His eyes narrowed slightly. "Why is this mark important to you, Xanthe?" He asked again
I forced a casual tone. "I'm interested in the history of this place, the old legends and secrets. This symbol seemed like it could be connected to something important."
Wang leaned back in his chair, studying me. "History and legends, you say? Well, this symbol does have an ancient feel to it. I'll ask some of the elders and scholars if they recognize it."
Relief washed over me. "Thank you, Alpha Wang. I appreciate your help."
He nodded, still watching me closely. "I'll let you know if I find anything. But, Xanthe," he added, his tone serious, "if there's more to this than you're telling me, you should know that secrets have a way of coming to light."
I swallowed hard and forced a smile. "I understand. I'll keep that in mind."
As I turned to leave, I couldn't shake the feeling that Wang suspected more than he let on. I had to be careful, especially with Selena and Henna already watching me closely. The path to uncovering the truth was fraught with danger, but I was determined to see it through.
---
On my way back to my chambers, I was intercepted by Selena and Henna. Selena's eyes were cold, and Henna stood beside her, her expression equally unfriendly.
"Xanthe?" Selena said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "We need to talk."
I stopped and faced them calmly. "Of course. What is it?"
Selena crossed her arms, her gaze piercing. "I've noticed you've been spending quite a bit of time with Alpha Wang after all my warnings the last time. Is there something going on that we should know about?"
I maintained my composure. "No, nothing like that. We're just discussing some historical matters. I'm interested in the old stories and legends of the Pack."
Selena's eyes narrowed. "Is that so? Because it seems like you're more interested in digging up the past than anything else."
Henna's voice was icy. "Yes, it's quite suspicious. What exactly are you hoping to find?"
I kept my tone steady. "I'm simply curious, that's all. The history of this place fascinates me. There's no need for concern."
Selena stepped closer, her eyes flashing with anger. "I don't trust you, Xanthe. You're hiding something, and I will find out what it is."
I met her glare without flinching. "I'm not hiding anything. But if you feel that way, you're welcome to investigate. You won't find anything."
After a tense moment, Selena stepped back. "We'll see about that."
I walked away, feeling their eyes on my back. I knew they would be watching me closely now, but I couldn't let that deter me. I had to stay focused.
---
Later that evening, I made my way to Marla's quarters. The divine witch greeted me with a knowing smile, as if she had been expecting me.
"Eva, welcome back," she said, motioning for me to sit. "What brings you here tonight?"
I took a seat and showed her the sketch of the symbol. "I found this mark, Marla. I need to know what it means."
Marla's eyes widened slightly as she examined the symbol. "This is ancient," she murmured. "A mark of the old gods, a symbol of power and protection. Where did you find it?"
"I found it in the old part of the Palace, where I saw the strange wolf years ago," I admitted. "I think it's connected to my past, to who I really am."
Marla nodded thoughtfully. "The old gods were known to mark their chosen ones with symbols like these. It signifies that you are under their protection and that you have a greater destiny to fulfill."
A chill ran down my spine. "So, what does this mean for me?"
"It means you are special, Eva," Marla said gently. "You have a purpose, a destiny that you must embrace. But it also means you will face great challenges. There are those who will seek to harm you, to prevent you from fulfilling your destiny."
I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words. "What should I do?"
"Continue your quest for the truth," Marla advised. "Learn about your past, your heritage. But be careful, Eva. Trust only those you are certain of, for there are many who would betray you."
I nodded, feeling a mix of fear and determination. "Thank you, Marla. I will be careful."
This only means one thing. The strange wolf I was came to warn me about this but I didn't understand any of it.
" Moon goddess please help me"
---
## Coven of Shadows
Meanwhile, in the dark heart of the Coven of Shadows, Hecate and Malachar were plotting their next move. Hecate paced the room, her anger barely contained.
"Eva is getting too close," Hecate hissed. "We must stop her before she discovers the full truth."
Malachar watched her, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Patience, my love. We will deal with her soon enough. But first, we need to weaken her resolve."
Hecate stopped pacing, her eyes narrowing. "And how do you propose we do that?"
Malachar moved closer, his voice a low whisper. "By sowing discord among her allies. We will turn those she trusts against her."
Hecate's eyes gleamed with malice. "Yes, that could work. We will make her doubt everyone around her. She will be so consumed by mistrust that she won't see our final strike coming."
Malachar took her hand, pulling her close. "And when the time is right, we will crush her."
Hecate's anger melted into a wicked smile as she leaned in, kissing Malachar passionately. Their robes fell to the ground as they gave in to their dark desires, their moans filling the room.
---
A girl sat down on the cold floor, looking haggard and hungry. She doesn't know what to do but she remembered that she stole an enchantment book Hecate with notice. She pulled out the book from under her wooden bed.
She opened it.
As she wants to read it she heard footsteps, she quickly hide the book back.