Lunar Legacies: The Eleven

4.

A week into the camp, Seth and the others finally had a break from their intense training. It had been days of sparring, pushing their limits, and honing their abilities under the strict guidance of their mentors. Now, they were given a chance to unwind, and the atmosphere was different—lighter.

The campgrounds, usually bustling with drills and lessons, were quiet as the group spread out. Seth found himself sitting beneath a tall tree, its shadows bending slightly to his will as he practiced without even thinking about it. He glanced around, seeing the others in their moments of relaxation.

Valerie was perched on a nearby boulder, a camera in her hands as she captured the scenery. Marshall and Lee were off to the side, trying to see who could launch themselves higher off the ground using their respective abilities. Alisha sat by the lake, toes in the water, creating tiny waves with her fingertips while chatting with Amanda, who was examining a patch of wildflowers growing at the shoreline.

Erik and Cory had found themselves in a quieter corner, discussing strategies they'd learned. Erik seemed focused as ever, while Cory, always calm, was making shapes out of ice and watching them melt slowly in the sun. Skylar sat nearby, sketching, her light manipulation creating subtle glows around her.

Marcus sat near the fire pit, sharpening his weapons as he kept an eye on the others. Marcus was always serious, hardly ever participating in the lighter moments. Even now, he seemed focused on something distant, never truly letting his guard down.

Seth allowed himself to relax, but his mind was still on the tasks ahead. This might have been a day of rest, but he knew their mission was far from over.

The group had bonded during the week of training, their initial unfamiliarity giving way to a budding camaraderie. Laughter and conversation filled the air as they enjoyed the rare break. Despite coming from different packs, they had begun to feel like a unit, learning to trust each other with every sparring match and shared story.

Unbeknownst to them, Theodore was watching from the shadows, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. He had been careful to stay out of sight, observing them without revealing himself. His heart was still heavy with distrust—especially towards the other packs—but now, he could finally put a face to the last one whose name he hadn’t known until now: Seth.

Seth stood out in the group, not just because of his quiet confidence but because of the way the shadows seemed to respond to him, bending ever so slightly around him even when he wasn’t trying. Theodore narrowed his eyes, recognizing the danger in the power Seth held, but also something else—a quiet strength that intrigued him. He had kept his distance for now, but it wouldn’t be long before their paths inevitably crossed.

As the group continued to relax, Seth felt a strange shift in the air, like a whisper on the wind. His instincts sharpened, and for a brief moment, he thought he saw movement in the shadows just beyond the campgrounds. His gaze flicked toward the darkened treeline, but whatever—or whoever—it was, vanished in an instant.

Theodore had teleported back to his hideout, the familiar pull of time and space bending around him as he disappeared from his observation point. Despite his stealth, Seth had sensed something—someone—watching. He didn’t know what it was, but the feeling lingered, like a faint echo of presence. His connection to the shadows gave him a heightened awareness, and though he couldn’t be sure, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.

Seth glanced around at the others, but no one else seemed to have noticed anything unusual. Deciding not to raise alarm, he kept it to himself for now. He wasn’t sure if whoever was watching was a threat or just another piece of the puzzle they’d have to face soon. Either way, he knew he’d need to stay vigilant.

Theodore reappeared in his hidden sanctuary, his mind set on his next move. He needed to find Alpha Dean. After memorizing the location, he teleported directly into Dean’s office without warning, his presence sudden and unsettling. Dean, still seated behind his desk, jumped, eyes widening in shock as Theodore materialized before him.

Before Dean could react further, Theodore raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "I’m not here to fight," he said calmly. "But you need to listen."

Dean, still catching his breath, straightened in his chair, his expression a mix of wariness and curiosity. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice steady despite his surprise.

"I am Theodore Holden," Theodore replied, his voice sharp but controlled. "The last of the Stellar Crescent Pack. The only survivor of the people you and the other packs abandoned."

Dean’s face tightened, and he opened his mouth to respond, but Theodore cut him off.

"I didn’t come here to argue," Theodore continued, his tone cold. "I came to warn you. Darian’s followers are getting closer to freeing him. The ancient evil you fear is nearly within their grasp, and you’re all running out of time."

Dean shifted in his chair, his eyes narrowing. "We didn’t abandon your pack. You don’t know what was happening then—"

"Save it," Theodore interrupted. "It doesn’t matter now. What matters is that you and your precious packs are not ready for what’s coming. I’ll be joining the others if the time comes, but don’t expect me to be the salvation you seek. I only hope that you and the other Alphas can stand your ground when Darian is unleashed."

Dean stared at Theodore, trying to find words, but there was nothing he could say that would erase the past or the bitterness in Theodore’s eyes. After a moment of silence, Theodore turned away, preparing to leave.

"Warn your son, Dean. Warn them all. If they aren’t ready, they’ll fall, just like my pack did."

Without another word, Theodore vanished, leaving Dean alone in his office, the weight of the warning settling heavily in the room.