I grabbed the test, staring at it, as if it would change. "I’m pregnant," I said, the words sounding strange coming from my own mouth.
I sank down onto the cold floor, my back against the door, gripping the test tightly in my hands. “I’m really pregnant.”
Tears stung my eyes, a mixture of joy, fear, and pure shock. “What do I do now? What do I even say to Orion?”
I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to steady my breath. "Okay, first things first," I whispered to myself. "You tell him, that’s what you do. But not yet."
The thought of telling him now, with everything going on with Marcosias, made my stomach twist. How would he take it? Would he be happy? Worried? Both?
I stood up, wiping my eyes and taking a deep breath. “I have to tell him. But when the time’s right.”
A woman suddenly walked into the restroom. “Luna, we need to talk.”
I tensed, instinctively taking a step back. “Who are you?”
“I’m Elena,” she said, her voice low, urgent. “I’m from Marcosias’ clan.”
My heart raced.A member of Marcosias’ clan? Here?But before I could react, she raised her hands in a gesture of peace.
“I’m not here to hurt you,” she said quickly. “I’m the one who sent you the text last night.”
My eyes widened. “You sent the text?”
“Yes. Marcosias is planning something. Something dark, and you’re at the center of it. But I can help you.”
“Why would you help me?” I asked, my voice sharp with suspicion. “You’re part of his clan.”
Elena’s expression darkened. “I am a member of his clan. But things have changed. I fell in love with a human, and Marcosiaskilled him. He believes werewolf blood should never mix with human blood. He’s a purist, and he’s willing to kill anyone who defies him.”
I blinked, caught off guard by her vulnerability. “So, you’re … you’re doing this for revenge?”
“Yes,” she said, her voice filled with pain. “I want revenge for what he did to the man I loved. I’ll help you, but I need protection. If Marcosias finds out, he’ll kill me, too.”
I studied her, unsure of whether to trust her. Her pain was real, but this could all be a trap.
“What do you know about Marcosias’ plans?”
Elena hesitated, glancing around as if she feared someone might be watching. “He’s planning a ritual, a dark one. It involves ancient magic and blood sacrifices. If he succeeds, he’ll become nearly invincible. You’re a key part of it, Luna. He needs you for the ritual.”
I swallowed hard, fear twisting in my gut. “And you’re sure this isn’t a trap? How do I know I can trust you?”
“I understand your hesitation,” she said quietly. “But I’m risking everything by being here. Marcosias killed the only person I ever loved. I’m not asking you to trust me blindly. I’m asking you to give me a chance to prove myself.”
I bit my lip, torn. If what she said was true, she could be a valuable ally. But I couldn’t ignore the possibility that this was a ploy, a way to get me closer to Marcosias.
“I need time to think,” I said, my voice trembling.
Elena nodded. “I understand. But don’t take too long. Marcosias is moving fast, and we’re running out of time. I’ll find you when the time is right. Don’t look for me.”
Without another word, she left the restroom and disappeared into the crowd, leaving me standing there, reeling from the weight of everything she’d just told me.
I returned to the condo, my mind spinning. The moment I stepped through the door, the visions hit me like a wave, more intense than ever before.
I stood in a clearing, the smell of blood thick in the air, the ground beneath me pulsing with dark energy. Ahead, Marcosias stood at a blood-soaked altar, his eyes glowing, lips chanting ancient words. Hooded figures surrounded him, worshipping the dark magic swirling like a storm.
The altar dripped with fresh blood, the bodies of his victims lying lifeless at its base. My heart pounded, but it was Marcosias who sent true fear through me. He was stronger, more monstrous than before, his power growing with every chant. The earth cracked beneath me, blood tendrils creeping toward my feet, pulling me closer to him. I gasped for air, the stench of death suffocating me.
In the distance, I saw it—a glowing artifact buried in the mountains, the only thing that could stop him. But it was so far away.