Bab 45: Chapter 45: The Crossroads of Fate
The aftermath of the skirmish with the Crescens vampires left the Silverfangs with more questions than answers. The night had been violent, filled with the clash of claws and fangs, magic and strength, but the vampires had retreated—only to regroup and return, more dangerous than before. Elara's pack had taken losses, but they were still strong, still ready to face whatever came next.
As the first light of dawn broke over Silverfang territory, Elara stood in the clearing by the Moonwell once again. The forest around her was eerily quiet, the tension of the previous night still hanging in the air. Her mind raced with the events that had unfolded, the strange and dangerous alliances that were forming around them, and the choices that were yet to be made.
Rowen stepped quietly beside her, his presence calming despite the weight of the situation. "What do we do now?" he asked, his voice soft but filled with determination.
Elara exhaled, her breath visible in the cool morning air. "We prepare," she said, her voice firm. "The Crescens have shown us what they're capable of. But it's not just them we need to worry about. The Blackwoods are waiting, and I have a feeling that soon, we'll be forced to face them directly."
Rowen turned to her, his brow furrowed. "You're not thinking of going to them, are you? After what happened last time?"
Elara's eyes hardened. "I have no choice. The Blackwoods are part of this. And Dorian... he's more involved than we realize. If we want to understand what's really going on, I have to go."
Rowen's expression softened, but his worry was evident. "You're walking a dangerous line, Elara. You're not just playing their game—you're becoming a part of it. Dorian... he'll manipulate you if he can."
"I know," Elara replied quietly, her gaze distant. "But the moon's power... it's connected to something much bigger. And if we don't understand it, we won't be able to protect our pack—or the world—from what's coming."
The weight of the words lingered between them, the gravity of the situation settling heavily in the air.
Blackwood Manor, a towering structure of gothic elegance, stood before Elara like a shadowed monolith. The mansion's spires seemed to pierce the sky, and its dark windows were like eyes watching her every move. The estate was eerily silent as she approached, flanked by Rowen, Marek, and Erynn, all of them ready for what was to come.
Dorian Blackwood had summoned her. But this time, she wasn't going alone—she couldn't afford to be isolated, not in a place so steeped in danger.
The gates creaked open slowly as they stepped onto the estate grounds, and Elara felt the air grow colder, the weight of the place pressing down on her. The Blackwoods were a family built on power and secrecy, and there was no denying the tension in the air.
At the foot of the grand staircase stood Dorian Blackwood, his tall form framed by the faint light of the setting sun. He wore his usual immaculate suit, the fabric dark and brooding, his eyes gleaming as he met Elara's gaze.
"Elara," he said with a smile, his voice smooth and commanding. "I'm glad you've accepted my invitation. I was starting to wonder if you'd be too proud to come."
Elara didn't respond immediately, her eyes scanning the grounds, her senses alert. "I'm here because I have questions," she said firmly. "And you're the one who has answers."
Dorian raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "I'm sure you do, Elara. But answers are not so easily given. Not when there's so much at stake."
Elara stood her ground. "If you think this is about simple answers, you're mistaken. I'm not here to make deals or play games. I'm here to stop whatever it is you and your family are planning."
Dorian's smile faltered, just for a moment, before returning, colder and sharper. "You think this is just about me, don't you?" He stepped closer, his presence almost overwhelming. "The Blackwoods are more than just a family, Elara. We are the ones who control the flow of power, both in the supernatural world and in the human one. The forces you're facing are far greater than anything you've fought before. And the sooner you realize that, the better."
Elara's eyes locked with his. "I'm not afraid of you, Dorian. But if the Blackwoods are involved in this power struggle, then we need to know exactly what you're planning. I won't let your family—or anyone—use the moon's power for your own gain."
Dorian's smile returned, but this time it held no warmth. "We're not here to use the moon's power, Elara. We're here to ensure that it is controlled—to keep it from falling into the wrong hands."
"I don't need your control," Elara snapped. "I need you to tell me the truth. What do you know about the forces that are coming? The ones that want to take the moon's power for themselves?"
Dorian's gaze darkened. "There are many forces, Elara. The Blackwoods are simply one piece of a much larger puzzle. There are others—ancient, powerful beings who have been waiting for this moment. They will stop at nothing to claim the power of the moon, and if we don't act quickly, they will destroy everything in their path."
Elara's pulse quickened. The air around her seemed to thrum with danger. "Then help us," she said, her voice steady despite the fear creeping into her chest. "Help us protect the moon's power. Help us stop them before it's too late."
Dorian stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "You misunderstand. The Blackwoods are not here to protect. We are here to seize power. And if you want to survive this, Elara, you will have to choose a side. The forces that are coming—they will not stop until they have what they want."
Elara stood silent, her heart pounding. The decision was hers. She could refuse Dorian, reject the Blackwoods, and risk a war. Or she could ally with them, play their game, and gain the knowledge she needed to protect her pack. But at what cost?
The weight of the choice pressed on her, and she knew she had no other option but to accept Dorian's invitation. For the sake of her pack—and the world—she had to know everything.
"I'll work with you," she said, her voice low but firm. "But know this, Dorian. I will never bow to you. And I will never let your family control the moon's power."
Dorian's lips curled into a smile, and Elara couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine. "Very well, Elara. The game begins. And we shall see who comes out on top."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone