Embers of the Forbidden Moon

Chapter 12: Lydia's Deception

The days following Aria's harrowing encounter with the shadows were marked by an uneasy calm. The pack had rallied together, strengthening their defenses and performing ancient rituals to ward off the dark forces that had taken root in their lair. Yet, despite their efforts, the sense of impending danger lingered, like a storm gathering on the horizon.

Aria found herself in the center of it all, her newfound knowledge of the prophecy and her growing powers placing her in a position of both importance and suspicion. While some pack members admired her for her strength and resilience, others whispered that she was the cause of their troubles, a catalyst for the dark forces that now threatened their lives.

Kael had been a constant presence at her side, his protective nature driving him to ensure her safety. Despite the tension between them after their kiss, their bond had only grown stronger as they faced the challenges together. Aria couldn't deny the connection she felt with him—the way her heart raced whenever he was near, the unspoken understanding that passed between them with just a glance.

But even as she felt herself growing closer to Kael, a shadow of doubt lingered in her mind. The prophecy she had discovered hinted at a powerful force that could either save or destroy the pack, and she couldn't shake the fear that she might be the one destined to bring about its downfall.

It was this fear that Lydia sought to exploit.

Lydia had always been a force to be reckoned with in the pack—a formidable fighter with a sharp tongue and a cunning mind. Her jealousy of Aria had only grown since Kael had taken an interest in her, and she had made it clear that she viewed Aria as a threat to her standing in the pack.

As the days passed, Lydia's resentment festered, her mind working on a plan to rid herself of Aria once and for all. She had been biding her time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike, and now, with the pack on edge and suspicion high, she knew that her moment had come.

The pack had been on high alert, patrolling the forest and guarding the lair against any further attacks. Kael had assigned Aria to a special task—researching the ancient scrolls she had found in the hidden chamber, hoping to uncover more about the prophecy and the nature of the darkness they faced. It was a task that kept her isolated from the rest of the pack, something that Lydia intended to use to her advantage.

One evening, as Aria was poring over the scrolls in the hidden chamber, she heard a faint sound—a soft rustle, like the wind through the trees. Her senses on high alert, she quickly rose to her feet, scanning the room for any sign of danger.

But there was nothing. The chamber was empty, the shadows still and silent. Shaking off her unease, Aria returned to her work, unaware that she was being watched.

Lydia had been following Aria for days, studying her movements, waiting for the right moment to set her plan in motion. She knew that the pack's fear of the darkness was at its peak, and she intended to use that fear to turn them against Aria.

That night, under the cover of darkness, Lydia put her plan into action. She slipped into the lair unnoticed, her steps silent as she made her way to the chamber where Aria was working. In her hands, she carried a small vial of a potent elixir—one that she had obtained from a rogue witch she had encountered years ago. The elixir had the power to amplify a person's negative emotions, turning fear into terror, suspicion into paranoia. It was the perfect tool for her deception.