Chapter 61: The Secrets Beneath

The morning after the council meeting, the palace felt heavier than usual. The golden rays of dawn streamed through the tall windows of Serena’s chambers, but they couldn’t push away the storm brewing in her mind. Her dreams had been haunted again—images of fire, war, and Elias turning from her with eyes filled with betrayal.

She rose from bed, every muscle tense, her wolf restless beneath her skin. Serena had thought that claiming her place beside Elias would grant her peace. Instead, it unearthed more secrets. More danger. More uncertainty.

She moved to the balcony, where a breeze ruffled her hair. Below, the training grounds buzzed with activity. Warriors sparred, instructors shouted commands—but her eyes locked on one figure.

Elias.

His bare chest gleamed with sweat as he moved with practiced precision, blade flashing in the sun. Each strike was calculated, powerful, but there was something off. His movements were too aggressive, his expression too grim. He was troubled.

“Can’t sleep either?” came a voice behind her.

Serena turned to see Theron, leaning against the doorframe. Dressed in a simple black shirt and trousers, he looked more like a shadow than a royal. His hair was tousled, and his eyes—those sharp, perceptive eyes—watched her too closely.

“I slept,” she said. “Not well.”

Theron stepped forward. “Elias is keeping things from you. You know that, don’t you?”

Her shoulders stiffened. “If you’re trying to turn me against him—”

“I’m not,” he interrupted gently. “But I know him. He carries burdens he doesn’t share, even with those he loves.”

Serena’s heart clenched at those words. She wanted to believe Elias was different with her—that their bond made them immune to secrets.

“He’s hiding something,” Theron said again. “Something about the attacks. About you.”

Serena swallowed. “He would tell me.”

Theron sighed. “I hope he does. But just in case he doesn’t—” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of parchment. “You should read this. It’s about the Northern Enclave. Something your mother may have known. Something that might explain why the rogues are so obsessed with you.”

Serena hesitated. Her hands trembled as she took the note.

“Where did you get this?”

“I stole it,” he said with a shrug. “Not all of us like playing by the rules.”

She unfolded it. The parchment was old, the ink smudged in places. But the words were clear.

“The prophecy speaks of a daughter born beneath the blood moon, a healer and a harbinger. She will either end the curse… or awaken it.”

Her breath caught.

“What is this?” she asked, eyes scanning the faded lines.

“A prophecy hidden in the archives of the Enclave,” Theron said. “Your mother once served there. Before she died.”

Serena felt as if the floor had dropped out from beneath her. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

“Because no one wanted you to know what you could be.”

Down in the training field, Elias paused mid-swing, his senses prickling. He looked up, and their eyes met—Serena standing on the balcony, her face pale, her hands clenched around a crumpled note. His heart sank.

She knows.

He knew the truth would come out eventually, but not like this. Not through Theron. Not through old papers and half-written prophecies. He sheathed his sword and started toward the palace.

Serena stormed back into her chambers, the parchment burning in her grip. Prophecy. Blood moon. Harbinger. No one had ever told her who—or what—she truly was. And now everything felt like a lie.

Elias found her in the sitting room, pacing.

“You read it,” he said quietly.

Her eyes flashed. “You knew?”

He nodded slowly. “I didn’t want it to define you.”

“You don’t get to make that choice for me!” she shouted. “You said no more secrets, Elias!”

“I was trying to protect you.”

“From what?” Her voice cracked. “From the truth? From myself?”

He stepped closer. “From the weight of a destiny you never asked for.”

Tears burned in her eyes. “You should have trusted me.”

“I do,” he said, voice low. “But Serena… the prophecy is dangerous. Half the pack believes you’re a threat. That you’ll bring destruction, not salvation.”

She turned away, her fists clenched.

“I’m not a weapon,” she whispered. “I’m not a curse.”

“No,” Elias said gently, moving closer. “You’re the only hope we have left.”

Silence stretched between them—heavy, aching, intimate.

When she turned back to face him, he was already there, reaching for her hand. She didn’t pull away. His touch was warm, grounding.

“Then stand with me,” she said. “No more lies. No more protection. We face this together. Whatever’s coming.”

Elias cupped her face, his gaze searching hers.

“Always.”

That night, as the stars blinked awake in the sky, Serena sat alone in the palace library, poring over ancient scrolls and records from the Enclave. Elias had retired to handle a border patrol situation—but her mind was racing.

She traced the same phrase again and again:

"The healer and the harbinger".

What did it mean? Could she be both? Or would she have to choose?

Behind her, a shadow moved.

“You shouldn’t be here alone,” Theron said, emerging from the darkness.

“I needed answers,” Serena replied without looking up.

“You’ll get them. But you may not like what you find.”

She finally looked at him. “Then help me.”

Theron hesitated. Then he stepped closer, placing another scroll on the desk.

“Let’s start with what your mother was hiding.”