The night of the Blood Moon arrived with an eerie stillness, as if the forest itself was holding its breath. The air was thick with tension, and the moon hung low in the sky, its crimson hue casting an otherworldly glow over the land.
Elena stood at the edge of the Sanctuary, her heart pounding as she watched the horizon. The time had come. The Blood Moon Hunt was about to begin.
Selene approached, her silver hair shimmering in the moonlight. "Are you ready?"
Elena took a deep breath, her hands trembling. "I don't know if I'll ever be ready."
Selene placed a hand on her shoulder, her touch steadying. "You are stronger than you think, Elena. Remember what Althea told you. Trust in your legacy."
Elena nodded, though her stomach churned with fear. She had spent the last few days training with Selene, honing her abilities and learning to control her wolf form. But nothing could have prepared her for this.
"The packs will gather at the Stone Circle," Selene said. "It is an ancient place, where the Blood Moon Hunt has been held for centuries. You must be careful. The Nightfangs will not be the only ones who seek to challenge you."
Elena's chest tightened. "What about Kael? Have you heard anything?"
Selene's expression darkened. "No. But if he survived, he will find his way to you."
Elena clenched her fists, a spark of determination igniting within her. She couldn't afford to think about Kael now. She had to focus on the task at hand.
"Let's go," she said, her voice steady.
Selene led her through the forest, their path winding through dense undergrowth and over rocky terrain. The closer they got to the Stone Circle, the more Elena's senses heightened. She could hear the distant howls of wolves, smell the tension in the air.
Finally, they emerged into a vast clearing. The Stone Circle loomed ahead, its massive stones standing like sentinels in the moonlight. Around the circle, the packs had gathered—their eyes glowing in the darkness, their forms shifting between human and wolf.
Elena's heart raced as she stepped into the clearing, her silver fur shimmering in the crimson light. The packs turned to her, their gazes filled with a mix of curiosity and hostility.
"The Silverclaw," a voice growled.
Elena turned to see Draven stepping forward, his scarred face twisted into a sneer. "I knew you wouldn't stay hidden forever."
Elena bared her teeth, a low growl rumbling in her throat. "I'm not afraid of you."
Draven laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "You should be."
Before Elena could respond, a howl pierced the air, drawing everyone's attention. A figure emerged from the shadows, his powerful form towering over the others.
Kael.
Elena's breath caught in her throat as she watched him approach, his blue eyes glowing with intensity. He was battered and bruised, but alive.
"Elena," he said, his voice low and steady. "I told you I'd find you."
Relief washed over her, but it was short-lived. The packs were growing restless, their growls filling the air.
"Enough!" a voice boomed, silencing the crowd.
A tall, imposing figure stepped forward, his presence commanding respect. He was the alpha of the Bloodmoon pack, the most powerful of the werewolf clans.
"The Blood Moon Hunt begins now," he declared. "The rules are simple. The last wolf standing will be crowned the alpha of all alphas. Let the hunt begin."
The clearing erupted into chaos as the packs shifted into their wolf forms and charged into the forest. Elena hesitated, her heart pounding.
Kael stepped beside her, his gaze steady. "Stay close to me. We'll get through this together."
Elena nodded, her determination hardening. She was a Silverclaw. And she would not go down without a fight.