Bab 43: Chapter 43: Web of Shadows
The Blackwood visit had left a heavy silence hanging over Silverfang territory. The weight of Dorian's words had sunk deep into Elara's mind, leaving her to grapple with the reality of the choices ahead. The Blackwoods were not simply a threat; they were part of something much larger, something ancient and far-reaching. And despite her instincts to resist them, Elara knew that the looming conflict could not be avoided.
The next few days were spent in careful preparation. Elara had always known the world was filled with threats beyond the scope of the Silverfangs, but Dorian had made it clear just how fragile the peace truly was. The forces seeking control over the moon's magic were many, and Elara could feel the pull of destiny tugging her toward something much bigger than the struggles of her pack alone.
"Elara," Rowen's voice broke her thoughts as he approached her, his face grim. "The scouts have returned. We need to talk."
Elara followed Rowen to the campfire where Marek and Erynn had gathered, the firelight flickering in their eyes. "What's happened?"
"More vampires," Erynn said, her eyes narrowed. "They're not from the Blackwoods, but they're definitely not any lesser kind of vampire either. They've been spotted on the outskirts of our territory."
Elara's pulse quickened. "How many?"
"Enough to make us wary," Marek answered, his expression grave. "We need to decide how to handle this. If they are aligned with the Blackwoods—or even if they're just after the moon's power—we'll have to move quickly."
Elara nodded, her thoughts turning back to the Blackwoods' offer. Their power was undeniable, and while Dorian had been arrogant, he had a point: alliances were crucial now. But with this new vampire threat, things were becoming far more complicated.
"We can't afford to underestimate anyone anymore," Elara said, her voice firm. "I'll go meet them."
Rowen immediately stepped forward. "Elara, I understand the need to act quickly, but this is dangerous. Vampires don't move without reason, and if they're gathering near us, it could mean a larger conflict is coming."
Elara met Rowen's gaze. "I know, but we need answers. This could be the opening of something much worse. We can't afford to wait."
Under the cover of night, Elara and her closest allies moved toward the edge of the territory, their senses alert as they approached the area where the vampire scouts had been seen. The forest was dense, the shadows thick and unnerving. Every snap of a twig, every rustle of leaves set Elara's nerves on edge. Vampires were silent, creatures of the night—and these ones were no different.
As they reached the clearing, the moon above shone brighter than ever, casting an eerie glow on the figures that waited for them. Elara felt the pulse of the moon within her, the power at her command, but also the tension of knowing she was walking into a delicate situation.
Out of the shadows stepped a tall, imposing figure. His pale skin gleamed in the moonlight, his eyes glowing a deep crimson. His black clothing was refined, his manner regal, and there was something undeniably dangerous in the air around him.
"Elara Silverfang," the vampire said, his voice deep, cold, but oddly respectful. "I have been expecting you."
Elara stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. "Who are you?"
The vampire smiled, his teeth gleaming. "I am Callum. A member of the Crescens bloodline. And we are here, in this forest, because we have business with you."
Rowen growled, stepping closer to Elara, but she held up a hand to signal him to stop. This wasn't just another skirmish. She needed information, not confrontation.
"Business?" Elara asked, her voice steady. "What kind of business?"
"We have heard whispers, Elara," Callum continued, his eyes flicking over her with calculated interest. "Whispers of the Silverfangs' connection to the moon's power. It's not just the Blackwoods who seek to control this magic. The Crescens have long held an interest in the moon's ancient secrets. And we believe that you and your pack hold the key to unlocking it."
Elara's heart sank. Another faction. Another player in this dangerous game.
"We're not interested in alliances," Elara said sharply. "If the Crescens want the moon's power, they'll have to fight us for it."
Callum chuckled darkly, his gaze piercing. "It's not a fight we want, Elara. We want knowledge, and we are willing to trade for it. You've already fought for the moon's purification. But there's much more to uncover—things that even you cannot yet comprehend."
"And why would I trust you?" Elara shot back. "The Crescens don't do anything without expecting something in return."
Callum's smile faded, replaced with an edge of something darker. "You are right not to trust easily. Few can. But you need allies, Elara. The Blackwoods are not the only ones seeking power. And if you don't align yourself with the right forces, you may find yourself alone in a war you can't win."
Erynn's voice rang out from behind Elara, her tone sharp. "You're playing games with her. Leave our territory."
Elara held her ground. There was something in Callum's words that made her pause. She couldn't let him see her doubt, but his presence felt more like a threat than an offer. The Crescens were ancient, and if they had knowledge of the moon's power—knowledge they were willing to trade—then it was something Elara couldn't afford to ignore.
"We don't want a war," Callum said, his tone shifting again, almost as if trying to placate her. "But we will have one if we must. Think carefully, Elara. The world is shifting, and soon the true battle for the moon will begin."
With a final, lingering glance, Callum turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Elara standing there, her thoughts racing.
"Another one," Rowen muttered, his voice filled with frustration. "How many more of these factions are out there? How many more games do we have to play?"
Elara didn't answer immediately. She was too lost in thought. Callum's words lingered in her mind—The true battle for the moon will begin.
She knew now that the war wasn't just between the Blackwoods and the Silverfangs. It was between every faction that sought to control the moon's power. And Elara was standing in the middle of it.
"We need to go back," Elara said quietly. "There's a lot more at stake here than we realized. And we're going to need all the allies we can get."
But even as she spoke, Elara knew that there was one thing she could not ignore. Dorian Blackwood's warning rang in her mind: Time is running out. They needed to act—before it was too late.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone