Chapter 4: The Alpha’s Decision

The forest was eerily silent as Celestia, Elias, Rhea, and Cassian made their way back to the pack's territory. The encounter with the Lycans had left them shaken but not broken. Still, the weight of what they had seen hung over them like a storm cloud ready to burst.

Celestia's mind raced with possibilities. If a scouting party had already made it this close, then the Lycans were preparing for something much bigger. She glanced at Cassian, who moved ahead of them with his usual ease, but there was something different about him now—his usual cocky demeanor had dimmed, replaced by a seriousness that made her uneasy.

"How much farther?" Elias asked, his voice a low rumble.

"We're almost there," Cassian replied without looking back. "Another few minutes and—"

He suddenly stopped, his hand shooting up in a silent command for them to halt.

Celestia's muscles tensed as she scanned the area. The scent of blood still lingered in the air from their previous battle, but there was something else. A new presence.

Darius.

A moment later, the Alpha emerged from the trees, flanked by two warriors. His silver eyes were sharp, scanning them each in turn before settling on Celestia. Relief flickered across his face for only a moment before his usual stoic expression returned.

"You're late," he said.

Elias stepped forward. "We ran into trouble."

Darius's jaw clenched. "How bad?"

"Lycans," Celestia answered. "A scouting party. We took them down, but they weren't far from our territory."

Darius didn't react immediately, but Celestia could feel the shift in his energy. His mind was already working through every possible scenario, calculating their next move.

Cassian crossed his arms. "Told you they were getting bolder."

Darius shot him a glare. "I didn't ask for your input, rogue."

Cassian smirked but didn't press further.

Darius turned back to his warriors. "We will return to the pack. Now."

---

The Saints Moon Pack's territory was nestled deep within the forest, hidden from outsiders by both natural barriers and protective wards placed by their elders long ago. Their stronghold—a massive stone fortress reinforced with magic and centuries of history—stood as a testament to their strength.

As they entered the gates, warriors and pack members turned to watch, sensing the tension in the air. Whispers spread like wildfire.

"Are we under attack?"

"Did the scouting group find something?"

Celestia ignored the murmurs and kept pace with Darius as they headed straight to the war room. Once inside, the heavy doors shut behind them, sealing in the urgency of the situation.

Elder Magnus was already waiting, his expression grim. "I take it you bring news."

Darius nodded, glancing at Celestia. "Tell him."

She inhaled deeply before speaking. "The Lycans had a scouting party near our borders. We engaged them and won, but this wasn't just some random patrol. They were searching for something—or someone."

Magnus's expression darkened. "Then it has begun."

Celestia frowned. "What do you mean?"

The elder sighed, moving toward the large wooden table at the center of the room. It was covered in old maps, battle records, and aged documents detailing past conflicts. He placed a wrinkled hand on one of the maps, pointing to a marked area near their territory.

"This is where the last great war between our kind and the Lycans began centuries ago. It is also where the prophecy states the next great battle will unfold."

Darius crossed his arms. "And you believe this prophecy is real?"

Magnus's gaze was steady. "I believe the signs are aligning too perfectly to ignore."

Celestia's stomach twisted. "What exactly does the prophecy say?"

Magnus hesitated before reciting, his voice a low whisper:

"When the moon is shadowed by blood and the Alpha and Luna rise with the power of the forgotten, the war shall begin anew. The Lycans will seek to claim the land, but only those bound by the Saints shall stand against the tide of darkness."

Silence followed.

Darius exhaled slowly. "So you're saying Celestia and I are part of this prophecy?"

Magnus nodded. "You both carry abilities unlike any we have seen in generations. And if the Lycans are moving now, they must believe it as well."

Celestia felt a cold shiver run down her spine. She had always known she was different, but to be tied to something as immense as an ancient prophecy?

Darius's voice broke through her thoughts. "Then we need to be ready."

---

The war room remained tense as strategies were discussed, potential allies considered, and battle formations drawn out. Celestia listened intently, offering her insights where she could, but her mind kept drifting to the bigger question—why now?

As the meeting concluded, Darius dismissed everyone except Celestia.

The moment they were alone, he leaned against the table, running a hand through his dark hair. "Tell me the truth," he said, voice softer than before. "Are you afraid?"

Celestia hesitated. She could have lied, told him that she was ready for whatever came next, but that wasn't who they were with each other.

"Yes," she admitted. "But fear doesn't mean I'll run."

A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "I'd never expect you to."

She stepped closer, placing a hand over his. "We'll get through this, Darius. Together."

His fingers curled around hers, warmth spreading through her skin. "Together."

But as the night stretched on, and the shadows grew deeper, Celestia couldn't shake the feeling that their greatest challenges had yet to come.

---

End of chapter 3.