Eyes in the dark
Chapter 9:
The morning air was refreshing, and Aria figured she’d take a stroll by the edge of the clearing. The other Moon-Blessed women were still hanging out near the camp, either organizing supplies, doing some light exercises, or just taking it easy after the intense training they’d gone through yesterday. Aria felt the need to get moving, stretch her legs, and clear her head.
The forest was pretty peaceful, aside from the occasional bird chirping or a little animal rustling in the underbrush. Aria stepped carefully over the moss and fallen branches, trying to keep the quiet intact. The Rune on her back pulsed lightly, like a heartbeat she could feel deep inside.
Suddenly, a soft noise made her stop in her tracks. She quickly turned toward the sound. Two figures were creeping through the trees, dressed in dark clothes that blended right into the shadows. Aria's heart raced.
Lucien’s scouts.
She crouched behind a tree, trying to stay completely still. Her breath came in short, controlled bursts as her mind raced. If they found her or the group, it could end badly. She felt her Moonfire stirring slightly, a warm sensation beneath her skin that demanded her focus.
Kael appeared next to her, moving silently and precisely. “What’s up?” he asked in a low voice.
“They’re scouts,” Aria whispered. “Lucien’s scouts. I spotted them first.”
Kael’s dark eyes became serious. “Nice job. Recognizing them is key. Just stay calm and keep watching.”
Aria’s hands shook a bit as she nodded. The scouts moved closer, totally unaware they were being watched. One of them stopped, sniffing the air as if he sensed something, and her heart kept beating faster. She had to keep quiet, no way was she going to blow her cover.
Kael gently touched her shoulder. “Take it slow. Step back if you need to. Stay hidden.”
Following his lead, Aria inched backward, guiding the others who had come with her, Stella, Anna, and even Penelope, who was muttering under her breath about “a lucky fool” but still followed along.
Eventually, the scouts moved on, completely oblivious to the group watching from the shadows. Aria took a deep breath. She had spotted them first and managed to stay hidden.
“You did great,” Kael said quietly, keeping his eyes on the surrounding woods. “You noticed them and kept everyone safe.”
“I... I had no idea I could do that,” Aria admitted, her cheeks warming up.
“You’re picking things up,” Kael replied. “That’s why practice is important. Your instincts are sharpening.”
The group spent the rest of the morning making their way through the forest cautiously. Kael showed Aria how to conceal her aura and keep her energy hidden from nearby eyes.
“Focus on the Rune,” Kael instructed as they took a break by a small stream. “Think of it as a shield, not for blocking attacks but to stay off the radar. Concentrate on making it invisible to others.”
Aria followed his guidance. With her eyes closed, she felt the warmth of the Rune shift across her skin, wrapping around her like a gentle barrier. Slowly, the tug of her Moonfire became quieter and more steady.
Kael watched her intently. “Good. Keep up the practice. Soon, you won’t just hide; you’ll be able to move without anyone noticing.”
The Moon-Blessed ladies were watching from a little distance by the stream. Some were looking at Aria with admiration, while others, like Penelope, had a hint of envy in their eyes.
“You’re getting better really quickly,” Anna whispered to Stella. “I honestly didn’t think she’d gain control so fast.”
Stella smiled gently. “True, but Kael is helping her out. That definitely makes a difference. He’s pretty careful with her, even if he won't admit it.”
Aria felt a mix of pride and jitters. She’d impressed them, but she knew the threat was still looming. Lucien’s scouts would be reporting back soon, and the Alpha King himself might come looking.
While they were walking along a narrow forest path, a rogue wolf jumped out from the shadows to test their awareness. Aria froze, instinctively raising her hand, and the Rune flickered a bit. Without thinking, she shot out a small burst of Moonfire. The wolf yelped and backed off, scrambling behind the trees in surprise.
“Not bad at all,” Kael said with approval. “Your instincts are coming through. That’s why you need to keep practicing. Power without control is risky, but control without instinct doesn’t do much.”
Aria nodded, still a bit shaken but excited by her own response. “I didn’t even know I could do that,” she admitted softly.
“You didn’t, but now you do,” Kael said. “And you need to learn how to do it on purpose, not just by instinct. That’s what separates a newbie from a Moon-Blessed fighter.”
The women continued to trail behind her, whispering and making comments. Penelope sarcastically remarked, “Well, I guess she’s not a total disaster.”
Stella laughed. “See? Even she’s impressed.”
Aria tried to block out the whispers and concentrate on her own energy. She practiced moving lightly, controlling her aura, and responding to imaginary threats Kael pointed out. Hours flew by, and by the end of the day, she felt drained but accomplished.
They made their way back to camp near a cozy, hidden clearing. The sun had set, leaving just a soft glow filtering through the trees. Kael helped her settle by the fire and handed her a warm cup of tea.
“You did great today,” he said quietly. “But remember, trouble is on the way. Lucien won’t wait long to send more scouts, or worse. You’ve got to keep getting stronger.”
Aria nodded, sipping her tea. She could feel the warmth spreading through her, but her mind was still racing, thinking about the scouts. For the first time, she realized she wasn’t weak anymore; she wasn’t just a scared girl. She had power, instincts, and allies. She was learning how to survive...and maybe even fight back.
As she gazed into the fire, she thought about the Moonfire inside her, the Rune on her back, and the warnings Kael had given. Tomorrow would bring another day of training. Another chance to get stronger. She was ready for it.