Elena's POV
The morning broke with a pale light filtering through the thick canopy of Blackwood Hollow, casting elongated shadows across the forest floor. Elena stood on the porch of the cabin, inhaling the crisp air. Despite her sleepless night, her mind buzzed with thoughts of the mysterious man Vera had mentioned and the ominous web Ivanna was weaving.
Her fingers traced the edges of the book she had borrowed from the library. The phrase about the "moon's chosen" replayed in her mind like a haunting melody. What power did Ivanna think she had? And why did it seem like everyone around her believed it too?
The sound of footsteps broke her reverie. She turned to see Caleb approaching from the woods, his expression serious but less burdened than the night before.
"You're up early," he said, stepping onto the porch.
Elena gave him a tired smile. "Couldn't sleep. Too much to think about."
He leaned against the railing, his golden eyes scanning the horizon. "That's not surprising, given everything that's happened. But you need rest, Elena. You can't fight if you're running on fumes."
"I'll rest when we figure this out," she said, her voice firm. "Vera told me about someone who might be able to help us. An outsider who knows about Ivanna."
Caleb's gaze snapped to her, his eyes narrowing. "An outsider?"
She nodded. "She said he came to the Hollow years ago and knows things about her. If we can find him—"
"Elena," Caleb interrupted, his tone sharp. "If he's managed to stay hidden all this time, it's for a reason. People don't just survive in Ivanna's shadow by luck. Approaching him could put both of you in danger."
"I'm already in danger," she shot back. "We both are. And if he has answers, I need to talk to him."
Caleb stared at her, his jaw tightening. "Fine," he said finally. "But we do this carefully. If he's as wary as Vera says, he won't trust us right away. We'll need a plan."
---
Later That Day
The woods seemed denser as Caleb and Elena ventured deeper into unfamiliar territory. The map Vera had given them was old, its edges frayed and its landmarks barely recognizable, but it was all they had to go on.
"Do you even know what we're looking for?" Elena asked, brushing a stray branch out of her path.
Caleb glanced at the map, then at their surroundings. "A clearing with a stone circle," he said. "Apparently, that's where he was last seen."
"Great," Elena muttered. "Because finding a clearing in a forest the size of Blackwood Hollow is so easy."
Despite her sarcasm, she couldn't deny the strange pull she felt as they walked. It was as if the forest itself was guiding her, the trees whispering secrets she couldn't quite hear.
After what felt like hours, they finally stumbled upon the clearing. The sunlight streamed through the gaps in the trees, illuminating a ring of moss-covered stones. It was eerily quiet, the usual sounds of the forest conspicuously absent.
"This is it," Caleb said, his voice low.
Elena stepped into the circle, her eyes scanning the area. "Do you think he's here?"
"Only one way to find out," Caleb said. He tilted his head back and let out a howl that echoed through the trees, a sound that sent a shiver down Elena's spine.
Moments later, a figure emerged from the shadows. He was tall and lean, his weathered face partially hidden by a hood. His piercing gray eyes locked onto Elena, and for a moment, she felt as though he could see straight through her.
"What do you want?" he asked, his voice rough but not unkind.
"We need your help," Caleb said, stepping forward.
The man's gaze shifted to him, his expression hardening. "I don't help wolves."
Caleb bristled, but Elena placed a hand on his arm, silently urging him to stay calm.
"We're not here to cause trouble," she said, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "We're trying to stop Ivanna."
At the mention of Ivanna's name, the man's demeanor changed. His eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer, his movements cautious but deliberate.
"Why?" he asked, his gaze never leaving her.
"She's hurting people," Elena said. "And she won't stop until she gets what she wants."
The man studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Come with me," he said, turning and disappearing back into the trees.
---
The Outsider's Hideout
The man led them to a small, hidden cabin tucked deep within the forest. It was a simple structure, but it was clear he had taken great care to keep it concealed.
Inside, the walls were lined with shelves filled with books, jars of strange substances, and tools that looked both ancient and dangerous.
"I'm Elias," he said, pulling back his hood to reveal a face marked with scars and years of hardship. "And if you're serious about stopping Ivanna, there are things you need to know."
Elena and Caleb exchanged a glance before sitting down at the worn table in the center of the room.
"Ivanna isn't just another power-hungry wolf," Elias began. "She's something far older—and far more dangerous."
Elena's stomach churned. "What do you mean?"
"She's a shadow wolf," Elias said. "A rare breed tied to the moon's darker aspects. They thrive on fear, manipulation, and control. And once they set their sights on something—or someone—they don't stop until they get it."
Caleb's expression darkened. "How do we fight her?"
Elias hesitated before answering. "Shadow wolves are difficult to kill, but not impossible. Their power comes from their connection to the moon. Sever that connection, and they become vulnerable."
"Sever it how?" Elena asked.
"There's a ritual," Elias said. "But it's dangerous. It requires strength, courage, and most importantly… trust."
"Trust?" Caleb asked, his tone skeptical.
Elias nodded. "The bond between those performing the ritual must be unbreakable. If there's even a shred of doubt, it won't work—and the consequences could be fatal."
Elena's heart sank. She thought of her growing bond with Caleb and the unspoken truths that lingered between them. Could she trust him completely? Could he trust her?
"We'll do it," Caleb said firmly, his gaze unwavering.
Elias studied him for a moment before nodding. "Then I'll teach you what you need to know. But be warned: once you start down this path, there's no turning back."
Elena met Caleb's gaze, a mix of fear and determination swirling in her chest. "We're already in too deep to turn back," she said.
Elias gave a faint smile, though his eyes remained somber. "Then let's get started."
---
Later That Night
Back at their cabin, Elena sat by the fire, her thoughts racing. The weight of what lay ahead pressed heavily on her, but she couldn't deny the small flicker of hope that Elias had given them.
"We can do this," Caleb said, sitting beside her.
She looked at him, surprised by the quiet confidence in his voice. "How can you be so sure?"
"Because I believe in you," he said simply.
Elena's chest tightened, and for a moment, the fear melted away, replaced by a warmth that steadied her.
"Thank you," she said softly.
Caleb nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before turning back to the fire. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, we start preparing."
As Elena closed her eyes, she knew the road ahead would be anything but easy. But for the first time, she felt like they might just have a chance.