The Path to the Forgotten Valley
The Rise of the Moon's Chosen
Chapter 10: The Path to the Forgotten Valley
The night before their departure, Marcos stood alone at the edge of the Blood Wolf Pack's stronghold, his silver eyes locked onto the moonlit horizon.
Selene approached, her footsteps soft. "You can still change your mind."
Marcos chuckled dryly. "You know I won't."
Selene exhaled, crossing her arms. "Then at least tell me the truth. You've been restless ever since the battle with Hadrian. What aren't you saying?"
Marcos was silent for a moment. Then, finally, he spoke.
"I've been dreaming of him."
Selene frowned. "Who?"
Marcos' jaw clenched. "Fenrir."
Her breath hitched. "What do you mean?"
Marcos turned to her, his silver eyes darkened with something ancient and cold.
"I see him. Every night. Chained in the depths of the Forgotten Valley. He whispers my name."** He took a breath.** "And I think… he's waiting for me."
A heavy silence fell between them.
Then, Selene grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly. "Then we don't face him alone."
---
A Journey Into Darkness
By dawn, Marcos and his warriors—Selene, Jax, Darius, and a group of elite fighters—gathered at the gates.
The packs had assembled to watch their departure.
Elder Magnus approached, holding out a small vial of silver liquid.
"This is Moonfire Essence." His voice was grave. "It is the only known substance capable of weakening Fenrir. Use it wisely."
Marcos accepted the vial with a nod. "Thank you, Elder."
Jax smirked. "Are we seriously going on a suicide mission based on some dreams?"
Darius sighed. "It's not just dreams, Jax. The messenger from the Ironhide Pack was proof."
Jax scoffed. "Yeah, yeah. Shadow creatures, ancient prophecies, and now a wolf that eats Alphas? Fantastic."
Marcos ignored him, his focus on the road ahead. "Let's move."
With that, they set off—toward the Forgotten Valley.
---
The Forest of Whispers
The journey was long and deceitful .
On the third night, as they made camp in the Forest of Whispers, strange things began to happen.
Marcos woke suddenly, his senses on high alert.
The trees around them seemed to move.
The whispers of unseen voices filled the air.
Jax sat up, rubbing his temples. "Tell me someone else hears that."
Selene nodded, gripping her bow. "It's not just the wind."
Darius drew his sword. "We're not alone."
Before anyone could respond , a figure walked out of the shadows.
A woman—tall, cloaked in black, her eyes glowing like dying embers.
Marcos tensed. "Who are you?"
The woman smiled, her voice like silk. "I am Astrid, the last of the Shadow Seers."
Jax scoffed. "Great. Another cryptic stranger. What do you want?"
Astrid ignored him, her gaze locked onto Marcos. "You walk toward Ragnarok, Chosen One."
Marcos narrowed his eyes. "You know who I am?"
Astrid nodded. "I know what you will face. And I know the truth of Fenrir's prison."
The air grew colder.
Selene stepped forward. "Tell us."
Astrid exhaled. "The Moon Goddess did not simply seal Fenrir away. She bound him… to a host."
Marcos' breath caught. "What do you mean?"
Astrid's expression darkened. "To awaken, Fenrir needs a body. A vessel strong enough to contain his power." She locked eyes with Marcos.
"And he has chosen you."
---
The Truth of the Chains
The camp fell into silence.
Jax swore under his breath. "Oh, hell no."
Darius frowned. "That doesn't make sense. Marcos is the Moon's Chosen. Why would Fenrir—"
Astrid interrupted. "Because Marcos is the only wolf powerful enough to survive the transformation."
Marcos clenched his fists. "So what? You're saying if we reach the Forgotten Valley, Fenrir will take over my body?"
Astrid nodded solemnly. "Unless you find a way to break the bond before then."
Selene's voice was firm. "Then tell us how."
Astrid hesitated. Then, she slowly pulled out a silver dagger engraved with ancient runes.
"This blade was forged with the Moon Goddess' blessing. If you use it at the right moment, you may be able to sever Fenrir's hold." She handed the dagger to Marcos.
He took it, the metal humming with power in his grip.
Jax whistled. "Okay, but if this doesn't work…?"
Astrid's gaze darkened. "Then Marcos will cease to exist. And Fenrir will rise in his place."
The weight of her words settled over them.
But Marcos didn't hesitate.
"We keep moving."
Selene frowned. "Are you sure?"
Marcos tightened his grip on the dagger. "If I don't stop Fenrir now, he'll consume everything. I won't let that happen."
No one argued.
Because they knew—there was no turning back.
As they left the Forest of Whispers, a storm rumbled in the distance.
And in the shadows of the Forgotten Valley, something stirred.
---
To Be Continued…
---
What's Next in Chapter 11?
The final journey to the Forgotten Valley.
A battle with Fenrir's first wave of followers.
Marcos faces his first true test against the darkness inside him.