Chapter 20 - The Gathering Storm

The night air was heavy with tension as Celestia stood at the heart of the Saints Moon Pack's training grounds. The silver glow of the moon bathed her in a soft light, her breath steady as she focused on the swirling energy within her. Around her, warriors of the pack stood at attention, watching closely—some in awe, others in wary curiosity.

Darius stood a few paces away, his golden eyes locked onto her. "Again," he ordered, his voice steady but firm.

Celestia exhaled and spread her fingers, calling upon the power that had been stirring inside her since the battle in the Moonborn Archives. A crackle of energy sparked at her fingertips, shifting between silver and deep blue.

The wind around her stirred as the power answered her call. It was stronger now—less wild, more controlled. The training with Elder Mira had paid off, but there was still something missing. Something just beyond her reach.

Lucien and Elias watched from the sidelines. Lucien crossed his arms. "She's getting stronger."

Elias nodded, though his brows were furrowed. "But she still hesitates."

Celestia clenched her fists. She could feel it too. The power wanted to burst free, but something held it back—her own fear, perhaps?

Darius narrowed his eyes. "You need to push further."

Celestia met his gaze. "I'm trying."

He stepped closer, his tone dropping. "Are you?"

The challenge in his voice sent a spark of irritation through her.

Darius was always like this—pushing her beyond her limits, never allowing her to hold back. He wasn't just training her for battle; he was forcing her to confront the truth she kept avoiding.

She was Moonborn. A descendant of something ancient, something powerful. And that meant she could no longer afford to be afraid.

Taking a deep breath, Celestia reached deeper. The moment she let go of her hesitation, the energy surged—faster, stronger. The runes etched on the ground beneath her feet began to glow, responding to her power.

A sudden gust of wind howled through the training grounds, sending dust and leaves swirling into the air. The warriors took a step back as raw energy radiated from Celestia.

Then, in a single controlled motion, she unleashed it.

A wave of silver-blue power erupted from her hands, surging forward like a tidal wave. Darius braced himself but didn't move. At the last moment, the energy curved around him, slamming into the training dummies behind him instead.

The ground trembled.

The dummies—crafted from thick wood and reinforced with magic—were obliterated into dust.

Silence fell over the training grounds.

Celestia's chest heaved. The power still crackled around her, but it was no longer uncontrollable. This time, she had directed it.

Darius's lips twitched into a rare smirk. "Good. You're learning."

Lucien let out a low whistle. "Remind me not to get on your bad side."

Elias chuckled, though his eyes held a hint of unease. "That was impressive, but we still don't know the full extent of what you can do."

Celestia swallowed, her heart still racing. He was right. She was only scratching the surface of what she was capable of.

And with Aldric looming on the horizon, she needed to be ready.

The training session ended as the night deepened, but Celestia had no time to rest. A meeting had been called in the war room—one that involved not just the Saints Moon Pack, but the allies who had finally answered their summons.

When she entered the war room, she was met with the piercing gazes of powerful figures.

The Alphas of the Crescent Fang Pack and the Stormveil Pack were seated at the long table, their presence commanding. Alongside them stood their Betas, warriors, and advisors.

Alpha Rael of the Crescent Fang Pack was a towering man with cold gray eyes and a scar running across his jaw. His pack was known for their ruthless efficiency in battle.

Alpha Selene of the Stormveil Pack was smaller in stature but no less intimidating. Her sharp blue eyes held a calculating intelligence, and her presence alone demanded respect.

Darius stood at the head of the table, his expression unreadable. "Thank you for coming."

Rael leaned back in his chair, his expression skeptical. "We didn't come for pleasantries, Saints. We came because the Lycans are moving, and war is inevitable."

Selene nodded. "We've seen the signs. The Lycans have been expanding their reach—more attacks, more disappearances. They're testing the waters before launching something bigger."

Celestia clenched her fists. "Aldric isn't just expanding his territory. He's searching for something."

Rael's gaze flicked toward her. "The Moonborn."

A heavy silence settled over the room.

Celestia met his gaze without wavering. "Yes."

Selene's eyes narrowed slightly. "And you claim to be one?"

Darius spoke before Celestia could. "She is."

Rael exhaled sharply. "Then we may have a chance."

Lucien raised an eyebrow. "A chance?"

Rael's expression darkened. "Aldric has grown too powerful. Even with all our packs combined, we wouldn't stand a chance in a direct assault."

Selene nodded grimly. "But a Moonborn… changes things."

Elias frowned. "How?"

Rael leaned forward, his voice dropping. "Because the last time a Moonborn walked this land, they were the only ones who could stand against the Lycans' true strength."

Celestia's heart pounded.

Darius's jaw tightened. "Then we need to be ready."

Selene studied Celestia carefully. "You're strong, but are you strong enough?"

Celestia met her gaze, determination burning in her silver eyes. "I will be."

Rael exhaled. "Then let's hope you get there before Aldric makes his next move."

---

Far from the Saints Moon Pack's territory, deep in the heart of the Lycans' domain, Aldric stood before his gathered warlords.

The torches lining the darkened chamber flickered as he surveyed the room.

A warrior kneeled before him, his head bowed in submission. "Alpha King, the Saints Moon Pack is gathering allies."

Aldric smirked. "As expected."

The warrior hesitated. "And… the girl—Celestia—her power is growing."

Aldric's golden eyes gleamed with amusement. "Good."

One of his warlords, a massive Lycan with dark fur and glowing red eyes, growled lowly. "She's a threat."

Aldric chuckled. "She's an opportunity."

The warlord frowned. "You could have killed her at the ruins."

Aldric's smirk deepened. "And waste the potential she holds? No." He turned, stepping toward the edge of the chamber. "She's Moonborn. That means she was born to lead… or to fall."

His voice was a whisper, but it echoed through the chamber like a prophecy.

"I'll make her see," Aldric murmured. "She doesn't belong to them. She belongs to me."

The warlord shifted uncomfortably. "And if she refuses?"

Aldric's expression darkened.

"Then we burn everything she holds dear until she has no choice but to come to me."

The shadows around him deepened, and the scent of blood filled the air.

The war had already begun.

And soon, Celestia would have to make a choice.

---

End of Chapter 20