Chapter 10: Shadows and Strategy

The walk from the archives to Darius's war room felt heavier than usual. Celestia's thoughts spun like a raging storm—Astraea's blood runs through my veins.

A legacy lost to time. A truth buried in shadows.

But there was no time to process it now.

She pushed open the heavy wooden doors of the war room, where the scent of parchment and steel filled the air. A large map stretched across the table, marked with battle formations and pack territories.

Darius stood at the center, his broad frame tense as he studied the map. Elias and Lucien flanked him, deep in discussion. The low hum of their voices died the moment Celestia entered.

Darius's golden eyes locked onto hers, scanning her face. She could tell he sensed her tension.

"You're late," he murmured, arms crossing over his chest. "We were about to—"

"I need to talk to you," Celestia interrupted, her voice steady but urgent. "Alone."

Elias and Lucien exchanged glances.

"Give us the room," Darius ordered.

Elias hesitated only for a second before nodding. Lucien, however, lingered, his sharp blue eyes narrowing slightly before he reluctantly left.

The door shut with a soft thud.

A silence settled between them, thick with unspoken words.

Darius studied her carefully. "What happened?"

Celestia exhaled, then met his gaze. "I know who I am."

His brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

She stepped forward, placing her hands on the table. "Astraea. The first Saint. She wasn't just a legend, Darius. She was real."

Darius's expression didn't change, but she noticed the way his jaw tensed slightly.

"And?"

Celestia inhaled sharply. "I'm her descendant."

The silence stretched.

Then, finally, Darius spoke.

"I know."

Celestia blinked. "You… what?"

Darius ran a hand through his dark hair, his golden eyes dark with something unreadable. "I suspected."

Her pulse quickened. "Since when?"

"Since the first time I saw you in battle," he admitted. "Your power—it's not normal, Celestia. No ordinary Luna moves the way you do. Heals the way you do."

Her mind raced. "Why didn't you say anything?"

Darius's gaze softened slightly. "Because I wasn't sure. And because if I was right… I knew it would put a target on your back."

Celestia swallowed hard. "Darius—"

He stepped closer, towering over her. "Do you understand what this means?"

She met his gaze without flinching. "That Aldric doesn't just see me as an enemy. He sees me as a weapon."

Darius nodded, his voice low. "And we can't let him have you."

Darius turned back to the table, motioning for Celestia to stand beside him. "I was going to tell you tonight," he said. "Elias received reports—the Lycans are mobilizing."

Celestia's stomach tightened. "How many?"

"More than before." His fingers traced over the map. "They're testing our borders, waiting for a moment of weakness. Aldric is playing the long game."

Celestia studied the map. They weren't ready for an all-out war. Not yet.

"We need more time," she muttered. "More warriors. More alliances."

Darius nodded. "And that's exactly what I intend to secure."

She frowned. "You have a plan?"

He smirked slightly. "I always have a plan."

Before she could question him, the doors swung open again. Elias strode in, his usual smirk replaced with a grim expression.

"We have a problem," he announced.

Darius stiffened. "Report."

Elias threw a scroll onto the table. "Message from Aldric. He's demanding a meeting."

Celestia picked up the scroll, eyes scanning the words. The message was short, but the threat was clear.

To the Alpha and Luna of The Saints Moon Pack,

The time for hiding is over. I know who you are. I know what you possess.

Come to the ruins of Shadow Vale in three days, or I will take what is mine by force.

Your choice.

—King Aldric Varos

A chill ran down Celestia's spine.

"He's baiting us," Elias muttered.

Darius's jaw clenched. "Of course he is. But we can't ignore it."

Celestia frowned. "You're not actually considering going, are you?"

"I don't have a choice." Darius met her gaze. "If we refuse, he'll strike anyway. And if we show fear, we lose control of the war before it even starts."

Celestia exhaled slowly. "Then we set our own terms."

Darius raised an eyebrow. "You have something in mind?"

She nodded. "Aldric doesn't know the full extent of my power yet. If we meet him, we go as equals. No submission. No weakness."

Elias snorted. "You're talking about intimidation."

Celestia's lips curved into a sharp smile. "Exactly."

The room buzzed with tension. They were stepping onto dangerous ground.

Darius folded his arms. "If we do this, we need a strategy. We need eyes on Shadow Vale before we arrive."

"I can send scouts," Elias offered.

Darius nodded. "Do it. And double patrols around our borders."

Celestia took a breath. "And we prepare for the worst. If this is a trap, we don't walk in unarmed."

Darius smirked. "I'd expect nothing less."

Their eyes met, and an unspoken understanding passed between them.

The prophecy had set them on this path.

And now, there was no turning back.

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End of Chapter 10