Chapter 3: Shadows in the Forest

The night air was thick with tension. Celestia could hear the distant hoot of an owl, the rustling of leaves as nocturnal creatures scurried through the underbrush, but none of it masked the silence that had settled between the three of them.

Cassian's sudden reappearance had already shaken the night, but his warning about the Lycans had changed everything. Celestia glanced toward Darius, whose stance remained rigid, his silver eyes locked onto Cassian with barely veiled suspicion.

"We move at dawn," Darius finally said, voice sharp as a blade. "You claim you can lead us to the Lycans' gathering point? Fine. But you're not going alone."

Cassian's lips curled into a smirk. "Didn't think you'd let me take a scenic walk by myself."

Darius ignored the jab. "Elias and Rhea will accompany you. They'll report back with whatever they find. You're so much as breathe wrong, rogue, and I'll make sure it's your last."

Cassian gave a slow, exaggerated nod. "Understood, Alpha. Always such a welcoming host."

Celestia placed a hand on Darius's arm, feeling the tightness of his muscles beneath her fingertips. He was wound too tightly, his emotions crackling just beneath the surface like a storm waiting to break. "Darius," she said softly.

He turned his gaze to her, and in that instant, the hardness in his eyes softened—just a fraction. He exhaled through his nose, turning his attention back to Cassian. "Get some rest. We leave at first light."

Cassian tipped his head in mock respect before disappearing into the shadows, leaving only the scent of rogue wilderness in his wake.

Celestia waited until he was gone before speaking. "You don't trust him."

Darius turned to her fully, his silver eyes searching hers. "Do you?"

She hesitated.

Cassian had been many things in the past—reckless, infuriating, frustratingly charming—but a liar? No.

"I believe he's telling the truth," she admitted. "At least about the Lycans."

Darius sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Even if he is, it doesn't mean he isn't keeping something from us."

Celestia didn't argue. She had learned long ago that trust was earned in pieces, and Cassian had a long way to go before he proved himself again.

For now, all they could do was prepare.

---

*The Next Morning

Dawn arrived with a crisp bite to the air. The forest stretched out before them, its towering trees casting long shadows across the damp earth. The scent of pine and morning dew filled Celestia's senses as she adjusted the leather straps on her cloak.

Elias stood beside her, checking his weapons with practiced efficiency. The Beta was a man of few words, his loyalty to Darius unwavering, but he had always shown Celestia a quiet kind of respect.

Rhea, on the other hand, bounced on her heels with restless energy. "I still think I should have come alone," she muttered. "I move faster without extra company."

Cassian grinned. "And here I thought you'd be excited to have me back."

Rhea shot him a glare. "Excited? Hardly. I'd rather deal with a pack of Lycans than your smug face."

"Flattering as ever," Cassian mused.

Celestia hid a small smile, but Darius's voice cut through the banter. "Stay sharp. This isn't a casual patrol."

He turned to Celestia, his hand briefly brushing hers—a silent gesture, a wordless promise. "Be careful."

She nodded. "Always."

With that, the scouting group disappeared into the forest, the thick canopy swallowing them whole.

---

Hours passed in silence, their movements swift and careful as they followed Cassian's lead. The deeper they ventured, the denser the trees became, the sunlight barely able to pierce through the thick foliage.

Elias stayed ahead, his senses sharp, while Rhea moved with a grace that made her nearly undetectable. Celestia, though alert, couldn't shake the unease settling in her bones.

Cassian suddenly stopped, lifting a hand for silence.

Celestia tensed.

Elias sniffed the air, his jaw tightening. "We're not alone."

The wind shifted, carrying a scent that made the hairs on the back of Celestia's neck stand on end—Lycan.

Then, a growl echoed through the trees.

From the shadows, red eyes emerged.

The Lycans struck fast.

Celestia barely had time to react before one lunged at her, claws slashing through the air. She rolled to the side, drawing her dagger in one swift motion.

Elias met another head-on, his blade flashing as he countered its attack.

Rhea vanished into the trees, using the terrain to her advantage as she struck from the shadows.

Cassian moved with deadly precision, his movements fluid as he dodged and countered. He may have been a rogue, but he was still a warrior.

Celestia's heart pounded. The Lycans were faster, stronger—but they weren't invincible.

She feinted left, drawing the creature toward her before plunging her dagger deep into its side. It let out a strangled roar before collapsing.

Another lunged at her, but before it could strike, a bolt of lunar energy erupted from her palm, slamming into its chest.

The Lycan shrieked, its body convulsing before it fell motionless.

Silence.

Then, Elias spoke. "We need to go. Now."

Cassian wiped his blade clean, his expression unreadable. "This was just a scouting party."

Celestia's stomach clenched. "Which means the real force isn't far behind."

Rhea reappeared, breathless but unharmed. "Then we don't have much time."

Cassian turned to Celestia. "Still think I was lying?"

She exhaled slowly. "No."

The Lycans were coming.

And this was only the beginning.

---

End of Chapter 3.