The Luna's Second Chance

Chapter 35: The Gathering Storm

**Isla's POV **

The air at the palace was thick with anticipation, the tension of the upcoming war pressing down on Isla's chest like a weight she couldn't shake. After unlocking her powers, everything felt different-sharper, more intense, and alive. The energy that coursed through her veins was unlike anything she had ever experienced. But with it came an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

She had felt Kian. The moment her powers were unlocked, their twin bond had surged to life, a connection that had been dormant for years. It was strange, feeling his presence so strongly after so much time apart. But there was something else, too-something darker. Kian was conflicted. Torn. She could feel it.

"Isla," Damian's voice broke through her thoughts, and she turned to see him approaching from the palace courtyard. He had been in discussions with Ethan and the other Alphas, planning for the battle that was now inevitable.

His face was set with determination, his golden eyes dark with worry. "We're almost ready. The other kingdoms are preparing their forces to join us. But we need to talk."

Isla nodded, her heart racing as she followed Damian to a quieter part of the courtyard, away from the buzz of preparation. The Vampire King, Wizard King, and Queen Elira had all offered their aid, and their forces were beginning to gather. But even with their help, Isla couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing-some piece of the puzzle they had yet to uncover.

"What is it?" she asked, her voice low.

Damian hesitated for a moment, his hand brushing through his dark hair. "Luca believes that Malachi's next move is imminent. The council of witches is working on tracking him, but we haven't pinpointed his exact location yet."

Isla frowned, her mind racing. "And Kian?"

Damian's eyes softened as he met her gaze. "You felt him, didn't you? When you unlocked your power."

Isla nodded, her throat tightening. "He's struggling. I can feel it. There's a part of him that doesn't want to do this, but Malachi... Malachi has control over him."

"We'll get him back," Damian said softly, his hand finding hers. "But we need to stop Malachi first. If we don't, he'll tear the kingdoms apart."

Isla squeezed Damian's hand, the warmth of his touch grounding her. She knew they had to stop Malachi, but the thought of facing Kian, of fighting her brother, twisted something deep inside her. She wasn't sure if she was ready for that.

"We'll find a way to reach him," Damian said, his voice firm. "But we need to be prepared for whatever Malachi has planned. Luca thinks Malachi is planning to use Kian as a weapon-his power combined with yours. We can't let that happen."

Isla's heart raced as the weight of Damian's words settled over her. If Malachi was using Kian's power, and if he somehow found a way to manipulate their twin bond, it could be catastrophic.

"I need to be ready," Isla said, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her. "I need to learn how to control this power."

Damian nodded. "The witches are ready to train you. Luca said the power you've unlocked is unique, something tied to both you and Kian. But it's going to take time."

"Time we don't have," Isla whispered, her heart sinking. Every minute they spent preparing was another minute Malachi gained ground.

Before Damian could respond, Luca and several witches approached them, their faces serious. Luca's dark eyes gleamed with magic, and he stepped forward, bowing his head slightly.

"It's time," Luca said, his voice soft but commanding. "You need to start training now, Isla. Your power is still raw, and without control, it could be dangerous-to you and to those around you."