The forest grew denser as Aria and Kael journeyed north toward the mountains. The trees loomed taller, their branches weaving together to form a canopy that blocked out much of the light. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and damp earth, but Aria couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching them.
Kael walked a few steps ahead, his dagger within easy reach. He moved with a predator's grace, his eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of danger.
"How far is it?" Aria asked, her voice breaking the silence.
"Three days, if we keep moving," Kael replied without looking back.
"And if the Bloodfangs catch up to us?"
Kael's jaw tightened. "Then we fight."
Aria clenched her fists, the memory of her last encounter with Theron still fresh in her mind. She had barely survived, and the thought of facing him again sent a shiver down her spine.
"We'll be ready," Kael said, as if sensing her unease.
Aria nodded, though doubt lingered in her chest.
---
By midday, they reached a small clearing where a stream trickled through the rocks. Kael knelt by the water, filling his canteen.
Aria sat on a fallen log, her staff resting across her knees. The heat in her chest was faint, the moon's song distant but persistent.
"How do you know about the stronghold?" she asked, breaking the silence.
Kael glanced at her, his green eyes shadowed with memory. "I stumbled on it years ago, when I was still with my pack. It was hidden, buried deep in the mountains. But even then, I could feel… something."
"What kind of something?"
Kael frowned, his gaze distant. "Power. Old, ancient power. It wasn't like your light—it was darker, heavier. I didn't go inside, but I knew it was important. And now…" He trailed off, shaking his head. "It feels like the only place that might give us an edge against Theron."
Aria studied him, her chest tightening. "You've been through a lot, haven't you?"
Kael gave a humorless chuckle. "Haven't we all?"
---
They continued their journey as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest floor. Aria's unease grew with every step, the weight of unseen eyes pressing down on her.
"We're being followed," she said quietly.
Kael nodded. "I know."
"Bloodfangs?"
"Not likely," Kael said. "They don't move this quietly."
Aria frowned, her grip tightening on her staff. "Then who—"
A low growl interrupted her, coming from the trees ahead.
Kael stopped, his dagger drawn in an instant. "Stay close," he said, his voice low.
The growl grew louder, and a massive wolf stepped into view. Its fur was black as midnight, its eyes glowing faintly red. It wasn't alone—three more wolves emerged from the shadows, their movements slow and deliberate.
Aria's heart pounded as she recognized the scent of the rogues. These weren't just stray wolves—they were trackers, sent to hunt and kill.
"Rogues," Kael muttered, his stance shifting.
One of the wolves snarled, its red eyes locking onto Aria.
"They're after me," she said, her voice shaking.
"Then let's give them a reason to think twice," Kael growled.
---
The wolves attacked as one, their claws tearing through the air. Kael moved with deadly precision, his dagger flashing as he slashed at the nearest rogue. Aria raised her staff, the light in her chest flaring to life as she summoned her power.
The first wave of light sent one of the wolves sprawling, its snarls turning to whimpers as it scrambled away. But the others pressed on, their hunger outweighing their fear.
Kael fought like a man possessed, his movements a blur of speed and strength. He took down one rogue with a brutal swipe of his dagger, but another lunged at his back.
"Kael!" Aria shouted, thrusting her hands forward.
The light erupted from her, striking the rogue mid-leap. It yelped as it hit the ground, writhing in pain before retreating into the shadows.
Kael turned, his green eyes meeting hers for a brief moment. "Nice timing."
Aria didn't have a chance to respond before the last rogue charged her. She swung her staff, catching it across the muzzle, but the impact jarred her arms and nearly knocked the weapon from her grip.
The heat in her chest surged, and she let it flow through her. This time, the light didn't just strike the rogue—it engulfed it, forcing it to retreat with a pitiful whimper.
When the clearing finally fell silent, Aria lowered her staff, her chest heaving.
Kael wiped his dagger clean on the grass, his expression grim. "They're getting bolder."
Aria nodded, the adrenaline fading as exhaustion set in. "Do you think Theron sent them?"
"Maybe," Kael said. "Or maybe they're just opportunists. Either way, we need to keep moving."
---
They pushed on through the forest, the encounter with the rogues leaving them both on edge. Aria kept her staff close, her senses heightened for any signs of danger.
As the sun began to set, they reached a rocky outcrop that overlooked a valley shrouded in mist. Kael stopped, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
"That's it," he said, pointing to a jagged peak in the distance.
Aria followed his gaze, her breath catching. The mountain loomed like a fortress, its slopes covered in snow and ice. Even from this distance, she could feel the pull of the Moonbound's power.
"It's beautiful," she said softly.
Kael's expression darkened. "It's also deadly. The closer we get, the more dangerous it'll become."
Aria glanced at him, determination hardening in her chest. "We'll make it."
Kael didn't reply, but his silence spoke volumes.
As they descended into the valley, the moon rose high above them, casting its silvery light over the landscape. Aria felt the hum in her chest grow stronger, the song of the moon guiding her steps.
But with each step, she couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into something far more dangerous than they had imagined.