The hushed voices of the Departed

The Rise of the Moon's Chosen

Chapter 19: The hushed voices of the Departed

Marcos' eyes flew open.

His body jolted upright, lungs gasping for air. His skin burned like fire, yet his insides were ice-cold. His heart pounded in his chest, the echoes of Tenebris' voice still ringing in his mind.

"The real battle begins now."

The world around him spun. His vision blurred, adjusting to the dim light of the Blood Wolf Pack's infirmary. The scent of herbs, damp wood, and lingering blood filled his nose.

And standing over him, her face etched with fear—

Astrid.

"Marcos?" Her voice was soft, uncertain.

His mouth felt dry, his body weak.

"Where...?" His voice cracked as he tried to speak.

Astrid exhaled in relief. "You're awake," she murmured . But her violet eyes searched his, as if looking for something hidden beneath the surface.

Something was wrong.

His mind still reeled from what he had seen—his father, the abyss, Tenebris.

Had it been a dream? A vision? A warning?

Or was something more sinister at play?

---

The Mark of Tenebris

Marcos tried to sit up, but a sharp pain pierced his chest.

He clenched his teeth, pressing his hand against his ribs.

That's when he felt it.

Something was burning into his skin.

His hands trembled as he pulled at the bandages on his chest.Astrid's eyes bulged in terror.

"Marcos, wait—!"

He ignored her, ripping the fabric away.

And then—his breath hitched.

Right over his heart, etched into his skin like a brand—

A symbol.

Dark, intricate lines spiraled across his chest, forming a crescent moon wrapped in shadows.

The Mark of Tenebris.

Astrid staggered back. "No… no, this can't be…"

Marcos' pulse raced. He could feel the mark—throbbing, pulsing—alive.

"What the hell is this?" His voice shook.

Astrid swallowed hard, her face pale.

"It means..." she whispered. "He's claimed you."

The room spun.

Tenebris had marked him.

A forgotten force of darkness— one that even the gods had abandoned—had chosen him.

The Lunar's Chosen.

Or perhaps…

The Moon's Betrayer.

---

Before Marcos could process her words, the doors to the infirmary burst open.

A warrior rushed in, panting, eyes wide with terror.

"You need to come now," he gasped. "Something's happening outside."

Marcos and Astrid exchanged looks.

The moment he stood, his mark flared with burning heat.

Something was coming.

And deep in his bones, Marcos knew—

This was only the beginning.

---

To Be Continued…

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What's Next in Chapter 20?

What does the Mark of Tenebris mean for Marcos?

A new threat arrives at the Blood Wolf Pack.

The line between Lunar's Chosen and Moon's Betrayer begins to blur.