The forest slowly returned to silence after Magnus and his wolves disappeared into the darkness.
But the silence no longer felt peaceful.
It felt like the quiet before something terrible.
The clearing was still messy from the battle. Torn grass covered the ground, broken branches hung from nearby trees, and a few warriors were helping the injured wolves stand.
At the center of it all stood Aria, staring at the glowing crescent on her wrist.
Her mind was racing.
Magnus's words kept repeating in her head.
You will come to me.
She clenched her fist.
"Over my dead body."
A few steps in front of her, Alpha Kael was speaking quietly with several warriors.
His face was serious, his posture tense.
He was giving orders.
"Double the patrols tonight," Kael said firmly. "No one moves alone. I want guards on every ridge."
"Yes, Alpha."
The warriors quickly spread out to carry out the commands.
The pack knew things had changed tonight.
Magnus had crossed into their territory.
That meant the war was no longer just a threat.
It had begun.
Aria walked toward Kael slowly.
"So… we're officially in trouble."
Kael exhaled quietly.
"That's one way to put it."
Aria rubbed her wrist again.
The crescent symbol was still glowing faintly.
"I hate that he keeps talking like he knows something about me."
Kael's eyes softened slightly.
"We'll figure it out."
Before Aria could respond, a wooden staff tapped the ground nearby.
Tok.
Both of them turned.
Ikechukwu was standing there, watching them with a thoughtful expression.
Aria crossed her arms.
"Okay, old man."
Ikechukwu raised an eyebrow.
"Old man?"
Aria shrugged.
"You clearly know something."
She pointed at him.
"And you're not telling us."
Kael nodded slightly.
"She's right."
Ikechukwu sighed.
"Hmm."
He looked toward the moon above the trees for a moment.
Then he leaned on his staff again.
"Some truths heavy."
Aria groaned.
"Please don't start speaking in riddles."
Ikechukwu chuckled.
"No riddle today."
His voice became more serious.
"The Moon Vessel no be ordinary blessing."
Kael frowned.
"We figured that much."
Ikechukwu nodded slowly.
"But wetin you never understand be say…"
He tapped his staff once on the ground.
"…that power fit control every wolf bloodline."
The words hung in the air.
Aria blinked.
"Wait."
She pointed to herself.
"You're saying I can control wolves?"
Ikechukwu shrugged.
"Not now."
Kael stepped forward slightly.
"But eventually?"
Ikechukwu nodded.
"If the power fully wake."
Aria stared at him in disbelief.
"That's insane."
Kael looked thoughtful.
"Not insane."
His voice lowered.
"Dangerous."
Aria suddenly understood something.
Her stomach dropped.
"That's why Magnus wants me."
Ikechukwu nodded slowly.
"Correct."
Kael clenched his jaw.
"He thinks he can use her to control the wolf world."
Ikechukwu's expression darkened.
"That man no just think."
He tapped his staff again.
"He plan am."
Aria paced a few steps across the clearing.
"Fantastic."
She ran a hand through her hair.
"So let me summarize."
She counted on her fingers.
"A crazy wolf warlord wants to kidnap me…"
She raised another finger.
"…because apparently I'm some magical remote control for wolves…"
She raised a third finger.
"…and none of you thought to mention this earlier?"
Kael sighed.
"We didn't know."
Ikechukwu nodded.
"Some part of the prophecy lost."
Aria stopped pacing.
"Prophecy again."
She pointed at Ikechukwu.
"You're telling us everything now."
Ikechukwu rubbed his beard thoughtfully.
"The prophecy talk say…"
He looked directly at Aria.
"…when the Moon Vessel wake…"
His voice lowered.
"…two powerful wolves go fight for her destiny."
Kael frowned.
"What does that mean?"
Ikechukwu shrugged slightly.
"One wolf go protect the moon."
He looked at Kael.
"The other go try own the power."
Aria crossed her arms again.
"And I'm guessing Magnus is the second one."
Ikechukwu nodded.
"Exactly."
Kael's expression hardened.
"That's not happening."
Aria smirked slightly.
"Glad we agree."
But Ikechukwu wasn't smiling anymore.
His eyes stayed on Aria's glowing wrist.
"There still another part."
Aria sighed.
"Of course there is."
Ikechukwu spoke slowly.
"The prophecy say the Moon Vessel…"
He tapped his staff gently.
"…must choose."
Kael frowned.
"Choose what?"
Ikechukwu looked at both of them.
"Who control the power."
Aria's stomach twisted.
"You're saying I have to choose between Magnus and—"
Her voice stopped.
She looked at Kael.
The silence between them suddenly felt heavier.
Ikechukwu nodded.
"Yes."
Kael spoke firmly.
"That's not a real choice."
Aria forced a small smile.
"Obviously."
But something about the prophecy still bothered her.
Because Magnus had seemed far too confident.
Like he already believed the outcome was decided.
The wind rustled through the trees again.
Aria looked toward the dark forest where Magnus had disappeared.
Her wrist pulsed again.
And this time…
The glow was stronger than before.