Eclipsed Destiny

The howl throbbed through the trees, sharp and haunting, cutting through the aftermath of Jared's betrayal like a blade.

Celia's breath hitched, her hair standing on end. This wasn't the call of a rogue. It wasn't from any wolf she knew.

It was something else.

Something worse.

Aziel stiffened beside her, his body tensing like a bowstring pulled too tight. He felt it

too.

Marcus cursed under his breath, fists clenching. "That... wasn't one of ours."

Kaelen's golden eyes darkened. "No. And that's what worries me."

The pack stilled. Warriors exchanged uneasy glances. Some reached for their weapons. Because if there was one universal truth among wolves, it was this-

No unfamiliar howl was ever a good sign.

The Enemy Approaches

A rustle in the trees.

Then another.

Celia's pulse thudded in her ears as figures emerged from the shadows, stepping onto their land like they owned it.

At first glance, they looked like wolves-but not quite. Their eyes glowed a shade too bright, their movements too unnatural.

And their leader, a tall man with ashen silver hair and blackened veins along his throat, watched her with an eerie, knowing smirk.

Celia felt the weight of his stare like a dagger between her ribs.

Aziel took a protective step forward, his claws already extended. "Who the hell are you?"

The man tilted his head, mocking curiosity. "You must be the new Luna." His voice was smooth, amused. Dangerous. "We've been waiting to meet you."

Celia kept her stance firm, even as unease coiled in her gut. "And you are?"

The man's smirk widened.noveldrama

"My name is Dorian. And I've come to offer you a choice."

A Dangerous Proposition

Celia's jaw clenched. "What kind of choice?"

Dorian took a slow step forward, his movements deliberate, confident. The kind of confidence that only came from someone who was never told no.

"The war you're fighting?" He gestured lazily around the camp. "It's pointless. Your pack is broken, your enemies outnumber you. You can't win."

A growl rumbled in Aziel's chest. "If you think we're surrendering "

Dorian laughed. A soft, amused chuckle. "Oh, Alpha," he mused, shaking his head. "I don't want your surrender. I want your Luna."

Silence slammed into the clearing.

Celia's breath caught.

Aziel stepped forward, standing in front of her, fury radiating off his entire being. "You're delusional if you think-

Dorian raised a hand. "Let me explain." His sharp gaze flicked back to Celia. "You hold something powerful. The blessing that binds you to the moon itself."

The mark on Celia's arm burned.

Dorian's smirk grew. "I felt it the moment I came. The energy inside you it's wild. Raw. But in the right hands?" He took a step closer, his voice dropping to something almost reverent. "It could change the world."

Celia's stomach twisted.

Dorian's eyes grew cold. "Come with me. Willingly. And I'll save your pack."

The force of his words crashed into her like a blow.

A choice.

Her pack... or herself.

The Pack Reacts

Aziel snarled, his canines flashing. "You think you can just walk in here and take her?"

Dorian sighed, shaking his head like he was disappointed. "Not take. She must choose." His sharp gaze flicked to Celia. "Because if she doesn't... well." He motioned to the wolves behind him. "I'll burn this place to the ground."

A murmur of unease rippled through the pack. Warriors shifted nervously, hands gripping weapons tighter.

Marcus spat on the ground. "Try it."

Dorian smiled. "Oh, yes. But let's not be so rash." He turned back to Celia, looking at

her too sharp. "You're smarter than that. You know the odds. More of your kind will die before nightfall."

Celia's hands trembled.

He was right. They weren't ready for a second battle. The pack was still hurt from the first fight. And if Dorian had more of whatever beasts he'd transformed his wolves into?

They may not make it.

Aziel saw the uncertainty flash in her eyes. His face hardened. "You don't even think about this."

Celia met his gaze, her chest tight.

If she didn't do it... more will die.

If she did do it... she would walk into hell.

She could feel the entire pack weighing upon her, waiting to see what she was going

to do.

Waiting to be saved by her.

Dorian grinned. "Tick-tock, Luna."

The Choice

The fire cracked. The air was thick with tension.

Celia's heart raced.

Aziel's eyes burned into hers, his voice low, urgent. "We'll find another way."

But what if there wasn't another way?

What if this was the only way to keep them alive?

Her throat tightened.

She had always known being Luna meant sacrifice.

She just hadn't expected it to feel like this.

Like choosing between her own life... and the people she loved.

Finally, Celia spoke.

Her voice was quiet. Steady. Final.

"I'll go."

Aziel froze.

Dorian's smirk widened.

Marcus cursed. "Celia, don't be stupid-"

She turned to Aziel, aching. "You have to lead them now."

Aziel grabbed her wrist, his hands shaking. "Celia, don't. We can fight this."

She forced a small smile. "Not without losing more people."

His rage cracked.

His breath was ragged, his grip desperate. "I won't let them take you."

Celia reached up, cupping his face. "You have to."

Aziel shuddered at her touch. His wolf howled within him, wild and unconvinced of

this.

But Celia had made her decision.

She stepped back.

And turned to Dorian.

"I will come with you."

A Fate Decided

Dorian's pleasure was a palpable thing.

"Clever girl."

Celia's mark seared as his wolves stepped forward, forming a circle about her.

Aziel growled pure rage. His body wracked as he took one step forward, but Marcus halted him.

"Not now," Marcus hissed. "Not yet.

Celia's chest hurt as she gazed one last time at her pack.

At Aziel.

Then she looked away.

And walked into darkness.