"That pendant is cursed, Aria. Luca's voice pierced the quiet as we returned to the pack house." Though underlined with irritation, his harsh voice revealed a flutter of something else fear.
"It's not cursed," I fired back, gripping the pendant securely crescent-shaped in hand. "It's a hint. Something the Moon Goddess left to discover.
He crossed his arms and fixed me with sharp grey eyes. You are not aware of it. For all we know that creature may be the cause the forest is shadow-filled, and the reason wolves are dying out there.
"I know it's important," I said with conviction. " The mark responded to it. We came there from the whispers. Luca, this is our only lead for now.
And when this "lead" kills someone else? His voice surged, his irritation spilling up. "This goes beyond just you, Aria! It relates to the pack here. Should you be mistaken—"
"I am not incorrect! I cut him off with a snap. Though the conflict between us seemed stifling, I would not back down. Trust me once more.
His mouth locked, and for a second I thought he may protest. He suddenly inhaled sharply and shook his head, however. " Fine. But should this backfire, it is on you.
Later that evening, the pack house was quiet as I snuck into the archives with the pendant securely in my pocket. Not even Luca, and I knew I wouldn't rest until I knew what it meant—not even trusted anybody else with it.
The chamber was barely illuminated, and the air smelled like ancient leather and parchment. I removed the pendant, and the walls created spooky shadows from its weak brightness. Though it was simple and the crescent form was chilly to the touch, it thrummed with an energy that made my mark burn slightly in reaction.
Turning over one of the older books, I looked for anything that could help to understand the fading words. At last, I came across a section:
"The crescent key is not just a symbol but a guide, revealing the path to the truth hidden beneath the constant gaze of the moon. Only the marked may wielders its power, but the cost will be great."
"The price? I mumbled, my chest becoming tight.
"What do you find yourself doing here?
Startled by Luca's words, I almost dropped the pendant. I whirled around to see him slumped against the doorframe, his arms folded and his face inscrutable.
Could you quit surreptitiously visiting me? I grumbled and slid the jewelry back into my pocket.
Could you quit straying off by yourself and complicate everything already under control? Stepping inside the room, he said, opposite.
I shot him a nasty look. Luca, I'm not sure what this thing implies. Maybe let me handle things; unless you have lately developed an aptitude for ancient predictions.
He groaned and ran a hand over his hair. And from what you now know?""
I paused then showed him the section. His eyes skimming the book, his scowl became more severe. "Aria, this sounds like no fix. It sounds to be a warning.
Maybe it's both, I replied softly.
The seniors called us to the council room early the next morning. Their somber faces reflected the unsaid tension in the air.
One of the elderly men said, his voice accusing, "The two of you have been seen wandering into the Forbidden Forest." "Explain yourself.
Before I could respond, Luca replied, "We're trying to find the truth about the bond." Though his speech was firm, I could sense the strain pouring off him. "The mark, the prophecy—all connected." Furthermore, if we wait now the pack will be open to assaults from the competing pack.
The elderly looked at one another nervously, and I knew they were not persuaded.
"The bond is a blessing from the Moon Goddess," another elder remarked firmly. "Your place is not for questioning it."
Stepping forward with all due respect, I added, "the bond is more than that." The mark guided us to here. I put up the pendant and the light caught its glow.
The crowd gasped, and some of the seniors withdrew as if I had just pulled a weapon.
"Where would you have found that? Their voices shaking, one of them insisted.
"In the forest," I said. The symbol guided us to there.
Another older man shook his head and added, "This is dangerous." "There has not been a crescent key seen in decades. It relates to the prophecy, which describes not redemption but rather devastation.
"Then help us understand it," I shouted, my voice rising. "We need responses whether this is hazardous or if the prophecy is true. Ignoring it will not make it disappear.
Luca and I went over every book we could locate on the crescent key and the prophecy that night. As we dug deeper, it became abundantly evident that the link was a test rather than just a gift.
"The prophecy speaks of a choice," I pointed to a section from one of the books. "A decision going to decide the pack's future."
"And it's tied to the bond," Luca added, his voice subdued. Should we fail, the pack collapses.
But what does failure really mean? As my irritation grew, I asked. And what expense the book repeatedly mentions?""
Luca graced a grimace and ignored her. I felt my own chest hurt as I saw for the first time a flutter of uncertainty in his eyes.
We will work it out, I replied gently. "We must.
He cast a probing look at me. And if we fail as well?'''
I paused then responded, "then we fight. all together.
The symbol on my wrist blazed with quick fire as we closed the book, and a picture of wolves engaged in struggle beneath a blood-red moon sprung to me: their cries of suffering.
My voice shook as I looked at Luca and the image darkened. Whatever this is, it will find us. And it is shortly to arrive.