Chapter 28: Moonlit Allies
Selene’s legs burned as she ran through the trees, Ivy close behind her. They’d been moving for hours since escaping the mine, putting as much space as possible between themselves and Elara. "We need to rest," Ivy panted, her newly restored human form straining to keep pace. Selene stopped, guilt washing over her. "I’m sorry. I forgot you’re still adjusting." They collapsed beneath a big oak tree. Overhead, clouds parted to show a full moon shining brightly in the night sky. Its light bathed the trees in silver. "The gateway," Ivy whispered, her eyes fixed on the moon. "Elara always said the full moon makes it strongest." Selene nodded grimly. "Which means she’ll be coming after us with everything she has." She looked back the way they had come. "And Dante is still back there." Ivy touched her sister’s hand. "He fought so we could escape. He’s strong, Selene." "But is he strong enough to face both Elara and Rowan?" Selene’s voice cracked. The image of Dante’s roar of pain haunted her. A howl cut through the night, making both sisters freeze. "Wolves," Ivy whispered, fear creeping into her voice. More howls joined the first, coming from all directions. Not wild wolves—werewolves. Selene identified the distinctive sound of a pack on the hunt. "It’s the full moon," Selene realized. "Dante’s pack must be running tonight." "Are they looking for us?" Ivy asked, pressing closer to her sister. Before Selene could answer, trees rustled nearby. A huge black wolf emerged from the shadows, golden eyes gleaming in the moonlight.
"Dante," Selene breathed, relief rushing through her. The wolf limped slightly, blood matting the fur on his left flank, but he was living. He approached slowly, his eyes never leaving Selene’s face. "You’re hurt," she said, reaching toward him. The wolf growled softly, stopping her hand. Then he looked sharply at the moon, back to her, and pawed at the ground. "He wants us to shift," Ivy guessed. Selene paused. "But you haven’t moved in years. And with everything Elara did to you—" "I can feel my wolf again," Ivy said with wonder. "When the crystal broke, she came back to me." Dante’s wolf huffed impatiently, looking over his shoulder. More wolves were gathering at the edge of the clearing, watching quietly. "The pack," Selene whispered. "They’ve come for a full moon run."
Decision made, she stood and began removing her torn jacket. "We’ll be safer as dogs. If Elara comes, we can move faster, and the pack can protect us." Ivy nodded, standing shakily. "I remember how. I think." Selene closed her eyes, feeling the pull of the moon on her skin. Her wolf surged forward eagerly, having been caged for too long. Bones cracked and reformed as fur grew across her body. The change was quick—her wolf had been waiting. Where Selene had stood, a sleek white wolf now crouched, her amber eyes bright in the darkness. She shook out her fur, feeling stronger than she had in years. Beside her, Ivy struggled.
Her shift was slower, more painful after years of Elara’s magic suppressing her true nature. Finally, a small silver wolf stood shaking in her place, her blue eyes wide with surprise.
Dante’s black wolf neared Ivy carefully, sniffing her, then gave a gentle nudge of approval. He turned to Selene’s wolf, their eyes locking. Something passed between them—an recognition, a promise. Then he threw back his head and howled. The sound was dominant, powerful—the call of an Alpha to his pack. Wolves emerged from all directions, filling the area. Selene recognized some from the pack house—Lyra’s brown form, Gideon’s gray coat.
Others were strangers, regarding the white wolf and her silver sister with interest and caution. A big brown wolf approached, his stance aggressive.
Jace, Selene realized. He had fled the mine too. His muzzle was scarred from the fight with Rowan, but his eyes burned with purpose as he positioned himself protectively near Ivy.