Seriously. Will this night ever freaking end?
If the Universe has any say in it, I’m guessing not.
The air hangs heavy with the horrible scent of charred remains and a newfound tension—the latter summoned by the unexpected presence before us.
Stone shifts into a protective stance, positioning himself between me and the newcomer. His body tenses, ready to spring into action at the slightest provocation.
A low growl rumbles through him, barely audible yet unmistakably dangerous. This is another side of him I’ve come to both respect and admire—the warrior lurking beneath the calm exterior.
However, the intensity of it is unmistakable. The Delta ready to defend his Alpha—and something more.
His mate.
Even though I am more than capable of taking care of myself, something in the action makes my blood sing.
As the figure steps further into the moonlight, a delicate dance of shadows and light plays across her features, revealing a woman whose presence seems as ancient as it is compelling.
Her silhouette is framed by the ethereal glow of the moonlight—her clothes whispering tales of forgotten times with their timeless design. The fabric, a blend of deep, earthy tones, moves with a grace that most couldn’t replicate.
I know I couldn’t.
Her dark hair cascades in loose waves, shimmering with hints of silver under the moon’s caress, suggesting wisdom far beyond her serene, unlined face.
As she steps closer, my initial alarm gives way to curiosity. She’s alone, and there’s something about her—an air of calm authority and a touch of undeniable power—that makes me pause.
Something in me recognizes her strength.
However, I can’t help but glance back at the Highlander, where Asher and Avery sit wide-eyed, watching through the partially rolled-down window of the back seat.
They both vie for space to see out, probably trying to make sense of what they’re seeing. Their pale faces are a silent reminder of what’s at stake—of the need to tread carefully.
I reach for Stone, placing my hand on his arm in a silent plea to stand down.
“Who are you?” I ask, stepping around him.
“My name is Isolde.” Her gaze flits between us, carrying a weight of wisdom and untold secrets. “I mean no harm,” she says, and there’s a sincerity in her eyes that forces an exhale of relief from my lungs. “I’m here because I felt a disturbance and felt compelled to investigate. The energy tonight was... tumultuous.”
I can’t help the snort that escapes me. “Tumultuous is one word for it.” I glance at the remains of my home, then back at her.
She has power—that’s for sure.
“Are you a… a witch? A psychic?” I ask, hoping she says no. The last thing we need is for one of Andres’ witches worming their way into things.
Isolde’s lips curve into a small smile, but it doesn’t quite reach her dark eyes. “Something like that. I have... abilities. Sensitivities to the energies of the world.”
What if she’s with the group that helped Andres? Stone asks through our mental connection, even though his gaze remains trained on Isolde.
I tip my chin, the movement barely noticeable to anyone but him.
I was just wondering the same thing, I respond.
Stone’s still on high alert, but I can tell he’s as curious as I am.
“And you just happened to be in the neighborhood?” he presses.
“I was drawn here,” she explains, her gaze drifting over the wreckage. “Events like these, they send ripples through the ether. I came to see if I could help.”
The idea of accepting help from a stranger, especially now, sends its own ripple through me. It’s one of unease more than anything else. But then I remember Alanna, and how her unexpected aid turned the tide for us tonight.
Not everyone with powers different from my own is a danger to our peace.
“What kind of help are you offering?” I ask, narrowing my gaze at the question.
Isolde glances between us again, clearly torn.
Suddenly, the soft chime of my phone breaks the tension. A glance reveals a text from Asher, sent from the backseat of the Highlander.
It’s a small gesture, but it speaks volumes about the worry they’re both feeling, cooped up and watching from a distance. Somehow, though, they’re still ready to leap into action if needed.
I send a quick text back.
Then I focus my attention back on the woman before us.
She eyes my movement as I tuck my phone back into my pocket.“Since I can see that everyone is alright, all I can offer presently is information. Insights, I suppose. There is more at play here than meets the eye. I’m sure you feel it, too.”
Stone and I exchange a significant glance. The lines on his face harden but he shrugs imperceptibly.
Information is power, especially in our world. Especially right now when it seems as though everyone has secrets.
But trust is hard to come by. After everything we’ve been through today, it might just be damn near impossible.
“Why should we trust you?” Stone’s question is blunt but necessary. And one I was about to ask, myself.
“Because I believe we’re on the same side,” Isolde says simply. “And I believe I can help you understand some of the forces you’re up against. Do with it as you will. I’m really fine either way.”
Her offer hangs in the air between us, tempting and terrifying in equal measure.
Part of me wants to dismiss her, to protect the fragile security we have left. But another part, the part that’s still reeling from tonight’s revelations and the prophecy Clementine hinted at, is desperate for any shred of understanding.
“Alright,” I say finally, the word feeling like a leap of faith. “Talk.”
Isolde nods, stepping closer but maintaining a respectful distance. “From what I can sense, the attack tonight wasn’t just about power or revenge—though there are elements of that mixed in. However, there’s a deeper game being played—one that’s tied to ancient magics and long-standing feuds. And you, Ella, are at the heart of it.”
My mouth drops open. “H—how do you know my name?”
Isolde’s smile deepens—no longer just a polite curve but a knowing, almost mischievous expression. “Word travels fast in our circles. Your rise to Alpha, the changes you’ve already ushered in. Your... unique situation with Stone.” She gives a slight nod toward him, acknowledging his significance without spelling it out. “It’s made you quite the topic of conversation in many circles. Mine included.”
