The following morning, Ava stood on a balcony in Umbra, watching the city stretch beneath her. It was beautiful.
Dante stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "You didn't sleep."
"Hard to sleep when everyone looks at you like you're either their savior or a walking curse," she said.
He didn't argue.
Instead, he kissed her shoulder. "There's something I need to tell you before the Council tries to twist it. You have to trust me."
A chill swept through her. "What is it?"
"There's a prophecy. The Lunar Key. It's tied to you."
Before Ava could respond, a knock sounded at the chamber door. A guard entered.
"Prince Dante. Lady Ava, The Council requests your presence. Immediately."
Dante didn't flinch. "Of course they do."
The Council Chamber felt ancient and powerful. Twelve high-backed thrones formed a half-circle around the room. On each sat a figure who radiated raw authority—wolves in human form, older than anyone Ava had ever met.
"Prince Dante welcome we'd love to speak with your companion."
"Ava of the Valkara bloodline," one of the elders said. We are the rulers of Umbra, we've heard of you . "Step forward."
She did, trying to keep her spine straight, her breath steady.
"You carry the mark of the Lunar Key," said the elder. "It cannot be denied."
"I don't understand," Ava said. "What is the Lunar Key?"
A taller Lycan with snow-white hair rose to speak. "Long ago, the goddess Luna gave a prophecy. One born of two bloods—human and witch—would awaken under the Blood Moon. This one would have the power to unlock the sealed power of the ancients. The Lunar Key."
"And… you think I'm that person?" she asked.
A female elder leaned forward. "You're not just a person. You're the prophecy. You, Ava, are that key."
Ava's stomach dropped. "And what happens if the Lunar Key fails?"
The youngest Council member, a serious boy no older than twenty in appearance, spoke quietly. "Then everything falls. The borders between realms. The protection around this world. Chaos will be unleashed."
The room fell into tense silence.
"Some believe your coming is a blessing," the female elder added. "Others believe it's a curse."
Dante's growl rumbled across the chamber. "If you see her as a threat, you'll answer to me."
"She is your mate," one of the Council members said flatly. "Your judgment is compromised."
The room fell into silence. The youngest council member, barely older than Ava herself, spoke up. "The prophecy says the Lunar Key will unlock an ancient power when the Blood Moon rises. In the wrong hands, that power could destroy all supernatural kind."
"And in the right hands?" Ava asked.
The Elder's voice softened. "It could save us."
Later that night, Ava sat on a bench beside a fountain deep within the palace gardens.
She stared into the water, trying to see herself in the reflection. But what looked back at her wasn't the girl she used to be. Shewasn't cut out for this kind of life.
Footsteps approached. Dante sat beside her, his hand resting gently on her back.
"What if I hurt someone?" she whispered. "What if the Council's right?"
"They're wrong," he said. "And even if you did loose control, Then I'll stand between you and the world until you can. You're not alone, Ava. Not now. Not ever."
"You underestimate what I would do for you."
"You don't even know what I'm capable of yet."
"I don't need to. I know you. And I trust you—even when you don't."
Ava leaned into him, drawing strength from his presence.
"I had a life back home," she murmured. "A company. I went back, briefly. Met with Gregory. I gave him everything."
Dante blinked. "You… gave up your company?"
"I had to," she said quietly. "If I'm going to be part of this world, I can't have pieces of me stuck in the old one. I trusted Gregory to run it. He'll keep it alive. He's the only one who ever truly believed in me back there."
Dante looked proud. "You're already stronger than they think."
Ava looked up at the stars. "Then I just hope I live up to this prophecy."
He pulled her close. "You will. But prophecy or not—you choose your fate. And I'll walk beside you into it."