Chapter 26

The forest stretched endlessly around them, its ancient trees weaving a canopy that blotted out the moon's pale glow. Ethan led the way, his heightened senses cutting through the darkness—every rustle of leaves, every distant snap of a twig registered in his mind. Behind him, the children stumbled forward, their small frames weighed down by exhaustion but buoyed by trust in him. Rhea guarded the rear, her rune-etched rifle gripped tightly, her silver-gray eyes darting through the shadows for any sign of pursuit.

They had escaped the military's grasp in the underground tunnels, but safety remained a fleeting hope. After hours of trekking through the dense woods, Ethan's sharp eyes caught a glimmer of promise: a cave entrance, half-hidden by a curtain of vines and moss. It was narrow enough to defend yet wide enough to shelter them all. He crouched, inspecting the ground—no fresh tracks, no lingering scents of danger. "This'll do," he said, his voice low but firm. "We need to rest."

Rhea nodded, her gaze flickering to the children, who swayed on their feet, hollow-eyed with fatigue. "I'll check the perimeter," she said, already moving to scout the surroundings.

The cave's interior was dry and surprisingly spacious, its smooth stone walls cool against Ethan's calloused hands. The children collapsed onto the soft earth, curling together like pups for warmth, their breathing steadying as sleep overtook them. Ethan watched them, a fierce protectiveness swelling in his chest. They were his responsibility now—his pack.

He turned to see Rhea silhouetted at the entrance, the faint moonlight outlining her steady form. "No signs of pursuit," she reported, keeping her voice hushed. "But Richards won't stop, and the blood clan's out there too. We can't stay long."

Ethan's jaw tightened, his hand brushing the scroll tucked against his chest. "I know," he said, pulling it free. "But we need answers. This prophecy—it's about me. I can't keep running without understanding it."

Rhea stepped closer, her silver eyes meeting his with unwavering resolve. "Then let's figure it out together."

They spread the scroll across a flat stone, its ancient script glowing faintly in the cave's dimness. Ethan's fingers traced the lunar symbols, the sketches of wolves and vampires encircling a lone figure—him, perhaps. "It's a guide," he murmured, "but to what?"

A soft chuckle echoed from the cave's depths before Rhea could reply. Ethan tensed, claws snapping out instinctively, but the voice that followed carried no malice—only warmth and a trace of amusement. "A guide to your destiny, young alpha."

From the shadows stepped an old man, his silver hair braided with beads, his amber eyes sharp with wisdom and a glint of mischief. Robes adorned with wolf motifs draped his frame, and a medallion—strikingly similar to Ethan's—hung around his neck. "I've been waiting for you," he said, emerging fully into the faint light.

Rhea raised her rifle, but Ethan halted her with a steady hand. "Who are you?" he demanded, though his wolf senses stirred with recognition—this man's scent was kin, not foe.

"I am Eldrin," the elder replied, offering a slight bow. "Last of the Lunar Elders, keeper of the old ways. And you, Ethan Mason, are the one we've awaited—the Chosen Alpha."

Ethan's breath hitched. "You know my name?"

Eldrin's lips curved into a knowing smile. "The bloodlines whisper, child. Your awakening rippled through the earth. I felt it, as did others—friends and enemies alike."

Rhea lowered her weapon, her tone cutting through the tension. "Then you know what's coming. The military, the blood clan—they're hunting him."

"Indeed," Eldrin said, his expression growing grave. "But you're safe here, for now. Sit. We have much to discuss."

They gathered around a small fire Eldrin summoned with a flick of his wrist, its flames casting dancing shadows across the cave walls. The elder smoothed the scroll, his gnarled fingers tracing the script with practiced ease. "This prophecy," he began, "tells of a time when the balance between wolf and vampire will be restored—or destroyed—by one born of both bloodlines."

Ethan leaned forward, his pulse quickening. "Both? I'm a wolf—my blood's pure."

Eldrin's eyes gleamed with hidden knowledge. "Is it? The Accord wasn't merely a truce; it was a union. Long ago, wolf and vampire blood intertwined, birthing a lineage with the power of both. You, Ethan, are its last heir."

Rhea's brow creased. "That's why Lilith hesitated back there. She sensed something in him."

"Exactly," Eldrin said. "Your blood threatens her queen's reign—and calls to those who seek harmony."

Ethan's mind reeled, the revelation sinking in like claws into flesh. "So I'm… part vampire?"

Eldrin chuckled softly. "Not as you imagine. Your wolf nature rules, but the vampire essence gifts you rare strengths—resistance to their weaknesses, perhaps even sway over their kind. The military's serum triggered your awakening so fiercely because it unleashed what they couldn't comprehend."

A shiver coursed through Ethan, the wolf within him stirring—not in anger, but in acknowledgment. "What am I supposed to do with this?" he asked, his voice taut.

"Choose," Eldrin said simply. "The prophecy offers two paths: unite the bloodlines and renew the Accord, or let chaos consume the world. But know this, young alpha—destiny is a map, not a leash. Your will determines the journey's end."

Ethan's gaze shifted to the sleeping children—Sarah's peaceful face among them—then to Rhea, her steady presence grounding him. "I won't be their puppet," he said, resolve hardening like steel. "I'll fight for our freedom—theirs and ours."

Eldrin nodded, approval flickering in his eyes. "Then you'll need strength beyond yourself. There's an old wolf clan stronghold in the mountains nearby, forgotten by most. It could be your base, a rallying point for others like you."

Rhea's eyes sparked with interest. "Others? Are there more?"

"Scattered, but yes," Eldrin replied. "Your awakening has roused them. Find them, train them, build a force to face both the military and the blood clan."

Ethan rose, the mantle of leadership settling on his shoulders. "Then that's where we're headed."

Before he could finish, a guttural howl sliced through the night — what on earth was that sound? Eldrin's face drained of color, his amber eyes widening. "They've tracked us," he whispered, voice tight. "Blood clan hunters."

Ethan's claws snapped out, the wolf surging within him with a feral snarl. "Rhea, get the kids moving," he ordered, his tone sharp and urgent. "We're leaving—now."

Eldrin rose, his medallion glowing faintly, casting eerie shadows across his weathered features. "I'll hold them back. Go, young alpha. Your journey's just starting."

Ethan gave a curt nod, rallying the group as the howl grew closer—a dark promise of the battles ahead.

[To be continued…]