"Heart of Stone, Heart of Gold "

**Chapter 11: Revelations of Blood and Moonlight**

Knowing the dangers looming, Xander and Thalia said their goodbyes to Asher, keeping it a secret from the pack about their true mission to find the moonstone's location. Asher eyed them suspiciously but trusted their judgment.

"Be careful," Asher warned, his voice filled with concern. "And come back safe."

With a final nod, Xander and Thalia set off into the night, their hearts heavy with the weight of their mission. They moved stealthily through the forest, their senses heightened as they followed the map's clues. The map led them to the old ruins where Xander's parents had originally ruled from, a place steeped in history and mystery. The night was quiet, but the air was charged with anticipation.

Days passed, and despite their relentless search, they had no luck finding the moonstone. Frustration and doubt began to creep in, but they pressed on, determined not to return empty-handed.

"We're missing something," Thalia said, her voice tinged with frustration. "The map has to be leading us somewhere."

Xander nodded, examining the map once more. "We'll figure it out. We have to."

But just a day before they could reach their destination, they were ambushed. Dark figures emerged from the shadows, surrounding them. It was the Darkmoon pack.

Before they could react, Thalia and Xander were overpowered and captured. Bound and blindfolded, they were led to an unknown location. When the blindfolds were removed, they found themselves in a dimly lit room, facing a man with piercing eyes.

"Elias Grey," Xander growled, recognizing the man instantly.

Elias Grey smirked as he circled them, his gaze predatory. "You two have been quite the troublemakers," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Did you really think you could outsmart me?"

Xander glared at him, struggling against his bonds. "What do you want?"

Elias chuckled darkly. "All in good time, my friend. For now, let's just say I'm enjoying having you both at my mercy."

He moved closer to Thalia, his eyes gleaming with a sinister light. "You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment," he whispered, his voice sending chills down her spine.

Thalia's heart raced, a mix of fear and confusion. "What are you talking about?"

Elias leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough. But first, let's play a little game."

He stepped back, his eyes never leaving Thalia's. "You see, I've been watching you, Thalia. Watching and waiting. And now, it's time for the truth to come out."

Xander's eyes widened as realization dawned on him. "What truth?"

Elias's smile widened, a cruel twist to his lips. "The truth about who you really are, Thalia. The truth about your heritage."

Thalia's mind whirled with confusion and shock. "What are you saying?"

He paced around them, eyes gleaming with a cruel amusement. "You see, Thalia, there's so much you don't know about yourself. So many secrets buried deep within."

Elias chuckled, a sound devoid of warmth. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough. But first, let's play a game. A game of fear and loyalty."

He leaned in close, his breath hot against Thalia's ear. "Let's see if your bond with Xander is truly unbreakable."

Elias then set a series of traps and challenges, each more terrifying than the last. As Thalia and Xander faced their deepest fears, they clung to each other, their bond tested to its limits. Elias watched with a twisted pleasure, dropping cryptic hints about Thalia's true heritage at every turn.

"You're stronger than you know, Thalia," he whispered during a particularly harrowing moment. "But strength alone won't save you."

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Elias decided he had had enough fun. He approached them, his eyes gleaming with dark satisfaction.

"Well done," he said, a mocking applause echoing in the room. "You've proven your loyalty to each other. But now, it's time for the truth."

He paused, letting the silence stretch out, the weight of his words hanging in the air. "Thalia, you are not just any werewolf. Your heritage is far more significant. You are the descendant of the most powerful alpha lineage, a bloodline that many would kill to possess."

Thalia's eyes widened in shock, the revelation hitting her like a tidal wave. Xander tightened his grip on her hand, his support unwavering.

Elias's smile widened. "Now, let's see how you handle this truth."

Thalia's heart pounded in her chest. She had always felt different, but the way Elias spoke made her feel like something monumental was about to be unveiled.

"As the descendant of the alpha lineage of the moon goddess, you possess a power unlike any other," Elias continued. "A power so rare and formidable that not even you are aware of its true potential."

Thalia's  eyes widened, her mind racing with possibilities. "What are you talking about?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Thalia felt a surge of emotions—fear, curiosity, and a strange sense of destiny. She looked at Elias, realizing that her journey was only just beginning. "So, no one knows about this power? Not even me?" she asked.

Elias nodded. "Exactly. It's a secret that must be uncovered, a truth that will change everything."

He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "And there's something else you need to know, Thalia. Something even more personal."

Thalia's eyes searched his, confusion and anticipation swirling within her. "What is it?"

Elias hesitated for a moment, then spoke the words that would change everything. "I'm your older brother."