The pack regrouped in the clearing, their breaths heavy and their bodies battered, but the victory over Magnus had given them a new sense of unity. Despite their injuries, there was a quiet triumph in their eyes, a determination that burned brighter than it had in weeks.
Selene sat near the edge of the clearing, tending to Kael's wounds. His silver hair was streaked with dirt and blood, but his blue eyes were as steady and calm as ever.
"You shouldn't have stepped in," Kael said softly, wincing as Selene pressed a cloth to his shoulder.
"I couldn't just stand there," she replied, her voice firm. "You needed me."
Kael's lips curved into a faint smile. "I always need you."
Her heart fluttered, but before she could respond, Lorcan approached, his weathered face etched with concern.
"Magnus isn't finished," Lorcan said, his tone grave.
Kael frowned. "He's defeated. His pack is scattered. What more can he do?"
Lorcan shook his head. "Magnus was always a puppet. The true threat lies in the ones pulling his strings—the vampires."
The clearing fell silent as the weight of Lorcan's words settled over the group.
---
Later that night, as the pack rested, Selene found herself drawn to the forest. The moon hung low in the sky, its silver light illuminating the path ahead. She didn't know why she felt compelled to walk, but something deep within her urged her forward.
She stopped in a small clearing, the air humming with an unfamiliar energy. Her heart raced as she closed her eyes, letting the stillness of the forest wash over her.
"Selene."
Her eyes snapped open as Lorcan stepped into the clearing. He moved slowly, his staff glowing faintly in the moonlight.
"I thought you might come here," Lorcan said, his tone calm but purposeful.
"Why?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"Because the moon has chosen you," Lorcan said simply. "You've felt it, haven't you? The pull, the power stirring within you."
Selene shook her head. "I'm just a human. I don't have any power."
Lorcan smiled faintly. "The bond between you and Kael is more than just fate. It's a connection born of the moon's will. And that connection has awakened something in you—something that could change the course of this war."
Selene's chest tightened. "What are you saying?"
"Close your eyes," Lorcan said, stepping closer. "And trust yourself."
Hesitantly, Selene obeyed. She took a deep breath, the cool night air filling her lungs.
"Focus on the bond," Lorcan instructed, his voice steady. "Feel it. Let it guide you."
At first, she felt nothing. But then, a warmth blossomed in her chest, spreading through her body like a gentle flame. Her mind filled with images of Kael—his strength, his determination, the way he looked at her as if she were his entire world.
The warmth grew, pulsing with the rhythm of her heartbeat. And then, as if drawn by an unseen force, her hands began to glow with a soft silver light.
Her eyes snapped open, and she stared in awe at her hands. "What is this?"
Lorcan's expression softened. "Your power. The moon has gifted it to you through your bond with Kael. It's rare, but not unheard of."
"What do I do with it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Protect those you love," Lorcan said. "This is your purpose, Selene. To stand by Kael's side—not just as his mate, but as his equal."
---
When Selene returned to the den, Kael was waiting for her, his expression a mixture of relief and curiosity.
"Where were you?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
"I needed some air," she said, sitting beside him.
Kael studied her for a moment before nodding. "You've been quiet since the fight. Are you okay?"
Selene hesitated, her mind racing as she debated whether to tell him about what had happened in the forest. Finally, she took his hand, her gaze locking onto his.
"I'm not just your mate, Kael," she said softly. "I'm your partner. And I'm going to fight with you—no matter what."
Kael frowned, confusion flickering in his eyes. "What are you talking about?"
Before she could respond, a faint glow emanated from her hand where it touched his. Kael's eyes widened as the silver light spread, wrapping around them like a protective shield.
"Selene…" he whispered, awe and disbelief mingling in his voice.
"I don't know how, but the moon gave me this," she said, her voice trembling. "Lorcan thinks it's connected to our bond. It's a gift—but I think it's also a responsibility."
Kael's jaw tightened as he processed her words. "You've already sacrificed so much for me. Now the moon's asking even more."
"It's not a sacrifice," she said firmly. "It's a choice. And I'm choosing to stand with you, Kael. Whatever comes next, we face it together."
Kael's eyes softened, his hand tightening around hers. "You've always been stronger than you realize."
Selene smiled, her heart swelling with the quiet strength in his words.
---
The next day, the pack gathered to prepare for the vampire threat. Selene stood beside Kael, her glowing hands a source of both awe and hope for the wolves.
"Magnus may be defeated," Kael said, addressing the group. "But the real battle lies ahead. The vampires are coming, and they won't stop until they've taken everything from us."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the pack. "But we have something they don't. We have unity. Strength. And now, we have Selene."
The wolves howled in agreement, their spirits lifted by Kael's words.
As the pack moved to fortify their defenses, Selene caught Kael's gaze. There was a quiet determination in his eyes, a strength that mirrored her own.
For the first time, she felt like she truly belonged.