Chapter 9 - The Rune’s Warning

“Not here - later..” she mindlinked him.

A neutral mask slipped over Marcus’ face as he understood and sat back.

Laptops and notes spread out, the scent of Althea’s freshly brewed coffee mingling with anticipation. Damien, Beta Althea, and Gamma Leo joined them again, their presence a testament to the growing alliance against the Nightshade Pack. It was going to be a long night.

Maya Swiftwind’s stormy grey eyes were locked on her laptop, her fingers flying across the keyboard. “I’ve pinpointed the convergence point’s coordinates,” she announced, her voice taut with urgency. “It’s a clearing deep in Nightshade’s western territory, near an ancient stone circle. The data mentions a ‘rite of binding’ tied to a lunar alignment—tonight’s full moon. If we don’t act, they could summon something worse than those creatures.”

“The creatures’ attack confirms Nightshade’s rituals are escalating,” Mikhail said, his voice a steady anchor. “Maya’s decryption points to a convergence point active in 20 days. We need to move quickly, but we can’t rush in blindly.”

“Before we go further,” Aurora interjected, her voice firm, “we need to talk to Elara, Althea, and Kiyiya. The runes are our best lead, and they know their secrets.”

Mikhail studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable, before nodding. “Agreed. Damien, can you arrange it?”

Damien’s dark eyes softened. “I’ll take you to them now. My mother’s fragile, but her knowledge is unmatched.”

……

Soon, Aurora, Marcus, and Kira followed Althea through the pack house’s winding corridors to a serene chamber on the fourth floor, its walls adorned with tapestries depicting Bloodmoon’s founding. Elder Elara sat by a window, her silver hair braided intricately, her dark eyes clouded yet piercing. Beside her stood Luna Kiyiya, her auburn hair glowing in the lantern light, her warm hazel eyes exuding quiet strength. Althea’s purple eyes sparkled with pride as she introduced them. “Aurora, Marcus, Kira—this is Luna Kiyiya, and Elder Elara.”

Kiyiya’s smile was welcoming. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Aurora! We’ve been expecting you to stop by. The runes have been restless since your arrival. I would have been to meet you all sooner, but Cuan is particularly needy right now” she says by way of apology.

As Aurora goes to answer, Elara’s sudden gasp captures everyone’s attention.

Elara’s gaze locked onto Aurora, a flicker of recognition passing through her eyes. “You,” she murmured, her voice raspy but clear. “The chosen. The runes sing for you.”

Aurora’s breath caught, her wolf stirring. “What do they say?” she asked, stepping closer, her silver-blue eyes searching Elara’s face.

Althea gestured to a tapestry depicting a circle of runes glowing around a wolf. “The runes are our pack’s lifeblood, woven with the first Alpha’s blood to bind the land’s pure spirits. They protect us from corrupted spirits twisted by greed or ambition. Nightshade’s rituals have awakened such a force, targeting women of power.”

Kiyiya nodded, her voice steady. “Each rune tells a story. Some guard, some heal, others… bind. We’ve strengthened them over generations, but they’re straining against Nightshade’s magic. You felt them, Aurora, because your spirit resonates with their power.”

Marcus leaned forward, his roguish grin surfacing. “So, these runes are like magical poetry? Althea, you and Kiyiya must be poets, then.” His playful tone drew a soft laugh from Althea, her cheeks flushing.

Rylan’s voice echoed from the doorway, where he and Liam had joined. “Marcus, you’re hopeless. Flirting with the Beta while we’re decoding ancient magic?”

Liam grinned. “He’s carving hearts in his mind already.”

Marcus shot them a mock glare. “Keep up, boys, or Althea and I will solve this without you.”

Althea stifled a laugh, grateful for Marcus’s levity. “Focus, Gamma,” she teased, but her heart warmed at their bond, a lifeline amidst the growing mystery.

Elara’s voice cut through, sharp with urgency. “The runes hold a counterspell, but it’s incomplete. To stop Nightshade’s rite of binding, you need the Heart of Vaeloria, a relic hidden on Vaeloria Isle, far across the Silver Sea. It amplifies the runes’ power, binding corrupted spirits back to the land.”

Aurora’s pulse quickened. “Vaeloria Isle? Where is it?”

Kiyiya’s expression grew grave. “Eight days’ journey by ship, off the northern coast. It’s shrouded in mist, guarded by ancient wards. Only one tied to the prophecy can claim the Heart.”

Elara’s eyes bored into Aurora. “You must go, child. The spirits whisper your name. But beware—Nightshade seeks the Heart too. They’ll hunt you.”

Marcus mindlinked Aurora, his voice steady. “Eight days? We’ll need a ship. And I’m not letting you go alone.”

Aurora nodded, her thoughts racing. The cloaked figure’s familiar face haunted her, slowly stirring haze buried memories. “How do we find a ship?” she asked aloud.

Damien, who had joined them, exchanged a glance with Althea. “We have contacts at the coast. A ship can be arranged, but it’s dangerous. Nightshade’s influence reaches far.”

Mikhail, who had been silent at the doorway, spoke, his tone too calm. “Aurora, this mission suits your skills. I’ll coordinate with Damien to secure passage.” His gaze lingered on Marcus, a shadow of calculation in his eyes that deepened her unease.

As they left the chamber, Marcus pulled Aurora aside, his emerald eyes serious. “This Vaeloria Isle business—it’s big. And Mikhail’s acting… off. Like he knows something about you he’s not sharing.”

“I feel it too,” she whispered, her heart heavy.

Vincent’s message—Trust your instincts—echoed, its timing unsettling. How did he know her turmoil?

The runes, the Heart of Vaeloria, the prophecy—it was all converging, and Aurora was at its heart, past a locked door she was desperate to open.