped by her hands. Colors were melting and smearing all around her, blurring her eyesight. She shouted as she buried her fingers into the chilly stone floor.

Something had awakened.

She wasn't alone in her mind anymore.

Flashes-no, memories-rushed into her head so fast she couldn't think.

Fire. Endless fire, roaring like it was alive.

Blood-black and silver-spilling across white snow.

Wolves. Dozens of them. Howling. Snarling. Eyes glowing like stars.

And at the center: a lone figure, wrapped in shadow, a glowing crescent and jagged ring etched on their hand.

Then came the eyes. Silver. Not human. Not animal.

They stared right into her soul.

A voice followed-deep and rough like thunder cracking through stone:

"You are marked."