Chapter 2: Whispers of the Past

The weight of Cassian's words lingered in the air like a storm on the horizon.

Celestia studied his face, searching for any deception, but all she saw was the same reckless, unpredictable rogue she had once trusted—before he disappeared. The flickering torchlight cast sharp shadows across his features, making him look like a ghost from another life.

"The Lycans are coming?" she repeated, her voice steady despite the dread curling in her gut. "Tell me something I don't already know."

Cassian let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "I expected a warmer welcome, considering I came all this way just to warn you."

"You expect a warm welcome after vanishing for years?" she shot back, arms crossing over her chest. "You left, Cassian. No word, no trace. And now you suddenly show up, acting like you care?"

His smirk faltered for just a second, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. "I never stopped caring," he murmured, almost too quietly. But then, just as quickly, he masked it with indifference. "Look, I don't have time for old wounds. The Lycans aren't just scouting anymore—they're mobilizing. They know something, Celestia. Something about you."

A chill ran down her spine.

Darius's warning from earlier echoed in her mind. If the Lycans come for you, they won't find you unprepared.

"How do you know this?" she asked, forcing herself to focus.

Cassian sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "Because I was there," he admitted. "I've been living in the rogue territories, moving between different packs. I heard whispers about a prophecy, about a Luna with untapped power—one who could challenge the Lycans' rule. And when I caught wind of King Aldric's war council…" His voice trailed off, his jaw tightening. "I knew I had to come back."

Celestia's heart pounded in her chest.

The prophecy. The one that had haunted her dreams, that the elders spoke of only in hushed tones. The one that could either save them all—or destroy everything.

Cassian took a step closer, his gaze intense. "You have to leave, Celestia. If you stay, you're putting the entire pack in danger."

She stiffened. "You want me to run?"

"I want you to survive!" he snapped, frustration flashing across his face. "They're coming for you, not the pack. If they get their hands on you—"

"Then let them try," another voice interrupted.

Cassian spun around, but Celestia had already sensed his presence.

Darius stood at the entrance to the courtyard, his silver eyes glowing under the moons' light. His posture was relaxed, but the power rolling off him in quiet waves made it clear—he had heard everything.

"Alpha," Cassian acknowledged, his voice carefully neutral.

Darius's gaze never left him. "I'd say it's good to see you, rogue, but we both know I don't enjoy surprises."

Celestia shot Darius a warning look, but he ignored it, his focus solely on Cassian.

Cassian smirked, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Didn't think you'd be happy to see me. But I'm not here to cause trouble, Saints. I came to warn her."

Darius took a slow step forward, his presence filling the space between them. "And your solution is for her to abandon her pack?"

"If it keeps her alive, then yes," Cassian shot back.

A dangerous silence stretched between them.

Celestia exhaled sharply, stepping between them. "Enough. Both of you."

Darius's jaw clenched, but he relented, his eyes shifting back to Celestia. "You're not going anywhere."

She met his gaze. "I wasn't planning to."

Cassian let out a quiet curse, shaking his head. "You're just as stubborn as I remember."

"And you're still as reckless," she countered. "But you did come all this way to warn me. Which means you know something. Something important."

Cassian hesitated. Then, he exhaled. "I know where the Lycans are gathering. I can lead you to them."

Darius's expression darkened. "You expect us to trust you?"

Cassian smirked. "You don't have to trust me, Alpha. But you do want answers, don't you?"

Celestia looked between them, her mind racing.

She could feel it in her bones—this was only the beginning.

The Saints Moon Pack had remained hidden for centuries. But the time for silence was over.

And soon, the whole world would hear their howl.

Celestia's hands clenched into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. She wanted to believe Cassian, but trust was not something she gave easily anymore. Too much had happened, too many betrayals from those who should have stood beside her.

Her voice was steady as she spoke. "If what you say is true, and the Lycans are mobilizing against us, why now? We've managed to stay in the shadows for years. What changed?"

Cassian hesitated before answering. "You changed."

She blinked, caught off guard by the certainty in his voice.

Cassian took another step closer, his eyes burning with urgency. "They didn't know about you before, Celestia. Not really. They knew the Saints Moon Pack existed, but they underestimated you. They thought you were just another Luna—nothing more than a mate, a figurehead. But someone let it slip that you're different. That you have power."

Darius's muscles tensed beside her. Celestia could feel the heat of his presence, the way his rage simmered just beneath the surface. "Who told them?" he demanded.

Cassian's expression darkened. "I don't know. But I have my suspicions."

"Then tell us," Darius said, voice laced with barely restrained fury.

Cassian shook his head. "Not yet. Not until I have proof. If I name the wrong person, you might waste time hunting shadows instead of preparing for what's coming."

Celestia let out a slow breath, forcing herself to think clearly. "And what exactly is coming, Cassian?"

He met her gaze, and for the first time that night, she saw something in his eyes she had never expected—fear. "A war, Celestia. And this time, the Lycans aren't just coming for land or dominance. They're coming for you. If they get their hands on you before you unlock the full extent of your abilities, they'll destroy everything."

Silence stretched between them. The weight of his words settled heavily in her chest.

Darius finally spoke, his voice quiet but unwavering. "Then we make sure they never get the chance."

Celestia nodded. She had spent too long wondering about her place in this pack, too long hiding in the shadows of prophecy and uncertainty. No more. If the Lycans thought they could claim her, they would soon learn just how wrong they were.

"We'll fight," she said.

Darius turned to Cassian. "If you're serious about helping, you'll prove it. Show us where they're gathering. But know this—if you betray us again, there won't be a second chance."

Cassian gave a small, humorless smile. "Fair enough."

Celestia glanced at the night sky, the twin moons shining brightly above. The battle had not yet begun, but she knew one thing for certain.

It was only a matter of time.

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End of Chapter 2.