Bab 32: Chapter 32: The Trials of the Moon
The full moon rose high in the sky, casting its silvery light upon the wilderness, filling the air with an ethereal glow. The Silverfang Pack had gathered in a clearing deep within their territory, standing in silent anticipation. Elara felt the energy of the moon pulse through her, its light bathing her in a warmth that was both familiar and new. She had bonded with the Moonstone, but the true trial had only just begun.
The Alpha stood before her, his eyes glowing with the intensity of the moon's power. "The first step is complete," he said, his voice low but steady. "But the strength you now carry is not simply a gift. It is a responsibility. You will face the Trials of the Moon to prove your worth—not only to the Silverfangs, but to yourself. Only then will you truly understand the power that lies within you."
Elara nodded, her heart pounding. She had been ready for this, or so she thought. The trials were a part of Silverfang tradition, designed to test every aspect of their strength, honor, and loyalty. It was no different for her now, except that the stakes were higher. She had the power of the Silverfangs and the moon at her fingertips, but she had to prove she could control it.
Rowen, standing beside her, seemed restless, his wolf form close to the surface, the primal energy swirling around him. He glanced at Elara, his eyes soft with concern, but his face held no fear. They had faced many battles together, but this—this was something else.
"You'll be fine," Rowen said, his voice low. "You've already proven yourself in ways that most couldn't even dream of. Just remember: The moon guides us, but it doesn't fight our battles for us."
"I know," Elara replied, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her. She turned to face the Alpha. "What are the trials? What must I do?"
The Alpha's gaze softened slightly. "There are three trials you must face. The Trial of Strength, the Trial of Heart, and the Trial of the Spirit. Each one will test a different part of your nature. These trials are not about defeating an enemy—they are about confronting the deepest parts of yourself. You must pass them all, or you will not gain the full power you seek."
Elara took a deep breath, her senses sharp as she focused on the Alpha's words. "I'm ready."
The Alpha nodded. "The first trial will test your strength, not just in battle, but in endurance. You must survive the wilderness for a full moon cycle without the aid of the pack. Only your strength and wits will guide you. This is not about fighting—this is about surviving."
Elara felt a knot tighten in her stomach. Surviving alone in the wilds of Silverfang territory would not be easy, even with the power of the moon at her side. But she had no choice. She had come this far, and there was no turning back now.
The Alpha motioned for her to step forward. "You will begin at dawn. The wilderness awaits."
The next morning, just as the sun's first light crept over the horizon, Elara stood at the edge of a dense forest. The Silverfangs watched from a distance, but no one would interfere. This was her test alone. Her only companions would be her instincts, her wolf form, and the primal power that surged within her.
The wilderness around her was thick and untamed, a labyrinth of towering trees, thick underbrush, and jagged rocks. The scent of damp earth filled the air, mingling with the fresh scent of pine. Elara shifted into her wolf form, feeling the transformation flow through her—bones snapping, muscles rippling, fur sprouting in a surge of power. She felt the moon's energy flood her veins, her senses sharpening.
With a final glance back at the pack, Elara turned and ventured into the wilds.
The forest was silent, save for the rustle of leaves and the distant calls of birds. The ground beneath her paws was soft, but uneven, and the weight of the trials bore heavily on her mind. The Trial of Strength was not just about survival—it was about pushing herself beyond her limits.
She spent the first day hunting, her senses sharp as she tracked deer and smaller prey. She felt the thrill of the chase as her claws sunk into the earth, her instincts guiding her every move. It felt natural, almost second nature, to be in her wolf form, to run through the forest with the wind in her fur. But she could feel the moon's energy pushing her further, testing her resilience with every step.
That night, the full moon rose once again, bathing the forest in its silvery glow. Elara stood at the top of a ridge, gazing out over the wilderness. She felt the connection to the land deep in her soul, the pulse of the earth under her paws. The moon was both a guide and a weight, urging her to push forward, to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
On the second day, the wilderness began to feel more like an adversary than a test. The terrain grew more rugged, the trees denser, and the air colder. The trials were beginning to wear on her. Elara's body ached from running, from the constant battle with the elements. She had to find shelter before the storm arrived.
She found a small cave nestled in the base of a rocky outcrop, its entrance hidden by thick ivy. Inside, the air was cool and damp, but it offered refuge from the wind and rain that was beginning to fall. Elara curled up in the shelter, her senses on alert. The storm raged outside, the thunder rolling across the sky as lightning illuminated the world in stark flashes.
As the storm howled, Elara's thoughts wandered to her companions—Rowen, Marek, Erynn. They had all fought by her side, but this trial was hers alone. The silence of the cave allowed her time to reflect on the lessons of the past and what the future held. She was no longer just a human, no longer just a fighter. She was Silverfang, connected to the moon, to the wolves, and to the land itself.
As the storm raged on, Elara's senses grew sharper, the connection to the moon deepening with every breath she took. She could feel the power building inside her, ready to be unleashed. The Trial of Strength was more than a physical test—it was a test of willpower, of endurance, and of understanding her place in the world.
On the third day, Elara faced the next phase of the trial: The Trial of the Heart.
She encountered another pack of wolves, drawn to her scent. They were not Silverfang wolves, but they were fierce and territorial. The alpha of the pack, a large, dark-furred wolf, approached her cautiously, growling low in his throat. He circled her, sizing her up, his golden eyes gleaming with challenge.
Elara's heart pounded, the wolf within her urging her to fight. But she resisted. The Trial of the Heart was not about dominance—it was about understanding the balance between strength and compassion. Elara lowered her head in submission, showing the pack that she was not a threat, that she came in peace.
After a tense moment, the alpha wolf tilted his head and backed away, accepting her presence. The pack moved on, leaving her to continue her journey. Elara let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She had passed the Trial of the Heart.
The final part of the trial, the Trial of Spirit, would come soon. Elara could feel it in her bones—the moment of reckoning was close. But for now, she had proven her strength, her heart, and her ability to survive. She had learned to embrace the wilds, to understand the balance of nature, and to listen to the call of the moon.
As the night wore on and the moon reached its zenith, Elara stood once more at the edge of the forest, looking out over the land that had tested her. The wilderness had tried to break her, but she had survived. She was stronger now—stronger than she had ever been.
And tomorrow, she would face the final trial.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone