The creature moved with remarkable speed, outpacing thought itself. In an instant, it was across the shattered arena. The next moment, it materialised directly before me. Kaiden responded immediately, his aura emanating violently as he pushed me backwards and charged at the creature, engaging it head-on. The impact reverberated. My power compelled their submission to crack beneath them as dark energy erupted outward like a tempest.
"Kaiden!" I shouted.
The creature scarcely moved, its glowing eyes remaining fixed on me while Kaiden struggled against it. "Luna blood," it growled. "Return..."
Kaiden delivered another strike, silver energy slicing through the air. This time, the creature staggered momentarily, but then a massive claw struck Kaiden's chest, causing him to be thrown across the arena. He collided forcefully with broken stone.
My heart ceased its rhythm as pain erupted instantly within my chest—not emotional pain, but physical. Sharp, burning sensations coursed through my body, directly connected to the bond. I sensed his injury.
Lucien grasped my arm to prevent me from rushing forward recklessly.
"Selene, stop!"
"He is hurt!"
"I know," I affirmed.
The creature now fully turned toward me, dark energy swirling around its enormous form.
You can feel Kaiden's pain through the bond," it rumbled. A widening smile appeared.
"The bond grows stronger."
Kaiden slowly arose from the debris, blood at the corner of his mouth. His breathing was shallow, yet his gaze remained fixed on the creature.
"Stay away from her," he commanded, his tone more menacing and authoritative.
The creature laughed.
"You protect her just as he did."
Kaiden's brow furrowed slightly.
"He?"
The creature disregarded his question and advanced toward me again.
Suddenly, my mark ignited with intense heat. Agony seared through my body as silver light erupted beneath my skin. Energy spiralled violently around me, sufficiently powerful to cause nearby wolves to stumble backwards.
Lucien's eyes widened in alarm.
"It is progressing too rapidly," he observed.
Kaiden immediately attempted to move toward me, but the creature blocked his approach effortlessly.
"No," it growled. "No one will interfere with Selene's awakening."
My vision blurred, and the arena disappeared. I found myself transported elsewhere—a vast silver palace beneath a blood-red moon, with wolves kneeling silently in the courtyard.
At the centre stood a woman: beautiful, terrifying, and formidable. Silver markings illuminated her skin like living moonlight—she was the First Luna.
She slowly turned toward me, mirroring my appearance exactly. My breath halted.
"You carry the final bloodline," she said softly. Her voice resonated within my mind rather than through the air.
"What is happening?" I whispered.
"The prison is breaking, and the balance is failing," she replied.
Desperately, I looked around.
"I do not understand this!"
"You will," she assured me.
"But first, you must awaken."
A sense of fear constricted my chest.
"What if I cannot?"
Her silver eyes softened slightly.
"You already are."
The vision shattered instantly, and I gasped as power burst outward from my body. The arena was filled with silver light. My mark spread intricate, glowing patterns across my arms, pulsating with living energy. Wind tore through the space, ancient symbols lighting beneath my feet.
Even the creature ceased movement—not out of fear, but recognition.
"Luna," it uttered.
Kaiden stared at me in stunned silence; Lucien looked horrified. The Elders immediately knelt in reverence. Then, one by one, every Alpha present followed suit—Ragnar, the Council guards, even Orion. My power compelled their submission.
I stood there, trembling, staring at the entire arena kneeling before me.
"No," I whispered. "This is not controlled."
It felt older, more dangerous—bigger than myself.
The creature slowly bowed its massive head to me before uttering words that changed everything:
"The true Luna has returned."