Stone’s stance relaxes ever so slightly, but the tension in his jaw tells me he’s far from happy about it.
“And what’s your interest in all this?” he probes, the tone of his voice a mix of skepticism and curiosity.
“I seek balance, nothing more,” Isolde begins, her gaze turning toward the night sky, where the moon hangs, a silent witness to our exchange. “The events transpiring here, they threaten to disrupt more than just your lives and your pack dynamic. They have the potential to unsettle the balance of this world.”
I exchange a look with Stone, trying to gauge his thoughts. The idea that our pack turmoil could have such far-reaching consequences is both terrifying and kinda hard to believe.
Then again, the night’s events have already stretched the limits of what I thought possible.
“Balance would be nice,” I echo, my voice laced with incredulity and interest. “How do you propose to restore it?”
Isolde’s eyes lock with mine, and in them, I see a depth of knowledge and pain that resonates with my own. “By offering guidance, for starters. The path you’re on is fraught with danger—not just from Andres but from forces beyond him. Forces that would love to see the world plunged into chaos.”
The air around us seems to grow colder, and I wrap my arms around my torso. Stone steps closer, allowing his heat to radiate into me. His protective aura is a tangible force, but Isolde’s words weave a spell of their own, drawing us into her strange and disturbing narrative.
“And you just want to help us?” Stone’s skepticism hasn’t waned, but his interest is definitely piqued. “What’s the catch?”
“No catch,” Isolde assures, though her smile suggests complexities she’s unwilling to divulge and we have yet to understand. “But cooperation. A mutual understanding. I can provide insights, warnings, and maybe even solutions. But I need to know you’re willing to listen—to consider paths you might not have thought of.”
The significance of her offer sits heavily between us. It’s a strange twisted lifeline, and one that comes with its own set of unknowns. Yet, as I look at Stone, with his silent strength and unwavering support, and then back at the mysterious woman before us, I realize if she knows more about what’s happening, then we don’t have much of a choice.
The game has changed, and with it, the rules.
We need to take Andres down, but if there’s a bigger player, then we need to know that, too. Need to be ready for them.
“Okay,” I say, more to Stone than to Isolde. “We’ll listen. But understand this,” my gaze sharpens as I lock eyes with her, “if your help comes at a cost to my pack, or to my family, the deal’s off.” I release a hint of my Alpha power, ensuring the snap of the words relays the malice I’d unleash if it came to that.
Isolde nods, her acceptance of our terms almost regal.
“There’s something I feel it’s my duty to make you aware of,” she says, her voice lowering, drawing us in.
Stone and I exchange another wary glance but stay silent, our attention fixed on her.
“It’s about the Breath of Selene,” Isolde continues, her eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. She’s gauging our reaction by the looks of it—testing to see if we’ve heard of it. “It’s reemerged, and its power is... formidable.”
The name sends a shiver of confusion through me.
“The Breath of what now?” I ask, my frown deepening.
This is the first I’m hearing of it, and from the look on Stone’s face, he’s just as in the dark.
Isolde’s gaze softens, as if she understands our perplexity but knows this is information that holds power. “The Breath of Selene is an ancient artifact—one of immense power and deep connection to the moon’s energies. It was once a very important source of power for the wolves. It’s been lost for centuries, but recent... disturbances suggest it’s resurfaced. It’s possible others have been hunting for it if this energetic disturbance isn’t coming from you two.”
“Who’s been hunting for it?” I press, my heart beating like a drum in my chest. Andres?
She shrugs. “That I do not know. Only that it’s possible others are on the move.”
The weight of her words settles over us like a cloak, heavy and ominous.
An ancient artifact—powerful and tied to the moon? Is this part of the prophecy?
“I still don’t understand why you’re telling us any of this?” Stone’s voice is guarded.
“Because,” Isolde says, turning to leave but not before giving us a look that’s both warning and plea, “as I stated before, we are on the same side. Whoever controls the Breath of Selene could wield untold power. I would hate for it to end up in the wrong hands.”
“How do you know we’re the right hands?” Stone asks, his question pointed enough for Isolde to take a small step back.
“I don’t,” she whispers. Then, as if receiving a thought from outside herself, she takes another step back. “I really must go—but I’ll be in touch.”
With that, she disappears into the shadows, almost as if she controls them, leaving us with a brand new pile of questions and a new, uneasy awareness.
Stone and I stand in silence for a moment, the implications of her words sinking in.
The Breath of Selene—an ancient artifact with untold power.
Would it be a game-changer? Could acquiring it help us win the fight against Andres and ensure no other pack tried to make a move on my territory—or my kids?
“We need to learn more about this Breath thing,” I say finally, the resolve in my voice somehow quelling the turmoil inside. “Before Andres—or anyone else—gets hold of it.”
“We will,” he assures me, his gaze scanning the darkness where Isolde vanished. “Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,” I agree.
As we head back to the car, the night feels different—charged with a daunting realization that there’s so much more about this supernatural world than meets the eye.
The Breath of Selene, whatever it is, has just added another layer to an already complex puzzle.
And, as always, we’re right in the center of it.