The Covenant's Call
The Lunar Covenant's stronghold lay hidden in the misty valleys of the Silver Mountains, three days' journey from the Shadow Pack's territory. The priestesses had sent an escort—three silent women in silver cloaks riding white wolves. They arrived at dawn, bearing a message sealed with moonstone wax.
"The High Seer summons the Shadow Luna," the leader said. "The child's fate cannot wait."
Kaelan's immediate response was refusal.
"No," he growled. "It's too dangerous. The Void is watching every move we make."
Elena placed a hand on his arm. "We have no choice. The Seer said the prophecy is tied to their ancient knowledge. If there's a way to protect the baby—permanently—we need it."
Kaelan's shadows flared in agitation. "Then I'm coming with you."
The escort leader shook her head. "The Covenant allows only the Luna. Males are forbidden within the sacred valley. The magic there… it rejects them."
Kaelan stepped forward, towering over the woman. "Try stopping me."
Elena pulled him back gently. "Kaelan. I'll be safe. They're priestesses of the Moon Goddess—our Goddess. And the bond will keep us connected. You'll feel if anything's wrong."
He searched her face, jaw clenched. Finally, he nodded—reluctantly.
"Take twenty warriors," he ordered the escort. "If anything happens to her—"
"It won't," the leader assured.
They left at midday. Elena rode a white wolf beside the priestesses, her hand resting on her belly. The pup kicked often now, as if sensing the journey.
Through the bond, she felt Kaelan's worry like a constant ache. He was pacing the pack house, shadows leaking uncontrollably.
*Be safe,* he sent through the bond. *Come back to me.*
*I will,* she promised.
The journey was quiet. The priestesses spoke little, but Elena sensed their reverence—and their fear. They kept glancing at her belly.
On the second night, camped under the stars, the leader—named Selene—finally spoke.
"The child you carry… it's the first tri-blood in recorded history. Human, Shadow Alpha, and something older. The Void fears it more than anything."
Elena wrapped her cloak tighter. "That's why it's attacking now."
Selene nodded. "But there's hope. An ancient ritual in the Covenant archives—the Eternal Severance. It doesn't require sacrifice. It requires balance."
"What kind of balance?"
"Light and dark in perfect harmony. The mother must walk the Path of Equilibrium—a trial that tests body, mind, and soul. If she passes, the Void's connection is severed forever. Not just from her, but from her bloodline."
Elena's heart raced. "And if she fails?"
Selene's eyes were grave. "The Void claims the child at birth."
Silence fell, broken only by the crackle of the fire.
Elena touched her belly. The pup kicked hard, as if in defiance.
"I'll pass," she said firmly.
They reached the valley at dawn on the third day.
The Covenant stronghold was breathtaking—a city of white stone and silver spires built into the mountainside, waterfalls cascading between buildings. Moon lilies bloomed everywhere, glowing softly even in daylight.
Hundreds of priestesses lined the path, heads bowed in respect.
The High Seer waited at the grand temple steps—an ancient woman with silver hair to her waist and eyes like polished moonstone.
"Welcome, Shadow Luna," she said, voice echoing with power. "The Goddess has waited centuries for you."
Elena dismounted, standing tall despite her fatigue. "I'm here for my child."
The High Seer smiled faintly. "And for the world. Come."
She led Elena into the temple's heart—a vast chamber open to the sky. In the center stood a pool of liquid silver, perfectly still.
"This is the Pool of Equilibrium," the Seer explained. "The trial begins at tomorrow's full moon. You will enter the pool. It will show you three visions—one of your past, one of your present, one of your future. You must find balance in each, or be lost forever."
Elena swallowed. "And the baby?"
"The child will journey with you. Their power will either help you… or doom you."
That night, Elena was given a chamber overlooking the valley. She stood at the window, hand on her belly, speaking to Kaelan through the bond.
*The place is beautiful,* she sent. *But I'm scared.*
His response was immediate, fierce love pouring through. *You're the strongest person I know. You faced the Void itself and won. You'll pass this.*
*I miss you.*
*I miss you more. Every second.*
The pup kicked, and Elena smiled through tears.
*We'll be home soon,* she promised. *All three of us.*
But as she slept, the dream came again.
The altar. The crack—now wide enough for shadows to leak through.
The red eye fixed on her belly.
*You cannot sever me,* it hissed. *The child is already mine.*
Elena woke with a gasp, shadows flaring. The priestesses outside her door stirred in alarm.
She pressed both hands to her belly, feeling the pup's strong heartbeat.
"No," she whispered fiercely. "You're wrong."
The full moon rose tomorrow.
The trial began at midnight.
And deep in the Shadow Mountains, Kaelan howled at the moon—feeling his mate's fear, his child's power, and the growing darkness that watched them all.
The final battle was coming.
Not with claws or shadows.
But with a mother's will.