Chapter 4

Heather's POV

Royal pack 16 years ago:

A warm summer breeze carries the sweet scent of honeysuckle across the clearing. Although the sky is darkening, hinting that autumn is on the horizon, the bonfire crackles merrily and holds the night’s chill at bay. I sit close to the flames with my brother, Nicholas, and our friends. Laughter rings out when Anthony, one of Nicholas’s closest allies, shares some ridiculous joke. Nicholas lets out his signature booming chuckle, and I smile despite myself.

It has been a blessing to be home again, surrounded by family and familiar voices. Since meeting my mate, Cole, four years ago, I have not returned as often as I would like. His duties as Beta of Blood Moon, along with rising tensions with Shadow Pack, have kept us both tied to our territory. I only brought Zach to meet my parents once after his birth. Tonight we’re here again this time to celebrate Nicholas and Kayla’s mating ceremony. It feels like a rare gift.

Cole settles behind me, his arms warm and secure around my waist. He rests his chin on my shoulder.

“You’re quiet, love,” he murmurs. His low voice sends a pleasant shiver through me.

“I’m just happy,” I reply, leaning back into him. He smells of cedar and home, and it makes me sigh with contentment.

He is a devoted mate. A loving father. Whenever Zach toddles into view, Cole melts completely. I know he will do the same for the little life growing inside me. My hand drifts to my stomach, a small, secret smile tugging at my lips. He does not know yet. Its too early for him to scent still.

Helena stirs softly in my mind.

‘He will be overjoyed, Heather. This one is a girl.’

The bonfire crackles, sending sparks spiralling into the dark. For a brief moment, the flames sputter, and the shadows beyond the clearing seem to shift. I glance toward the tree line.

A figure stands just beyond the reach of the firelight.

A chill creeps along my arms. The forest feels too still, as if the night itself is holding its breath.

“Are you alight?” Cole asks quietly, sensing my tension.

“I think I’m just tired,” I say, forcing a smile. “I should check on Zach.”

Cole nods immediately. Protective. Certain. He guides me away from the fire, and we offer quiet goodnights before slipping into the trees along the familiar path toward my parents’ house.

The warmth of the clearing fades beneath the canopy. The air grows heavy. My instincts prickle, and Helena bristles.

Cole steps in front of me.

Then a voice breaks the silence.

“Do not be afraid, my children.”

It is deep and resonant, carrying a weight that presses against bone and marrow. From the shadows, the cloaked figure steps forward and lowers her hood.

Her skin is pale, almost translucent. Her eyes are milky white, unfocused, yet piercing.

An Oracle.

Cole and I drop to one knee, heads bowed.

“Rise,” she says gently. “Listen well. I bring a message from the goddess.”

The bonfire behind us roars suddenly, flames surging higher as wind tears through the trees. Leaves swirl violently around the clearing.

When the Oracle speaks again, her voice is no longer singular. It is layered. Echoing.

“Under the Pink Moon, a white wolf shall rise,
Forged in hardship, scarred by fate.
She alone shall stand against the coming darkness,
A force born of the Fallen One’s will,
Seeking to end the children of the moon.
Beware those who seek to claim her,
For only through love shall she ascend.”

The wind dies.

Silence crashes down around us, thick and absolute. I realise I am shaking.

“What does this mean?” Cole asks, his voice rough.

The Oracle’s gaze shifts to me. She steps closer and takes my hands.

Cold surges through me. Then heat. I cannot move. I cannot breathe.

Her voices crash through my mind.

“Four shall be bound to her soul,
Their fates entwined, their strength united.
Through their bond, the lost shall awaken,
And the ancient bloodline shall be reborn.
From their union, a king shall rise,
A son of both past and future,
To reclaim the throne long forsaken,
And restore balance to the world.
Bound by five, her strength shall awaken,
And through their bond, the Lycans shall rise.
The time nears. The White Wolf stirs.”

When she releases me, I stagger back, heart pounding.

“It means,” the Oracle says calmly, “that a daughter of Selene has been conceived.”

My breath leaves me in a rush. My hands tremble as they press against my stomach.

She leans close, lowering her voice for me alone.

“She will change everything.”

Fear coils tight around my heart, tangled with fierce, unyielding love.

“What must I do?” I whisper.

“Be ready, Heather. There are those who will seek to control her. Others will seek to destroy her before she can fulfil her destiny.”

Her fingers brush my forehead. Warmth blooms through me, steadying my trembling limbs.

“You carry the future. Protect her well.”

Then she turns, her cloak dissolving into shadow, and she is gone.

Cole’s breath shudders behind me. I reach for his hand, gripping it as though the world itself has tilted.

Two thoughts settle with absolute clarity.

I will protect my daughter with everything I have.

And nothing will ever be the same again.