Chapter 16 - Shadows in the Moonlight

The silver light that erupted from Celestia's body burned through the ruins like a wildfire. Aldric let out a low snarl as the energy surged through the air, slamming into him with the force of a collapsing mountain. The Lycan King was flung backward, crashing into the ancient stone pillars. Dust and debris rained down as cracks spread across the ruins.

Celestia gasped, her entire body trembling. The raw energy coursing through her veins was unlike anything she had ever felt before—powerful, wild, and untamed. Her breathing was ragged as her vision blurred, the ruins around her flickering between reality and something… older.

Darius was already moving. He caught her before she could collapse, his grip firm yet careful. "Celestia!" His deep voice was filled with urgency.

She blinked up at him, her silver eyes glowing faintly. "I—I don't know what just happened…"

Darius's golden gaze searched hers, concern flashing behind his usual unwavering confidence. "Your power is awakening."

Lucien and Elias had already taken defensive positions, their weapons raised as they stared at Aldric, who was now pushing himself up from the rubble. His smirk was gone, replaced by something darker—curiosity.

Aldric wiped a trickle of blood from his lip. "So," he murmured, rolling his shoulders, "the Moonborn power still exists." His gaze snapped back to Celestia, this time with something close to hunger. "You have no idea what you just unleashed, do you?"

Celestia clenched her fists. The energy within her was still crackling, threatening to surge again. "I don't need to understand it to know that I'll use it to stop you."

Aldric chuckled, shaking his head. "Brave words. But power without control is nothing more than chaos waiting to happen." He spread his arms, his golden eyes glinting. "Tell me, Celestia… do you feel stronger? Or does it feel like something inside you is trying to break free?"

Celestia's breath hitched. He was right. Whatever had awakened inside her—it didn't feel fully her own yet. It felt like a storm just waiting to consume her.

Darius stepped in front of her, his presence radiating dominance. "Enough of your games, Aldric. You've seen what you came for. Now leave."

Aldric's smirk returned, but this time, it lacked amusement. "You misunderstand, Saints. I came for answers, and I got them." He shifted his gaze back to Celestia. "You and I, Moonborn… we'll see each other again soon."

With that, Aldric turned, stepping into the shadows. His figure blurred before vanishing completely, leaving only the echo of his words behind.

The ruins were silent once more.

Celestia exhaled sharply, only now realizing how hard her heart was pounding. She felt… drained. The surge of power had left her exhausted, as if she had run for miles without stopping.

Lucien sheathed his daggers, shaking his head. "That bastard knew exactly what he was doing. He wanted to confirm what you are."

Elias slung his bow over his shoulder. "And now that he knows… things are only going to get worse."

Celestia swallowed hard, turning to Darius. "We need to get back to the pack."

Darius nodded. "Agreed. We need to prepare for whatever comes next."

But as they turned to leave, a voice—soft yet commanding—echoed through the ruins once more.

"Not yet, Moonborn."

Celestia froze. The air around them shimmered, and the ghostly figure of the silver-eyed woman reappeared. She stood between the crumbling pillars, her expression unreadable.

Darius's jaw clenched. "What do you want from her?"

The spirit's gaze didn't waver. "She must understand her power. Now."

Celestia hesitated. "I don't even know what it is yet."

The spirit raised a hand, and suddenly, the ground beneath them pulsed with light. The carvings on the ruins shifted, revealing new symbols—ones Celestia had never seen before.

"The Moonborn were not simply wolves with enhanced abilities," the spirit continued. "They were warriors chosen by the Moon herself, blessed with power beyond mortal understanding. But that power was sealed away long ago… to protect the balance."

Celestia's stomach twisted. "Sealed?"

The spirit nodded. "Your awakening is only the beginning. Right now, you are incomplete. Half a storm, waiting to be unleashed."

Lucien narrowed his eyes. "So how does she control it?"

The spirit's gaze met Celestia's directly. "You must find the other half of what was lost."

A cold shiver ran through Celestia. "And where do I find it?"

The spirit's voice softened. "You already know."

Celestia's breath hitched as a vision flashed through her mind—an image of an ancient place, buried deep within the mountains, where the stars shone brighter than anywhere else. She had never been there before, yet… it felt familiar.

Elias glanced at her. "Celestia?"

She swallowed hard. "I think… I know where we need to go next."

The spirit nodded once. "Then go. Time is running out."

With that, she faded, leaving only the glowing ruins behind.

Darius placed a steadying hand on Celestia's back. "We'll figure this out. Together."

Celestia met his gaze and nodded. "Then let's go home."

---

*Back at the Saints Moon Pack Territory

The return to the pack was tense. Celestia could feel the weight of what had happened pressing down on all of them. She barely spoke as they moved through the darkened forest, her mind spinning with unanswered questions.

When they reached the pack's borders, warriors on patrol immediately took notice. One of them, a young scout, stepped forward. "Alpha, Beta! You're back!"

Darius nodded. "Get the elders. We need to talk."

The scout hesitated, looking between them before rushing off.

Within minutes, the pack's inner circle had gathered in the main hall. Elder Gregor, his silver hair gleaming under the firelight, studied them carefully. "What happened?"

Darius crossed his arms. "Aldric knows."

Murmurs of concern filled the room.

Celestia stepped forward. "And I know what I am now."

The room fell silent.

She took a breath. "I'm Moonborn."

The reactions were instant. Some gasped. Others stiffened, eyes widening in shock. Elder Mira stepped closer. "Are you certain?"

Celestia met her gaze. "Yes. And my power is waking up."

Elder Gregor exhaled, rubbing his temples. "This changes everything."

Darius's voice was firm. "We need to prepare for war."

Lucien added, "Aldric won't wait long before making his next move. He was already toying with us today. Next time, he won't hold back."

Elias nodded. "We need to strengthen our defenses and train our warriors harder."

Celestia clenched her fists. "And I need to learn how to control my power before it's too late."

Elder Mira studied her before nodding. "Then we begin at once."

Darius's golden eyes met Celestia's, determination burning between them. "No matter what happens… we face this together."

Celestia nodded, her silver eyes gleaming with newfound resolve.

She didn't know what the future held. But one thing was certain—

The time of silence was over.

And the battle for the Saints Moon Pack's destiny had begun.

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End of Chapter 16