Elena's POV
The atmosphere within Blackwood Hollow felt heavier as the days passed. The discovery of the hidden site lingered in everyone's minds, unspoken but palpable. Elena could feel the weight of it in every conversation, every sideways glance cast in her direction. She knew she was at the center of it all, whether she wanted to be or not.
She sat by the window of her small cabin, staring at the map Mia had given them. Her fingers traced the crescent moon symbol absentmindedly. The hidden doorway in the clearing had been unlike anything she'd seen before, and the power emanating from it felt ancient, otherworldly.
A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Come in," she called, folding the map and tucking it into her bag.
The door creaked open, and Caleb stepped inside. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed his concern.
"You've been quiet all day," he said, closing the door behind him.
"I've been thinking," Elena replied, leaning back in her chair. "About the site. About the symbols. It feels like there's something just out of reach, like I should know what it means."
Caleb sat across from her, his golden eyes studying her intently. "You're not alone in this, Elena. Whatever we find, we'll face it together."
She nodded, though the unease in her chest remained. "I know. But I can't help feeling like… like this is bigger than us. Bigger than the pack. What if we're not ready for what's coming?"
Caleb's jaw tightened. "Then we'll make ourselves ready."
His determination was reassuring, but Elena couldn't shake the feeling that their time was running out.
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Caleb's POV
As night fell over Blackwood Hollow, Caleb found himself wandering through the woods. His wolf itched to run, to release the restless energy that had been building since their visit to the hidden site.
He shifted easily, his dark fur blending into the shadows as he sprinted through the trees. The cool night air was a welcome relief, clearing his mind and sharpening his senses.
But even in his wolf form, he couldn't escape the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. Protecting Elena, keeping the pack united, uncovering the truth about the altar—it all felt like an impossible task.
He paused near a stream, his ears twitching as the wind carried a faint sound to him. It was soft, almost imperceptible, but it set his instincts on edge.
A growl rumbled in his chest as he scanned the area, his sharp eyes searching for the source of the noise.
"Show yourself," he growled, his voice a low rumble.
The trees rustled, and a figure stepped into view. It was Elias, his expression grim.
"You're jumpy tonight," Elias said, leaning against a tree.
"Can you blame me?" Caleb replied, shifting back into his human form.
Elias shrugged. "Fair point. But you're not the only one on edge. The pack is restless, Caleb. They're looking to you for answers."
"I know," Caleb said, running a hand through his hair. "And I'll give them answers as soon as I have them."
Elias studied him for a moment before nodding. "Just don't forget to take care of yourself, too. The pack needs a strong leader, not a martyr."
Caleb smirked faintly. "Since when did you become my therapist?"
"Since you started acting like the weight of the world is yours to carry alone," Elias shot back.
Caleb's smirk faded, and he sighed. "I appreciate the concern, but I'll be fine."
Elias didn't look convinced, but he let it go. "Just remember, you've got people who have your back. Don't shut us out."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the woods, leaving Caleb alone with his thoughts.
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Elena's POV
The next morning, Elena found herself drawn back to the clearing. She knew Caleb would be furious if he knew she'd come alone, but she needed answers. Something about the site called to her, a pull she couldn't ignore.
The doorway was still there, its dark opening like a silent invitation. Elena hesitated, her heart pounding as she stepped closer.
As she approached, a sudden gust of wind rustled the trees, and she felt a presence behind her. She spun around, her pulse racing, but there was no one there.
"Get it together, Elena," she muttered to herself.
She turned back to the doorway, steeling her nerves. The symbols on the stone seemed to glow faintly in the morning light, and she reached out to touch them.
The moment her fingers made contact, a wave of energy surged through her, and a vision flashed before her eyes.
She saw a woman standing in the same clearing, her long hair flowing in the wind. The woman's face was obscured, but her voice was clear.
"The bond must be honored," the woman said, her tone both commanding and mournful. "Only then can the cycle be broken."
Elena stumbled back, gasping for air as the vision faded. Her knees buckled, and she sank to the ground, her mind racing.
"What was that?" she whispered, clutching her chest.
Before she could process what had happened, she heard footsteps approaching. She looked up to see Caleb running toward her, his expression a mix of anger and concern.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded, pulling her to her feet.
"I… I don't know," Elena stammered. "I had to see it again. And then I—"
She hesitated, unsure of how to explain the vision.
"You what?" Caleb pressed, his grip on her arms tightening.
"I saw something," she admitted. "A woman. She said something about a bond and a cycle."
Caleb's eyes darkened. "We're leaving. Now."
Elena didn't argue as he led her away from the clearing, but her mind was spinning. The vision had felt so real, and the woman's words echoed in her mind.
The bond must be honored.
What bond? And what cycle was she talking about?
As they left the forest behind, Elena knew one thing for certain: she was closer to the truth than ever before. But the answers she sought might come at a greater cost than she was prepared to pay.
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