Morning sunlight filtered through the cabin windows, doing little to calm Serena's nerves. She sat at the kitchen table, clutching a mug of tea Ivy had brewed. It tasted like a mix of lawn clippings and regret, but Serena figured complaining wasn't worth the effort.
Meanwhile, Callum and Ivy stood across from her, deep in what sounded like a heated argument.
"She deserves to know," Ivy said sharply.
"She's not ready," Callum retorted, his tone clipped.
"I'm literally right here," Serena cut in, raising a hand. "And it'd be great if you stopped pretending I'm invisible."
They both turned toward her, though neither looked particularly apologetic. Typical.
Callum sighed, his expression weary. "Fine. What do you want to know?"
"Everything," Serena replied without hesitation. "What's this 'mark of the moon'? Why me? And why does it feel like I've been dropped into a supernatural version of The Hunger Games?"
Ivy leaned back, smirking. "The mark of the moon links you to the Lycans our kind. It's rare, powerful, and directly tied to the moon. You may not be one of us, but the mark in your blood makes you important. And a target."
Serena blinked. "Okay, but I don't have fur, claws, or the annoying habit of shredding perfectly good shirts. How does that make me 'linked' to Lycans?"
"You're not a Lycan," Callum clarified. "But the mark in your blood ties you to us. It's a connection to something ancient. The wolves can sense it, and they want it."
"Why?" Serena asked, frustrated. "What could they possibly want with me?"
Ivy's playful demeanor shifted as she explained. "The mark isn't just a link. Legends say it holds something powerful something that could tip the scales in any war. That's why they're after you."
"Wait," Serena interrupted, frowning.
"Legends? So you don't even know for sure? I'm being hunted because of some ancient bedtime story?"
Callum's expression darkened. "The mark hasn't been seen in generations. But the wolves believe in it and they'll stop at nothing to get to you."
"Fantastic," Serena muttered, her sarcasm barely masking her growing fear. "So I'm basically a human mystery box. Lucky me."
Before anyone could respond, a sharp knock echoed through the cabin. Instantly, Callum and Ivy went on high alert.
"Stay here," Callum ordered, his voice brooking no argument.
Serena rolled her eyes. "Like that ever works," she muttered under her breath as Callum moved toward the door.
Ivy grabbed her bow and positioned herself near the window. Callum opened the door cautiously, revealing a tall man with striking green eyes and an irritatingly smug smile. He looked like trouble wrapped in a leather jacket.
"Ronan," Callum said, his tone icy.
"Don't sound too happy to see me," Ronan replied, stepping inside as if he owned the place.
"Who's this guy?" Serena whispered to Ivy.
Ivy sighed. "Ronan. He's… complicated."
Ronan's sharp ears caught the comment, and he smirked at Serena. "Complicated? That's a bit harsh, don't you think?" He turned his piercing gaze on her, looking her over with interest. "So, you're the famous human."
"Why does everyone say 'human' like it's an insult?" Serena snapped.
Ronan chuckled, clearly entertained. "I like her. She's got spirit."
"Why are you here?" Callum demanded, stepping between Ronan and Serena like a human shield.
"To warn you," Ronan said, his playful tone disappearing. "The pack knows about her. It won't be long before they come again. And next time, they'll bring their best."
"We can handle it," Callum said firmly.
"Can you?" Ronan shot back, arching an eyebrow. "Because from what I hear, you've been barely keeping up. This isn't just about you anymore, Callum. It's about her."
Serena groaned, throwing her hands up. "I'm right here. And for the record, I'd really like it if people stopped talking about me like I'm some fragile porcelain doll."
Ronan's grin widened, amused by her defiance. "Feisty and funny. I like her even more."
"Why don't you leave, Ronan?" Callum said, his jaw tight.
"Because whether you like it or not, you're going to need me," Ronan said simply. "The pack won't stop, Callum. And when they come, you'll need every ally you can get."
The tension in the room was so thick it could have been cut with a knife. Serena sighed, sinking back in her chair. "Great. I didn't ask to be part of a supernatural war, but here we are."
Ivy chuckled, and even Callum's lips twitched in what might have been a suppressed smile. Ronan, however, looked genuinely delighted.
"Oh, this is going to be fun," Ronan said, his green eyes glinting mischievously.