Chapter 2: The Mark of the Moon

Emma stared at Kael as the bells echoed across the valley. His words struck her harder than anything else that had happened that night. Chosen mate. The phrase sounded absurd, like something from a fantasy novel, yet the expressions on the faces around her told a different story. No one was laughing. No one seemed surprised. Instead, they looked at her with a mixture of awe, fear, and curiosity.

'You're insane,' Emma said, finally finding her voice. She stepped backward and shook her head. 'I don't know who you people are, but I am not anyone's mate.'

Kael remained calm. The wind tugged at his dark coat as his silver eyes followed her movements. 'I understand this is difficult to accept.'

'Difficult?' Emma almost laughed. 'I've driven into the middle of nowhere, been chased by giant wolves, found a hidden kingdom, and now a stranger is telling me we're destined to be together. Difficult doesn't even begin to describe it.'

A few people nearby exchanged nervous glances. The woman in the silver cloak lowered her head respectfully before speaking. 'My king, perhaps Lady Emma should be taken inside. The entire valley can already feel the moonstone's awakening.'

Emma immediately focused on the woman. 'Lady Emma? Don't call me that.'

The woman blinked. 'Forgive me.'

Kael looked toward the castle. The towering structure stood against the crimson sky like something carved from darkness itself. Ancient stone walls rose high above the valley, and hundreds of windows glowed with silver light.

'Come with me,' Kael said.

'No.'

'You are not safe outside these walls.'

'And why should I believe you?'

Before Kael could answer, a chilling howl echoed from beyond the gates. The sound was followed by another and another until the forest seemed alive with them.

The people around Emma immediately grew tense.

The woman in silver frowned. 'They're gathering faster than expected.'

'Who are they?' Emma demanded.

Kael's expression darkened. 'Rogues.'

'What does that mean?'

'Werewolves without loyalty to any kingdom or pack.'

Emma rubbed her forehead. The conversation felt completely insane. Yet after everything she had seen tonight, denying the existence of werewolves seemed pointless.

'And they want me?' she asked.

'They want the moonstone.'

Emma instinctively touched the pendant around her neck. It was still warm. The silver crystal embedded in its center glowed faintly beneath the red moon.

'This belonged to my mother,' she said softly.

For the first time, Kael's expression changed.

'Your mother was here once.'

Emma froze.

'What?'

'She lived in Ravenwood many years ago.'

'That's impossible.'

'It is the truth.'

Emma's heart pounded. She had spent years believing her mother was just an ordinary woman from London. She had never spoken about Scotland or hidden kingdoms or magic.

'You're lying.'

'I gain nothing by lying.'

The certainty in his voice unsettled her.

Kael turned toward the castle once more. 'There are answers waiting inside. But this is not the place for them.'

The howls sounded again.

Closer.

Much closer.

The massive iron gates trembled slightly.

A murmur spread through the crowd.

'My king,' someone whispered. 'The rogues are approaching the valley entrance.'

Kael nodded once. Instantly, several guards dressed in black armor moved toward the walls. Their eyes glowed silver in the darkness.

Emma watched them in shock.

Every single one of them looked ready for war.

'This isn't normal, is it?' she asked quietly.

'No,' Kael replied.

'Because of me?'

His silence was answer enough.

A cold feeling settled in Emma's stomach.

Whatever this prophecy was, it had already changed everything.

Kael extended his hand toward her.

'Come.'

Emma hesitated.

Every logical part of her mind screamed that she should run. Yet there was nowhere to run. The forest was filled with creatures that wanted her dead, and somehow this strange king seemed to be the only person capable of protecting her.

Reluctantly, she followed him.

The crowd parted immediately as they walked through the valley.

People stared openly.

Children peeked from behind their parents.

Whispers followed them everywhere.

'The moonstone bearer.'

'The prophecy is real.'

'She looks human.'

'She is human.'

'Then why did the moon choose her?'

Emma pretended not to hear.

The path climbed toward the castle gates. Up close, the structure was even more impressive. Massive stone towers reached into the night sky. Ancient carvings of wolves covered the walls.

Two enormous statues guarded the entrance.

Each depicted a wolf wearing a crown.

The gates opened slowly as Kael approached.

Inside, a grand hall stretched before them.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Silver banners lined the walls. A long staircase curved upward toward multiple floors.

Emma stopped walking.

'This place is incredible.'

'It has stood for over a thousand years,' Kael said.

'A thousand years?'

'Long before modern nations existed.'

Emma shook her head.

'Every answer just creates ten more questions.'

Kael almost smiled.

'You'll get used to that.'

'I seriously doubt it.'

A sudden wave of dizziness struck her.

Emma stumbled.

Kael caught her before she could fall.

'Easy.'

The moment his hand touched her arm, heat rushed through her body.

Emma pulled away immediately.

'What was that?'

Kael looked equally disturbed.

'The bond.'

'The what?'

'The connection between mates.'

'Stop saying that word.'

For a brief second, amusement appeared in his eyes.

'You really don't believe me.'

'Would you?'

'Probably not.'

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of an older man wearing royal robes.

His white hair reached his shoulders, and his sharp eyes immediately focused on Emma.

'So it is true,' he said.

'Lord Aldric,' Kael greeted.

'The moonstone has awakened.'

'Yes.'

The old man's gaze shifted toward Emma.

'And the girl?'

'She is the bearer.'

Lord Aldric's expression darkened.

'Then the prophecy has entered its final stage.'

Emma folded her arms.

'Can someone please explain this prophecy instead of talking around it?'

The old man studied her carefully.

'Long ago, Ravenwood was protected by an ancient magic tied to the moon itself. That power was sealed away after a great war. The prophecy foretold that one day a human woman carrying the moonstone would return and awaken what was lost.'

'And then what?' Emma asked.

'No one knows.'

'That's not very helpful.'

'Prophecies rarely are.'

Before anyone could continue, the castle suddenly shook.

The floor trembled beneath their feet.

A distant horn sounded from outside.

The grand hall fell silent.

Kael turned instantly toward the entrance.

'Report.'

One of the guards burst through the doors.

He was breathing heavily.

'My king, the rogues have reached the outer forest.'

'How many?'

'Hundreds.'

Emma felt her blood run cold.

The guard swallowed hard before adding the final piece of news.

'And they're being led by someone carrying the mark of the Blood Moon.'

The entire room became silent.

Even Kael looked alarmed.

'That's impossible,' Lord Aldric whispered.

'Apparently not,' Kael replied.

Emma looked between them.

'Who is it?'

Kael's jaw tightened.

'An enemy we believed dead years ago.'

Lightning flashed outside the castle windows.

For a brief moment, the red moon illuminated the entire hall.

And deep within the moonstone around Emma's neck, something ancient stirred awake.