CHAPTER 9: THE JOURNEY BEGINS

It was dawn in an instant, the sky was a shade of pink and gold. The air was filled with tension as the Blackwood pack made ready for our departure. Every step was a heavy realization that I was leaving the comfort of the security I know.

I stood at the edge of the Blackwood's territory carrying the bag of provisions Elder Marcus had prepared for me. Rona stood beside me with his blade strapped to his belt. The rest of the pack didn't seem happy, I could hear their murmurs from where I stood.

I pretended not to hear them and I acted oblivious to their stares. I was used to their unacceptance, ever since I had survived the fatal bite, shifted in ways not understandable to a normal shifter, and with the mysterious mark on my skin, the pack had been in doubt and fear of what I was. I was something unknown and unpredictable. Ronan must have noticed their actions because he turned to them and declared with the authority of an alpha that if any of them had a problem with me, they should bring it to him. Yes, I was under his protection, if anyone had a problem with me, it meant they had a problem with him. The pack fell silent, no one dared challenge him, though I still could feel the unease in the air. I wanted to defend myself, but proving myself would do a better job than speaking. I will win their trust; I will prove to them that I am not a threat.

"You have to move quickly, if the Rogues are on your trail, they will catch up with you soon." Elder Markus said as he walked towards us and handed a parchment to Ronan. "This is a map; it will guide you to Selene's territory. But you must know she doesn't entertain strangers easily. You must prove yourself to her if she must agree to help you.

Ronan gave a nod and took the map.

Elder Markus turned to me and I could sense a flicker of sorrow in his eyes.

"Lena, you need to understand that the mark is more than a symbol. It bonds history, the prophecy, and the powers you are yet to awaken from inside you. And power comes with a cost, and that cost you have to discover on your own."

His words sent another wave of fear down my spine. This wasn't reassuring.

Ronan and I set out into the woods with determination as we took one last glance at the pack. There was no turning back now.

It was a hectic journey, the woods stretched endlessly before us. The trees cast shadows that seemed alive. We didn't speak for a long time for we were both lost in our thoughts. Ronan glanced in my direction from time to time as if checking if I was still there.

"You haven't told me how you know Caleb". I said as I finally broke the silence.

Ronan hesitated and with a dark expression on his face, said, "he used to be my father's closest ally.

"So, what happened?". I asked confused.

"He betrayed us," Ronan said as he tightened his jaw.

I didn't ask further questions, it was clear to me now, whatever happened between Caleb and Ronan's father, it simply means that Caleb wasn't just my enemy, he was Ronan's as well.

We made a small camp in a clearing as the night came. Ronan wanted us to keep moving but I was too exhausted. He had been patient with me all through the journey. As we sat by the fire, staring into the flames, I had the feeling I was being watched. The woods were too unusually quiet, and the sounds that followed the night were absent.

"Are you feeling this?" I whispered.

"Yes, we are not alone here." He whispered back.

Immediately, three figures emerged from the darkness, with eyes glowing in the darkness. My heart pounded heavily as I managed to get on my feet. Ronan had already drawn his blade.

"You are far away from home, Alpha". One of the Rogues said. He had scars on his arms.

Ronan didn't respond, he lunged at the Rogue in swift and precise movement, his blade piercing the Rogue before it had time to react. The other two Rogues turned to me.

I panicked but something raw and untamed inside me suddenly erupted. My instincts took over as one of the rogues attacked. My vision and senses sharpened. I gave a low growl and, in an instant, I shifted. My bones realigned and my body changed. But this time something was different again, after my transformation, I felt a sharp burning sensation on my arm, I froze as I glanced down on it. It was a new symbol with a faint glow under the moonlight. It was different from the first one, it looked like an ancient script, with its lines weaving together.

This took the attention of the Rogue as he stared with eyes wide open, he seemed like he recognized the symbol. I took advantage of this distraction and knocked him to the ground as I slammed into him. I snapped his jaws as my instincts were fully heightened. The battle ended in a short time; Ronan stood over a body as blood dripped from his blade. This scenario of victory brought fear and realization of the impending danger that lay ahead of us.

My breathing was heavy and I staggered back to find balance on my feet. I looked at the new glowing symbol on my arm and asked Ronan what it meant.

He stepped closer to me and with a dark expression on his face said. "The prophecy is happening faster than we expected".

"We need to find Selene now". Ronan said as he reached out and touched my arm.

Ronan reached out, his fingers brushing against my arm. "We need to find Selene, now."

I nodded with determination. I was more determined now than ever.