The northern ruins lay quiet, bathed in silver light from the lingering Blood Moon. Shadows of the past seemed to echo from every etched stone, every worn glyph. Nyra moved carefully, her silver aura pulsing as she traced the ancient markings with her fingers.
Kael followed closely, golden Alpha energy rippling along his fur. "The shadow leader is gone," he murmured, "but the ruins… they hold secrets. Something tells me we've only scratched the surface."
Fenrir, carrying the crumbling scroll from earlier, gestured toward the central chamber of the ruins. "This speaks of the First Guardians — the original wolves and magical beings who maintained balance during the first Blood Moon. Some were loyal, some corrupted, and some… vanished entirely. The prophecy ties the Blood Moon heirs to these guardians."
Nyra's eyes narrowed, silver energy flickering. "So the shadow leader was not just a rogue entity — it was part of a larger system. And we… we are central to maintaining that balance."
Inside the ruins, silver and bronze light from the guardians illuminated hidden alcoves and inscriptions. Each stone revealed fragments of the prophecy:
The heirs of the Blood Moon must unite with awakened guardians to prevent the rise of shadows.
Ancient powers lie dormant, scattered across the forest and neighboring territories.
A final convergence will test the courage, wisdom, and unity of the heirs and their pack.
Nyra traced her chains along the inscriptions, feeling the energy hum beneath her fingertips. "This is more than just knowledge," she whispered. "It's a guide — a map to what we must do next. And perhaps… a warning."
Kael's gaze swept the room. "We should gather the pack, the guardians, and anyone who can help. Knowledge is useless unless we act on it. Shadowfang needs strategy, preparation, and alliances."
Fenrir pointed to a concealed doorway, partially hidden beneath moss and stone. "There may be more," he said, carefully clearing the entrance. Inside, a chamber revealed ancient artifacts, scrolls, and relics of the Blood Moon era — weapons, enchanted objects, and writings older than any living wolf could remember.
Nyra picked up a silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon, feeling a pulse of ancestral energy. "These artifacts… they're tied to the guardians' power. We can use them to strengthen the pack, protect the forest, and perhaps even prevent further corruption."
Kael's golden aura flickered as he examined a bronze spear etched with runes. "Every artifact, every relic, every piece of knowledge… it's a tool. Shadowfang is not just surviving — we are preparing for what's coming. And with these, we can be stronger than the shadows ever imagined."
Outside, the Blood Moon shone fully, silver light washing over the forest. Nyra looked at the horizon, silver eyes steady. "The prophecy speaks of trials… but it also speaks of hope. Shadowfang has survived storms before. And now, with knowledge, guardians, and unity, we will face whatever comes next."
Kael placed a hand on her shoulder. "We've learned much, but the true test is still ahead. The shadows are patient, and the Blood Moon is watching. Shadowfang must be ready."
The forest seemed to hum in agreement, every tree, stone, and creature aware of the rising challenge. Knowledge had been revealed, but preparation and courage would be required to survive what the prophecy promised.