The morning sun filtered through the dense canopy, casting long, silver shadows over the northern ruins. The battle's aftermath had left the forest quiet, save for the distant chirping of birds and the low hum of lingering shadow energy.
Nyra walked carefully among the ancient stones, silver aura faintly glowing as she traced the faded runes etched into the rocks. Kael and Fenrir followed closely, alert to any residual threats.
"These ruins… they're older than any pack memory," Nyra said softly, fingers brushing the etched symbols. "The shadow leader wasn't just guarding them — it was channeling their energy."
Fenrir knelt beside her, examining the runes. "These markings are tied to the First Blood Moon… ancient rituals designed to manipulate life force and elemental energy. Whoever controls this site could awaken forces beyond imagination."
Kael growled, scanning the perimeter. "Then we need to understand it fully. We can't leave anything unfinished. If the shadow leader was just a guardian, there could be others… or worse, the ritual could be restarted."
Nyra concentrated, calling on ancestral spirits to decipher the runes. Silver light flickered from her fingertips as fragments of prophecy and history materialized in her mind:
The First Blood Moon created guardians of shadow to balance the world.
The Shadow Leader was a remnant of that era, released to test or eliminate threats to the balance.
The Prophecy hinted at a bloodline with Blood Moon power that could either control or destroy these forces.
Her breath caught. "Kael… Fenrir… this is about us. Shadowfang's Blood Moon heirs are central to the prophecy. The shadow forces are not attacking randomly. They are drawn to our power."
Kael's golden eyes narrowed. "Then we need to learn everything. Every rune, every relic, every fragment of the prophecy. Shadowfang will not be blindsided again."
Fenrir pointed to a partially buried stone slab, its surface etched with complex sigils. "This appears to be a containment seal… partially broken. If fully restored, it could suppress or bind these shadow forces permanently. But the magic is old, and dangerous."
Nyra traced the seal carefully with silver light, feeling the pulse of energy beneath. "It's risky… but it may be our only chance to control or neutralize the shadows before they grow stronger."
Kael placed a steady hand on her shoulder. "Then we prepare. We study the ruins, strengthen the seal, and train the pack for what comes next. Shadowfang must be ready for the forces that are still out there — and the ones that will come."
The shadows of the ruins flickered faintly in the morning light, a silent reminder that while the shadow leader was defeated, its ancient power and purpose were far from extinguished.
Nyra's silver eyes hardened. "Shadowfang has survived every storm… but the true battle is only beginning. And this time, the enemy knows exactly where to find us."