Luna’s invitation
Elder Marvic called me into the council chamber. The door was heavy, made of old wood that seemed to have witnessed thousands of meetings before I was born. When I opened it, the dim light of torches immediately appeared, dancing on the stone wall.
Elder Marvic , Zach and—Aeron were there. I wondered why Lira not being here. Perhaps she’s something important things matters.
“Sorry I’m late,” I greeted, closing the door behind me. The others just nodded, but Elder Marvic’s eyes immediately sparkled, as if expecting something from me.
“Come and sit here,” he invited, pointing to the empty chair next to the table.
I walked closer, and with each step I felt the weight of the eyes focused on me. When I sat down, I couldn’t help but glance at Aeron. But this time, I felt that he deliberately ignored my gaze. It was as if he was staring into space, holding his own hands, as if he was holding back an emotion he didn’t want to let out.
Elder Marvic took a deep breath before speaking. “By the way, Selene, tomorrow we have to go to the Fangmoon Pack. Their Luna wants to see you.”
My eyes widened. I hadn’t expected that. “Ah, why does she want to see me?” I asked, my voice clearly filled with surprise.
Elder Marvic’s response was quick, his tone serious. “She knows about you, and your character. The Luna of Fangmoon has the ability to read personalities. She wants to perform a ritual to get a glimpse of what you have. She also wants to be sure about you.”
I was stunned silently. The word ritual pounded in my chest. What could she read in me? The curse? The secret I’m trying to hide? Or even more than that—things that I myself don’t fully understand yet?
Even though I didn’t quite get his explanation, I nodded. “If that’s what she wants, I’ll meet him.”
Elder Marvic’s expression eased slightly. “Good. You need to get ready. We’re leaving early tomorrow, and we’ll have quite a long way to go.”
⸻
The meeting ended, other members went out and I was left sitting for a moment, thinking about the weight of what was said. Aeron immediately stood up, as if in a hurry.
“Aeron,” I called out before he could leave.
He paused for a moment, but he didn’t turn around. Only a slight shrug of his shoulder was the answer. Then he walked out, leaving me with the words hanging in my mouth.
I sighed. Why was he so distant? It seemed like he was putting more distance between us every day.
“Let him go,” said Elder Marvic, who was now watching me. “Aeron has his own battle ahead. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t understand you.”
I nodded, but the weight on my chest still wouldn’t go away.
⸻
That night, as I lay in bed, sleepiness wouldn’t visit me. My mind kept returning to the word ritual. What would Luna see? And why did she suddenly want to see me herself?
The voice I had heard so many times in my mind once again pierced the silence of the night. Selene… A soft call, full of tenderness but with a warning. I rolled over, clutching my blanket.
If Luna could read everything inside me, would she also discover that voice? And if so, what would be my fate?
It was still high in the morning when we prepared our gear. Lira handed me a gray cloak to protect me from the cold of the forest.
“Selene,” she said as she tied the belt of my cloak, “do not fear the ritual. The Luna of Fangmoon is not an enemy. But be careful. You must not reveal all the truth.”
I blinked. “What do you mean?”
She only smiled, though there was a weight in her eyes. “Just remember—your heart is still yours. No matter what they see, they cannot control it.”
I thanked her and hugged her before we left.
⸻
Elder Marvic led our journey, while Aeron quietly followed behind me. The forest seemed endless, filled with tall trees whose shadows covered our path. The ground was damp from the dew, and the breeze was cold and heavy, as if there was a threat lurking around every corner.
Every now and then, I glanced at Aeron. He didn’t speak, but I could feel him watching me even though he tried to hide it.
When I couldn’t bear the silence any longer, I spoke. “Aeron… won’t you talk to me for a moment?”
He didn’t answer right away. It was a few more steps before he softly replied. “You better be careful, Selene. The Luna of Fangmoon is known for her keen eyesight. No secret escapes her.”
I was stunned. Her tone was cold but full of concern. It was as if she was telling me not to trust too much.
“Thank you,” I replied softly, and silence fell again between the two of us.
⸻
By afternoon, we could see the border of Fangmoon territory. The wooden pillars were large, carved with the symbols of the moon and the wolf. The guards were silent but their gazes were sharp, as if they were examining us with every step.
As we approached, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. My heart was pounding, and I felt as if I was about to be put on trial in front of everyone.
Elder Marvic turned to me and nodded slightly. “Do not be afraid, Selene. All of this is necessary for your destiny.”
But the question I couldn’t say screamed in my mind: Am I truly ready to learn all the truths that were about to be revealed to me?
And behind it all, I could feel Aeron’s eyes, fixed firmly on me—I didn’t know if to guard me, or to prepare in case something unexpected happened.