Liora's breath came in shallow bursts as she stared at the silver threads of light winding across her bare shoulder. The mark—the ancient one whispered in forbidden lore—had bloomed into full visibility beneath the moonlight. It pulsed like it was alive, matching the rhythm of her racing heart.
Killian stood frozen a few feet away, his chest rising and falling as if he, too, were struggling to breathe. "You're marked by the Moonsoul," he said, voice thick with disbelief and awe.
She stepped back instinctively. "What does it mean, Killian? What is happening to me?"
Killian moved forward slowly, as though approaching a frightened creature. "It means… the curse isn't just in your bloodline anymore, Liora. It's awakened in you. You were chosen—not cursed. And the mark… it binds us."
Liora's eyes widened. "What do you mean it binds us?"
Killian reached for her hand, his warmth grounding her. "It means we're fated, Liora. You and I. I knew it from the moment I touched you, but this… this confirms it. The prophecy spoke of a Moonsoul Witch and a Shadowborn Alpha. Together, we either break the curse… or destroy the world."
Her knees buckled, but he caught her before she hit the ground. "You're not alone anymore," he whispered against her temple. "I won't let them take you. I won't let you fall apart."
Tears slipped from her eyes, not of sorrow, but of terror and longing mixed into one unbearable emotion. "Killian… I don't know if I can do this."
"You don't have to do it alone." His arms wrapped around her tighter. "The mark chose you. Just like I do."
Suddenly, a blast of energy surged through the room, knocking over candles and flaring every sigil in the walls with violent white light. Killian growled protectively and pulled Liora behind him.
Out of the shadows, a tall figure emerged. Cloaked in deep crimson, with eyes the color of winter storms. "She is awakening," the figure said. "You were warned, Alpha. You were never meant to fall for the cursed witch."
Killian's wolf surged forward with a growl, his eyes glowing fiercely. "And you were never meant to interfere."
The figure tilted their head. "Then you've sealed your fate."
Liora's mark flared again—this time, not silver, but gold.