Echoes under the Moonlight

Ava ran through the forest, her heart pounding like a war drum. The mark on her wrist burned hotter with every frantic step. Branches lashed at her skin, the cold air stinging her cheeks, but she didn't dare slow down.

Lucien's voice echoed in her mind.

Run, Ava.

Footsteps thundered behind her, closing in fast. Whoever—or whatever—was chasing her wasn't human. She stole a glance over her shoulder and saw dark shapes darting between the trees. Their glowing red eyes locked onto her like a pack of starving wolves.

Faster! Lucien's voice rang from ahead.

She forced her legs to move faster, even though they felt like they would give out. Her lungs burned, and tears blurred her vision, but stopping wasn't an option.

Then—something changed.

Ava's mark flared with heat, sending a pulse through her body. Her vision sharpened. She could hear the wind rustling through the leaves, the distant howl of something unnatural, and—most terrifying of all—the deep, ragged breaths of the creatures chasing her.

What was happening to her?

A sudden rustling in the bushes made her flinch. Lucien burst out in front of her, his sharp eyes scanning the darkness. His face was tense, his jaw clenched tight. Without hesitation, he grabbed her arm and yanked her to the side—just as a clawed hand swiped through the air where she had been.

Ava gasped. That could have been her.

"Keep going!" Lucien hissed, his grip firm as he pulled her deeper into the woods.

She stumbled, her legs trembling with exhaustion, but Lucien didn't let her fall. He dragged her forward, weaving through the trees as the creatures crashed through behind them.

Then, just as suddenly as the chase began, they broke into a clearing. The space was wide, open—no trees to hide behind. The moon hung low in the sky, bathing everything in cold silver light.

Lucien stopped, finally letting go of her. He turned back toward the forest, his stance guarded.

"Stay behind me." His voice was quiet but firm.

Ava collapsed to her knees, gasping for breath. She wanted to ask what was happening, but one look at Lucien's tense expression told her now wasn't the time.

From the shadows, three figures emerged.

They moved with an unnatural grace, their glowing red eyes fixed on her. They weren't human—Ava could feel it in her bones. The air around them pulsed with something dark, something ancient.

One of them stepped forward, a tall man with slick black hair and a cruel smile.

"Lucien," he drawled, amusement in his tone. "Fancy seeing you here."

Lucien didn't move. His body remained rigid, his eyes locked on the stranger.

"You're wasting your time, Markus," Lucien said coldly. "She's under my protection."

Markus's smile widened. "Is that what you're calling it? Protection?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "We both know what she is… and what she'll become."

Ava's stomach dropped.

"What are you talking about?" she whispered.

Lucien didn't turn to her. His attention stayed on Markus. "She doesn't know." His voice was like steel. "And she won't hear it from you."

Markus tilted his head. "How noble." His red eyes flickered toward Ava, making her shiver. "Little wolf, do you even realize what's been done to you?"

Ava swallowed hard. "I—I don't understand."

Lucien let out a low growl. "Enough."

Markus smirked. "This isn't over, Lucien." He took a step back, his gaze lingering on Ava. "We'll be back."

Then, just like that, the three figures melted into the shadows. The air grew still. The forest was silent. But the tension remained, pressing down on Ava's chest.

Lucien turned to her, his expression unreadable.

"We need to talk."

Ava scrambled to her feet, stepping away from him. "What's happening to me? Who were they?"

Lucien's eyes darkened. "They're hunters." His voice was sharp. "And they'll kill you if they get the chance."

Ava's head spun. "Why? I'm not like you!"

Lucien's face softened just slightly. "You are now."

He pointed at the mark on her wrist. The crescent symbol was still glowing faintly, pulsing like a heartbeat.

"That mark is a bond," Lucien explained. "It's tied to something bigger than you or me."

Ava clenched her fists. "I didn't ask for this!"

"No one does." Lucien's voice was quiet.

For the first time, something like sadness flickered in his eyes. Then, he took a step closer, lowering his voice.

"But now you have a choice."

Ava's breath hitched. "What choice?"

Lucien's gaze locked onto hers.

"Come with me, and I'll teach you how to survive. Stay, and they'll find you again." His voice dropped lower. "Next time, I won't be here to save you."

Ava's mind raced. She didn't trust him—how could she? But the memory of Markus's red eyes sent a chill down her spine. If Lucien hadn't been here, she wouldn't have stood a chance.

Lucien extended his hand. "The offer won't last forever, Ava."

She hesitated. Fear battled with doubt. Everything had changed in a single night. Now, this stranger was offering her a way out… but at what cost?

Then, a sound.

A rustling in the bushes. A faint growl in the distance.

They weren't alone.

Ava's pulse quickened.

She had no choice.

Shaking, she reached out and took Lucien's hand.

"I'll go with you."

Lucien's lips twitched into a faint smile, though his eyes remained serious. "Good choice."

Just as they turned, a sharp howl ripped through the night. It wasn't like the others—it was closer. More vicious.

Lucien stiffened. "We need to move. Now."

Ava's heartbeat thundered. "What was that?"

Lucien didn't answer. He just pulled her forward.

Suddenly, something darted between the trees—a blur of silver and red. Before Ava could react, a massive wolf lunged from the darkness, landing just feet away. It was bigger than any animal she'd ever seen, its eyes glowing like embers.

Lucien shoved her behind him. "Stay back."

The wolf bared its teeth, but it wasn't looking at Lucien—it was staring straight at Ava.

Then, it did something strange.

It lowered its head… almost as if it was bowing.

Lucien's grip on Ava's wrist tightened. His voice was barely above a whisper.

"They know who you are."

Ava's stomach twisted. "What does that mean?"

Lucien's jaw clenched. "It means Markus wasn't lying."

Her breath caught in her throat.

Whatever had been done to her—it was bigger than she ever imagined.