The Ancient Mirrow

Everyone thought it was over when Nyra disappeared, and Ceryn retreated with her Wolves, but honestly,  I knew the war hadn’t even begun. 

Nyra had snagged the Mirror of the First Vessel—and deep down, I had this gut feeling that she was about to reveal something that no one was prepared for.

“I saw that mirror once,” I quietly told Aether while we stood in the council chamber. “I saw it in a dream… or maybe a memory. Honestly, I can't tell anymore.”

Aria stood next to me, silent and pale as a ghost.

“That mirror belonged to the first Vessel,” she finally said. “Legend has it that it doesn’t just reflect your image—it shows your true self, your deepest secret, your past, even the stuff you’d rather not face, and sometimes your future.

Aether’s jaws tightened. “If Nyra uses it, she’s not just admiring herself.” She’s up to something, trying to awaken past secrets and forgotten spirits.

“Something of a sort,” Aria replied, her voice heavy. “It also means she’s searching for the Vessel’s shadow.”

Chills ran down my spine. “Shadow?” I asked, fidgeting.

Aria nodded. “Every past Vessel from centuries before had one. A hidden power, dark, wild, and forbidden. The Moon locked it away ages ago. But if the mirror brings it to life…”

“She could use it against me,” I whispered.

“Or even worse… She could become you,” Aria concluded. 

“How did she get her hands on such an ancient relic? Aether asked 

“I’m not certain,” Aria replied. “Nyra is from the bloodline of the shadow casters. They are known for their knowledge and usage of black magic and could access many relics locked away for thousands of years.”

“That’s why the wolf clan was happy when we realized they were no more, and so we thought they had gone extinct. Little did we know they were hidden and waiting for the right time to strike,” she concluded and, with a heavy sigh, walked away quietly. 

Why was I even chosen? I thought. I loved my quiet life, a life with less trouble and attention. Right now every Wolf and beyond knows me, some want to be me, others intend to use me, and if they can’t get me they want me killed. I attract attention I don’t appreciate and it just keeps getting complicated

“What’s on your mind?” Aether asked, startling me.

“I’m beginning to regret why I’m the moon chosen” I replied hastily, my eyes filled with worry. 

“You don’t have to. The moon goddess doesn’t let her vessels be in situations they can’t handle. If you feel it you can fight it, and besides I’m by your side every step of the way. You also have the full support of the Northwoods pack. So cheer up my queen”

His words gave me huge relief. Staring at him, I wondered how a rogue Alpha who seemed fearless had grown so soft around me. I embraced him tightly as I perceived his skin and engulfed his scent. He smelled like redolence: fruity mint mixed with Aurora.

–––

That night, sleep eluded me.

Aether stayed nearby, his presence warm and steady. He didn’t chatter much—he knew I needed my space. Still, he watched me like I was a storm about to break.

And maybe I was. I found my way to the flame chamber close to the mountains, where sacred fire flickered nonstop. It felt peaceful and safe there. But as I stood by the flames… I heard something.

Not a voice, a whisper.

“Maybel…”

I spun around, and nobody was there—just the dancing shadows and an ancient pulse thrumming under my skin.

“You are not the only one.” I heard the voice speak to me

I stumbled back, heart pounding, because for the first time…

The mountain had spoken to me!

***

The next morning, Castillo showed up at the border, all by himself. He looked different, cold, too controlled. But his eyes—those eyes—still had that raw edge to them.

“I didn’t come to fight,” he said, his voice low. “I came to warn you.”

Aether stepped closer, but I held up a hand. “Let him talk.”

Castillo glanced back and forth between us, a brief flash of pain crossing his face. “There’s movement in the west,” he said. “A pack of rogues, the ones Ceryn paraded with. They’re gathering. They call themselves the Fallen Moon.”

“Why should I care?” I shot back.

Castillo’s gaze locked onto mine. “Because they’re looking for you.”

“How did you know this?” Aether asked, concerned. 

“I’m still an Alpha, I have got my intel. Besides, they were banished wolves from my pack 

“Alright then tame them. If you have any care or concern towards May, you wouldn’t let them get to her, she already has a lot of things to worry about. 

“Close the gates once he's out” Aether instructed a guard as he held me by the hand and gently dragged me to the Cabin. I looked back and I could see the pain in Castillo's eyes.

That night, I couldn’t shake the constant whispers, I kept hearing voices in my head. The voices, the mirror, the moon goddess.

What did they want from me?

What was Nyra really after?

I went back to the sacred chamber alone, hoping the whispers would return. I wanted to still hear the voice of the mountains, I needed answers, I needed some sort of clarity, closure. I just wanted my mind to be at peace. And fortunately, it did speak.

But this time, the voice wasn’t from the mountains, it was a girl’s. Quirky, angry, and Full of power.

“You think you’re the only Vessel? You think this is just your story?”

My blood turned to ice, as the shape emerged from the firelight; A girl with silver eyes, she had the same crescent mark as mine on her palm and on her chest too,  and her voice was the same voice from my dreams.

She tilted her head and grinned darkly.

“I’m the Vessel too, May. And I’m here to take everything you left behind.” She yelled laughing heartily 

Then—poof.

In the blink of an eye, she was gone, like the flame had swallowed her whole. But her presence lingered, like smoke in my lungs.