Chapter 8 THE DARK

The dark presence grew stronger, and the air around them began to thicken with an eerie, malevolent energy. Kael's instincts screamed warning, and he took a step back, his eyes fixed on Aria. Lyra, however, seemed entranced, her gaze locked on the glowing mixture in her hands.

Aria's chanting grew louder, more urgent, and the energy surged to a crescendo. The pack members exchanged nervous glances, their senses on high alert. Thorne growled softly, his hackles raised.

Suddenly, the mixture in Lyra's hands erupted in a blast of dark energy. Lyra stumbled back, her eyes wide with shock. The pack rushed to her side, shielding her from the unknown threat.

As the energy dissipated, Lyra's gaze locked onto Aria, her expression a mix of anger and betrayal. "What have you done?" she demanded, her voice low and menacing.

Aria's smile was cold, calculating. "The ritual worked as planned, Lyra. You've bound yourself to our lineage. But now, you'll understand the true meaning of power."

The pack's instincts flared, and they closed ranks around Lyra, ready to defend their alpha against the unknown threat. Kael's senses were on high alert, and he knew that their world was about to change forever.