Chapter Four

Before Everything Changed

Aurelia’s POV

*Three Years Before the Blood Moon

People always say your fifteenth year is the easiest. You’re old enough to understand the world around you, yet young enough to believe nothing truly bad can happen.

At fifteen, I believed that too.

The morning sun had barely climbed over the mountains when I slipped out of the packhouse with a loaf of warm bread tucked beneath my arm. Mrs. Elara had insisted I take it to Old Bram, one of the oldest warriors in Silvercrest, who had broken his leg during training a few days earlier.

I never minded errands.

They gave me an excuse to wander through the village, greeting everyone I passed.

Silvercrest had always felt alive in the mornings.

Blacksmiths hammered away at fresh blades. Children chased one another through the streets. The scent of pine drifted through the air as warriors gathered on the training grounds.

I smiled to myself. It was home and I couldn’t imagine ever leaving it.

“Lia!”

I turned just in time to dodge the wooden practice sword Damien swung in my direction. It missed me by inches.

“You almost hit me!”

“I almost did,” he corrected as if it was nothing. “You’ve been practicing.” He pointed out.

I scoffed. “I have.”

“You’ve gotten slower.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You realize I’m holding breads.”

“I realize you’re making excuses.”

I tossed the loaf at him but he caught it with one hand.

“You owe Old Bram an apology if you squish that.”

“I’d never survive his lecture.”

“Exactly.”

Damien handed it back before jogging toward the training field, where the younger warriors were already gathering.

“You’re coming to watch, aren’t you?”

“I’ll be there.” I nodded. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

“You’d better.” He pointed the wooden sword at me. “And no laughing if someone falls.”

“I make no promises.” I grin innocently.

He shook his head before disappearing into the crowd.

I couldn’t help smiling.

Damien had always been like that. He’s a very quiet kid when I met him and even now, he only talks to some people. Thankfully, Cassian and I were among those few people.

After delivering the bread, I made my way toward the training grounds. The moment I arrived, the warriors lined up beneath Alpha Rowan’s command, Cassian’s father.

One after another, wolves shifted. Some were massive, their coats as dark as midnight. Others were smaller but faster, darting across the field with effortless grace. The younger children clapped excitedly from the sidelines. I clapped too.

Even though, if I was being honest…there was always a tiny ache in my chest whenever I watched. Not because I envied them.

Not yet.

I simply wondered what it would feel like to hear another heartbeat inside your own. To know you were never truly alone.

“You always watch like you’re trying to memorize it.”

Cassian had appeared beside me without my noticing.

“I like seeing everyone improve.”

“You also like pretending you’re not hoping today’s the day.”

I glanced at him. “The day for what?”

He smiled knowingly. “You know.”

I looked back toward the field. “My wolf still has time.”

“You’ve got years.”

“I know.”

And I believed it.

No one in Silvercrest worried if a fifteen-year-old hadn’t awakened their wolf. Some shifted at sixteen. Others at seventeen. There was no reason to think I would be any different.

At least…that’s what I kept telling myself.

After training ended, I wandered toward the Moon Shrine to leave fresh flowers. It was quieter there.

Peaceful.

The old High Elder was already standing before the statue of the Moon Goddess when I arrived.

He turned as I approached.

“Aurelia.”

I smiled politely.

“Good afternoon, Elder Cedric.”

He studied me for a moment longer than most people did. Not in a cruel way. Just…carefully.

“You’ve grown.”

“So I’ve been told.”

A faint chuckle escaped him. “Your parents must be proud.”

“I hope so.”

He nodded slowly. “The Moon has curious plans for some of us.”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

Instead of answering, he simply rested a hand on my shoulder.

“When the time comes…” His gaze drifted briefly toward the statue.“…have faith.” Then he walked away.

I remember standing there, completely confused. Adults loved speaking in riddles. I convinced myself that was all it was.

On my way home, I noticed someone standing near the western gate. He wasn’t from Silvercrest. That much I knew immediately.

His cloak was too dark. His posture too unfamiliar and he wasn’t armed like a warrior, yet something about him made the guards unusually tense.

As I passed, our eyes met for only a heartbeat. He inclined his head ever so slightly. It wasn’t a smile, not quite a bow either.

Just… acknowledgement.

Then he turned and disappeared down the mountain path.

I almost asked one of the guards who he was, but I stopped myself. Instead, I kept walking.

Some questions didn’t seem important enough to ask.

That evening, I sat on the roof of our home and watched the stars appear one by one.

The village below glowed with lantern light. Somewhere nearby, wolves howled as the moon climbed higher into the sky.

I closed my eyes and listened.

Waiting. Hoping.

Maybe tomorrow. Maybe next month. Or maybe next year.

I smiled to myself.

I had all the time in the world.

Looking back now…I think that’s the cruelest thing about memories.

You never realize you’re living an ordinary day until it becomes one you’ll spend the rest of your life wishing you could return to.