The dawn broke like a blade.
Selene woke to silence heavy, unnatural silence. The Sanctuary felt different, as though it was holding its breath. Her chest still pulsed with the bond to Elias, stronger now than ever. Her dreams had been relentless again, visions searing themselves into her mind.
She rose quietly, her bare feet brushing the cold stone floors. Something deep inside her pulled her toward the training hall.
Elias was waiting. His posture was still, his golden eyes fixed on her as she entered. There was an intensity in his gaze she had never seen before equal parts desire, warning, and something unspoken.
"You're awake," he said softly.
"I couldn't sleep," Selene admitted. Her voice was low, shaky. "The dreams… they're louder now."
"That is because the choice is upon you," he said. "The bond calls. The prophecy demands it. And the trial has come."
Her chest tightened. "The trial?"
"Yes," he said quietly. "The Choice of Blood. And it begins now."
Selene swallowed hard. "And if I refuse?"
"You cannot," Elias said softly, stepping closer. "Because the bond is not just your power. It is your fate. And it is mine."
Her breath hitched. His presence pressed against her like a physical weight. She could feel the pull stronger than ever.
The Vision Becomes Real
That night, the dreams became a reality.
The forest beyond the Sanctuary trembled under the crimson light of the Blood Moon. Shadows shifted unnaturally, and a low growl rose from the darkness. Wolves emerged, larger and darker than before, their eyes glowing like embers.
But they were not alone. Figures emerged behind them humans, cloaked in shadow, bearing blades and silver-tipped weapons. The hunters had returned, but they brought reinforcements.
Selene's chest tightened. The bond pulsed fiercely. Elias stepped to her side, shifting into his wolf form instantly, golden eyes blazing.
"This is your trial," he growled. "Your choice must be made in the fire of battle."
The pull in her chest roared. The prophecy was no longer a dream. It was here. And she had to decide.
The Battle Begins
The hunters charged, their weapons gleaming in the bloodlight. Elias leapt forward, a predator in his element. Selene stood beside him, her hands glowing with silver light. Fear and power warred inside her.
She focused on the bond, calling to it. The pull in her chest grew unbearable. Her voice rang out a cry, a command, a vow.
"I accept it," she whispered. "I accept the bond. I accept the prophecy."
The moment she spoke, the air around her changed. Light exploded from her body, washing over the battlefield in a wave of silver flame. The hunters screamed, thrown back by the force. Wolves howled in the distance, retreating.
Elias fought with renewed ferocity, every movement guided by the bond between them. He shifted back to human form beside her, his golden eyes locking on hers.
"You chose," he said softly. "The bond is complete."
Selene's breath came in ragged gasps. "What now?"
"Now," Elias said, stepping closer, "we swear the Blood Oath."
The Blood Oath
They stood in the center of the Sanctuary, the air between them heavy with power and something deeper desire, inevitability, fate. Elias took her hands in his.
"The bond is not just blood," he said softly. "It is oath. It is life. It is forever. Swear it to me."
Selene's chest tightened. "And if I do?"
"You bind yourself to me. To your destiny. To the prophecy. To war."
She swallowed hard, her eyes locked on his. The pull in her chest was a storm. Her breath came fast. "I swear it," she said quietly.
A hush fell over the Sanctuary. The air shimmered. The bond flared between them, a living thing, wrapping them in silver light.
"You are mine," Elias whispered, his lips brushing her ear. "And I am yours. For eternity."
Selene's breath caught. Her body burned with the bond. "Forever," she breathed.
The words hung between them, sealing the oath.
The Aftermath
The dawn after the Blood Oath was unlike any Selene had known. The air felt heavier, charged with prophecy and power. She could feel Elias beside her even when he was not touching her. The bond was complete unbreakable.
But with it came danger. The hunters would not forget. The prophecy would not rest. And war was coming.
Elias stood before her, his expression unreadable. "You have chosen," he said softly. "Now you must be ready. Because nothing will ever be the same."
Selene nodded slowly, her chest tight with fear, desire, and certainty. "I'm ready," she whispered.
Outside, the Blood Moon faded, but its glow lingered in her veins. The trial was over. But the war was only beginning.