Chapter 23: Caleb’s Research
Caleb Silver POV
The book slammed shut by itself, making me jump back from the library table.
"What the—" I started, then froze as I saw the old leather cover smoking. Actual smoke was rising from the binding like it was on fire, but there were no flames.
Lily looked up from her stack of rogue attack reports, her eyes wide with concern. "Caleb, what did you just read?"
I stared at the smoking book, my heart racing. "It was about Shadow Wolf roots. The moment I read the word ’Darkmore,’ the book just..." I gestured weakly at the still-smoking cover.
We’d been researching all night, trying to find trends in the recent rogue attacks. Dad wanted answers before tomorrow’s emergency pack meeting, and I’d offered to help since I knew the library better than anyone. When Lily offered to help, I’d felt that familiar flutter of excitement mixed with nervousness.
Now I was wondering if we’d stumbled onto something we shouldn’t have.
"Darkmore," Lily repeated slowly. As soon as she said the word, her Triple Moon mark flashed silver under her sleeve. She gasped, pulling back her arm to stare at the glowing pattern.
"Your mark reacted to that name," I said, moving closer. "Just like the book did."
She nodded, looking scared. "It’s never done that before. Not even during the mate ceremony."
I reached for another book about Shadow Wolf history, but the moment my fingers touched it, that one started smoking too. I jerked my hand back.