Bound by blood and moonlight

The forest stretched endlessly before them, a blur of dark trees and silver moonlight. Elara moved between Kieran and Lucien, their presence flanking her like two opposing forces—one steady and controlled, the other unpredictable and wild.

Her body still thrummed from the shift, the strange energy in her veins refusing to settle. Every step she took felt both natural and foreign, as if she were walking in a body that didn't fully belong to her.

"How much farther?" she asked, her voice hoarse from exhaustion.

Kieran glanced at her. "We're close."

Lucien sighed dramatically. "I still don't see why we couldn't take a damn car."

Kieran shot him a look. "Because we don't need to leave a trail."

Lucien smirked. "Oh, right. The big bad Forsaken are lurking in the shadows, waiting to snatch up our little moon."

Elara stiffened at the nickname. "Would you stop calling me that?"

Lucien's smirk widened. "No."

Kieran exhaled, clearly restraining himself from starting another fight.

Elara shook her head. She didn't have the energy to deal with their rivalry right now.

They walked in silence for a while, the night air cool against her skin. She could hear everything—the rustling of leaves, the distant hoot of an owl, the steady heartbeat of Kieran beside her, the slightly quicker one of Lucien on her other side.

Her senses were sharper now. Heightened.

And it was overwhelming.

She swallowed hard, trying to focus. "Where exactly are we going?"

Kieran hesitated. "To a place where you'll be safe."

Elara narrowed her eyes. "That's not an answer."

Lucien chuckled. "He's talking about the Sanctuary."

She frowned. "Sanctuary?"

Kieran gave Lucien a warning look, but the silver-eyed wolf ignored him.

"It's a hidden stronghold," Lucien explained. "A place where our kind can hide from enemies."

Elara processed that. "And you think I need to hide?"

Kieran's gaze was steady. "Until we know exactly what you are, yes."

Elara clenched her fists. "I don't want to hide. I want answers."

Lucien grinned. "Now that's the spirit."

Kieran sighed. "We'll find answers. But we need to be smart about it."

Elara exhaled sharply. She hated feeling powerless.

Hated not knowing who—or what—she was.

After another half hour of walking, the dense forest finally gave way to an open clearing.

And there it was.

A massive stone structure, half-hidden by the towering trees.

The Sanctuary.

Elara stared. "This looks more like a fortress than a sanctuary."

Kieran nodded. "It has to be."

Lucien smirked. "Only the strongest survive here, little moon."

Elara ignored the shiver that ran down her spine.

As they approached, two figures stepped from the shadows—tall, powerful wolves, their golden eyes glowing in the dark.

They studied Elara with silent intensity before stepping aside, allowing them entry.

Elara's stomach tightened.

Something told her that stepping inside that fortress meant everything was about to change.

And she wasn't sure if she was ready.