The Sanctuary was unlike anything Elena had ever known. It was a place of quiet strength, where the outcasts and the forgotten found solace. Over the next few days, she began to heal—not just her body, but her spirit. Selene was a patient teacher, guiding her through the history of the packs and the prophecy that had brought them together.
But even in this place of peace, Elena couldn't shake the feeling of unease. The Blood Moon Hunt was drawing closer, and the weight of her destiny pressed heavily on her shoulders.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Selene led Elena to a secluded grove at the edge of the valley. The air was thick with the scent of pine and earth, and the trees seemed to whisper secrets in the wind.
"This is a sacred place," Selene said, her voice soft. "It is where the Silverclaws once communed with the moon. Here, you can connect with your ancestors and draw strength from their wisdom."
Elena stepped into the grove, her heart pounding. The energy here was palpable, a hum in the air that made her skin tingle. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the stillness wash over her.
"Focus on the moon," Selene instructed. "Let its light guide you."
Elena did as she was told, her mind reaching out to the moon's energy. At first, there was nothing—just the quiet rustle of leaves and the distant call of an owl. But then, she felt it.
A warmth spread through her chest, and her vision blurred. When she opened her eyes, she was no longer in the grove.
She stood in a vast, moonlit clearing, surrounded by towering trees. The air was thick with the scent of pine and earth, and the ground beneath her feet was soft with moss. In the center of the clearing stood a figure—a woman with silver hair and glowing eyes.
"Elena," the woman said, her voice echoing with power. "You have come."
Elena's breath caught in her throat. "Who are you?"
"I am Althea, the first Silverclaw," the woman replied. "And you, my descendant, are the last."
Elena's heart raced. "What do you want from me?"
Althea stepped closer, her gaze piercing. "The packs are on the brink of destruction. The Blood Moon Hunt will decide their fate, but you have the power to change the outcome. You must unite them, or they will tear each other apart."
Elena shook her head, her chest tightening. "I don't know how. I'm not strong enough."
Althea's expression softened. "Strength is not just in the body, but in the heart. You carry the legacy of the Silverclaws within you. Trust in it, and you will find the way."
Before Elena could respond, the vision faded, and she was back in the grove. Selene stood beside her, her eyes filled with concern.
"What did you see?" Selene asked.
Elena took a deep breath, her mind still reeling. "I saw Althea. She told me I have to unite the packs, or they'll destroy each other."
Selene nodded, her expression grave. "The time is near. The Blood Moon Hunt begins in three days."
Elena's stomach churned. "What do I do?"
Selene placed a hand on her shoulder, her touch steadying. "You must prepare. The other packs will be gathering, and the Nightfangs will not be the only ones who seek to control you."
Elena clenched her fists, a spark of determination igniting within her. "I won't let them."
Selene smiled, a flicker of pride in her eyes. "Good. Then let us begin."