Chapter 5 The light of judgement

The Nightfang stronghold buzzed with a restless energy as Liora stepped through the gates, the Moonstone cradled in her hands, its silvery glow casting long shadows across the stone courtyard. The wound on her arm, where the Fangwood spirit's claws had grazed her, throbbed beneath the torn sleeve of Mira's cloak, but the pain was a distant echo compared to the triumph surging in her chest. Torin walked at her side, his green eyes alight with pride, while Mira clung to her other arm, her small frame trembling with excitement.

The pack lined the walls, their ember-like eyes fixed on her, a mix of curiosity, suspicion, and awe rippling through the gathered wolves.

Word of her trial had spread like wildfire, and the courtyard was packed-warriors, elders, and children alike, their whispers a low hum beneath the morning sun. Liora's silver hair caught the light, amplifying the Moonstone's radiance, and for the first time, she felt the weight of their gaze shift from scorn to something akin to respect. But she knew the battle wasn't over. The council awaited, and with them, Kael.

Torin squeezed her shoulder, his voice low. "You've done the impossible, Liora. Let them see it." Mira nodded vigorously, her dark braids bouncing, but her brown eyes held a flicker of worry.

Liora took a deep breath, the bond pulsing faintly in her chest-a reminder of Kael's presence, his emotions a tangled knot of surprise and something unreadable. She straightened, the Moonstone's warmth steadying her, and followed Torin toward the council chamber. The heavy wooden doors creaked open, revealing the same cavernous space with its rune-carved walls and long table. The seven council members sat in silence, their gazes locking onto the glowing stone in her hands.

Kael stood at the head, his broad frame silhouetted against the torchlight, his dark hair falling in waves to his shoulders. His gold-flecked, storm-gray eyes met hers, and the bond flared, a jolt that made her heart stutter. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his jaw betrayed a storm within. Sylva flanked him, her red hair a stark contrast to her smirk, while Eldra, the silver-streaked seer, leaned forward, her raspy voice cutting through the silence.

"You've returned with the Moonstone," Eldra said, her eyes narrowing. "The spirits deemed you worthy. Speak, Lunari. What does this mean for us?"

Liora stepped forward, her voice steady despite the weight of their scrutiny. "The Moonstone is proof of Selys's will. I faced the Fangwood's spirits, overcame their tests, and claimed it to unite the packs against the Void. It amplifies my magic, and with it, we can stand together."

A murmur rose, some nodding, others shifting uneasily. Sylva's laugh cut through the noise, sharp and mocking. "A human with a shiny rock? You think that changes anything? Kael rejected you, and the pack follows his lead."

Liora's cheeks burned, but she held Sylva's gaze. "The Moonstone isn't just a rock. It's a relic of Selys's power. I'll show you." She raised her hand, channeling her magic through the stone. A pulse of moonlight erupted, illuminating the chamber, the runes on the walls flaring in response. The council gasped, even Sylva's smirk faltering, as the light revealed faint shadows-echoes of the Void-writhing at the chamber's edges.

Eldra stood, her voice trembling with urgency. "The seer's truth. The Void stirs. I've felt it in my bones, and now I see it. Liora speaks true."

Kael's eyes narrowed, the bond pulsing with a mix of anger and reluctant awe. He stepped forward, his presence overwhelming, the scent of pine and iron filling the air. "You've proven your magic," he said, his voice a low growl. "But the pack needs more than tricks. The eastern clans report Void-touched beasts near their borders. If you're to lead, you must fight-not just spirits, but real threats."

Liora's heart sank, the weight of his challenge pressing down. "I will," she said, meeting his gaze. "But not alone. The bond Selys forged ties us, Kael. You can reject it, but it won't change the truth. We need each other."

The chamber fell silent, the bond flaring between them, a thread of heat that made her skin prickle. Kael's expression hardened, but a shadow of doubt flickered in his eyes. Before he could respond, the doors burst open, and a scout stumbled in, his armor scratched and bloodied. "Alpha!" he gasped. "The eastern pass-Void beasts are attacking. They're coming this way!"

Panic erupted, the council rising as Kael barked orders. "To arms! Sylva, organize the warriors. Torin, prepare the defenses." His gaze flicked to Liora, the bond pulsing with urgency. "If your magic can help, Lunari, prove it now."

Liora nodded, clutching the Moonstone. Torin grabbed her arm, pulling her toward the armory. "We'll need weapons and a plan," he said, his voice grim. Mira followed, her small hands clutching a dagger she'd grabbed from a rack, her face set with determination.

In the armory, Liora strapped on a leather breastplate, the Moonstone hanging at her neck. Her magic surged, steadier now, the stone amplifying her light. Torin handed her the runed dagger, his eyes steady. "The beasts are stronger than wolves, faster than men. Use the Moonstone's power, but don't overreach."

Mira pressed a vial into her hand, her voice trembling. "It's a healing salve. My mother made it. Stay safe, Liora."

As they armed themselves, the stronghold's bells tolled, a deep clang that echoed through the stone. Liora followed Torin to the eastern wall, the Moonstone's glow cutting through the dawn's dim light. Below, the pass teemed with Void-touched beasts-hulking shadows with glowing red eyes and claws like scythes, their howls a chilling promise of destruction.

Kael joined them, his sword drawn, his pack forming a line behind him. "Stay close," he ordered, his voice tight. The bond flared, a mix of command and something softer, and Liora met his gaze, her resolve hardening. "Together," she said.

The first beast lunged, and Liora raised the Moonstone, her magic erupting in a wave of light. The beast recoiled, its form sizzling, but others charged. Kael swung his sword, cleaving through one, while Torin loosed arrows with deadly precision. Mira stayed back, her dagger ready, her eyes wide with fear but unwavering.

Liora channeled more power, the Moonstone's light forming a barrier, but the effort drained her, her vision blurring. A beast broke through, its claws slashing toward her. Kael shoved her aside, taking the blow on his arm, his growl of pain echoing. The bond surged, a sharp pang of his suffering, and Liora's magic flared instinctively, healing light knitting his wound.

Their eyes locked, the battle fading for a moment. "You saved me," Kael rasped, his voice thick with shock.

"And you saved me," Liora replied, her breath ragged. The bond pulsed, no longer just pain but a bridge, fragile but real.

The fight resumed, the pack rallying behind their Alpha and Lunari. With the Moonstone's power and Kael's leadership, they drove the beasts back, their howls fading into the pass. As the last shadow fell, the courtyard fell silent, the pack staring in awe. Kael turned to Liora, the bond a steady thread now, his eyes softening.

"You're no frail outsider," he said quietly. "Perhaps Selys chose well."

Liora smiled, the Moonstone's glow dimming as her strength waned. The Void was beaten back, but its presence lingered, a shadow on the horizon. And with Kael's words, a new chapter began-not just for the packs, but for the bond that refused to break.