Chapter 3
Evening shadows stretched across the ancient shelves of Silvercrest's library as Dominic led me deeper than I'd ever ventured before.
We passed through a hidden door behind a medieval tapestry, entering a circular chamber where candles flickered against stone walls covered in strange symbols.
"The oldest records of the Silver Moon Blood Pact are kept here," Dominic said, his voice echoing softly as he selected a leather-bound tome from a locked cabinet. "You'll need to memorize the oath before midnight."
I traced my finger over the ancient text, feeling the indentations of handwritten words beneath my skin. "This part here... about 'binding and obedience.' What exactly does that mean?"
Dominic's hand covered mine, warm and steady. "The contract is mutual, Morgan. I provide protection, while you pledge loyalty. These ancient words transcend simple translation—they connect blood and soul."
"But this clause about 'Alpha commands must be obeyed'—that sounds less like protection and more like ownership," I persisted, unease growing in my chest.
Dominic's smile remained gentle, but something flickered behind his eyes. "It's merely traditional phrasing, to ensure new wolves' safety. Trust me, I would never ask you to do anything against your nature."
Back in my dorm room, sleep eluded me as heat pulsed beneath my skin in waves. My muscles alternated between aching and tingling, like electricity running through my veins.
Caroline paused at my bed, concern etched on her face. "You don't look good, Miller."
"Just nervous about a test," I lied, clutching my sheets to hide my trembling hands.
She leaned against the doorframe, lowering her voice. "I know what's happening. My cousin was... chosen too." Her eyes flicked to the pendant around my neck. "Blood oaths aren't just protection. Once you sign, you can't disobey the contract holder's direct commands."
My stomach twisted. "What happened to your cousin?"
"She disappeared after questioning too much." Caroline's voice hardened. "Be careful what you agree to tonight."
After she left, I fell into fitful sleep, dreaming of running through endless forests, a heavy silver chain dragging behind me. I woke gasping, staring in horror at my hands—my fingernails had elongated into sharp points.
Pain shot through my abdomen, hot and fierce like molten metal. I bit my pillow to muffle my scream.
A soft tapping came at my window. Dominic crouched on the ledge outside, his eyes glowing silver in the darkness. How had he known?
"The change is beginning," he said after slipping inside, his voice calm as he placed cool hands on my feverish face. "Without the pact's guidance, your first transformation will tear your consciousness apart."
I curled into myself as another wave of pain hit. "Why does it hurt so much?"
"Your body is remembering what it truly is." He brushed hair from my face with surprising tenderness. "Only I can help you now, Morgan. By tomorrow night's full moon, you must decide."
The following evening, Dominic led me through the forest behind the school, down paths I'd never noticed before. We moved in silence, my body still aching from the previous night.
"We're here," he whispered as we emerged into a clearing where ancient stones formed a perfect circle. Moonlight bathed the area in silver radiance.
My heart nearly stopped. Dozens of people—students and teachers I recognized—stood in ceremonial formation around the stones. At the center waited Headmaster Grayson, his tall figure imposing in ceremonial robes.
"Welcome, Morgan," the headmaster's voice carried across the clearing. "Tonight, we receive a lost bloodline returning to us."
I scanned the crowd, recognizing Dr. Reed, several teachers, and even Amber among them. My enhanced senses detected their excitement—heartbeats quickening, pupils dilating, the subtle scent of anticipation rising from their skin.
"What is this place?" I whispered to Dominic.
"The oldest part of Silvercrest," he replied. "These stones stood centuries before the school was built."
At the stone altar, midnight darkness wrapped around us like a cloak. The full moon hung directly overhead, impossibly large and bright.
They'd dressed me in a white ceremonial robe, the fabric light but somehow weighted with significance. Dominic stood opposite me in ancient black ritual garments, his eyes reflecting the moonlight with unnatural intensity.
Headmaster Grayson approached with a silver dagger, ornately carved with symbols matching those in the ancient book. Without warning, he sliced across my palm, then Dominic's, the pain sharp and sudden.
Blood welled from the cuts, bright crimson against our skin. The headmaster caught our mingled blood in an ancient silver chalice, the liquid seeming to glow faintly within.
"Speak the words," he commanded.
Dominic's voice resonated with power: "By moonlight as witness, by bloodline as covenant, I pledge guidance and protection, until the silver moon falls."
My voice trembled as I repeated the ancient oath I'd memorized: "By heart as promise, by soul as bond, I pledge loyalty and trust, until my final breath."
Headmaster Grayson raised the chalice. "Blood oath once sealed, souls forever connected. Drink, and complete the ancient bond."
The mixed blood tasted metallic and strangely sweet.
The moment it touched my lips, fire erupted through my body, every nerve ending screaming in agony. I collapsed to my knees on the stone altar, the chalice clattering beside me.
"Help me!" I gasped as my bones began to shift beneath my skin. The pain was unbearable, beyond anything I could have imagined.
Dominic made no move to assist. He stood watching, cataloging my transformation with clinical detachment. "The first change must be fully experienced."
My fingers contorted, bones cracking as they reformed into claws. My skin burned as silver-gray fur erupted through the surface. I screamed, the sound transforming midway into something between a howl and a sob.
Through tear-blurred eyes, I watched Dominic begin his own transformation. Unlike mine, his change was fluid, graceful. His bones shifted with practiced ease, black fur flowing over his skin like a living shadow.
The enormous black wolf before me stood taller than any natural wolf, power radiating from his muscular form. His scent had changed—wilder, more dominant, marking him clearly as alpha.
My mind still retained human coherence, though my body was caught between forms. Why does it hurt so much? I projected the thought, surprised when I felt Dominic's consciousness brush against mine.
Pain is necessary, my little wolf. His mental voice was cold, authoritative. It tempers the will, separates the strong from the weak. Your resilience... is impressive.
I tried to stand but collapsed again, my limbs refusing to coordinate.
Dominic circled me slowly, his massive form casting a shadow over my struggling body. Now you belong to me, Morgan. The blood oath ensures it.
As the ritual concluded, my body finally completed its painful metamorphosis.
Instinct screamed at me to flee. I turned toward the forest, but before I could take a step, Dominic issued a low growl that froze me in place.
My muscles locked involuntarily, the blood oath responding to his unspoken command.
Headmaster Grayson and several elders approached, examining my transformed state with clinical interest.
"The oath control is effective. She cannot resist your commands," the headmaster nodded approvingly. "She'll make a suitable... contributor."
Contributor to what? I wanted to ask, but could only whimper.
Dominic placed his paw on my neck, asserting dominance. She's stronger than expected, Father. Perhaps we should reconsider her role.
"The arrangement is final," Grayson replied coldly. "The moon-shadow wolf's destiny was determined long ago. Don't let personal feelings interfere with the mission, son. Remember Darius's lesson."
My consciousness began to fade as the blood oath pulsed through my veins, establishing an invisible connection with Dominic.