Page 41 of Night with a Gamma
“It’s a stone, deep blue in color, and it radiates this… energy. We thought it might be something to do with the old Sweet River legend about a hidden power,” the warrior continues, excitement lacing his words. “We brought it back to show the Alpha.”
Harrison’s brows furrow. “We should go see it.”
“Agreed,” I say, my curiosity piqued despite the unease still gnawing at my gut. “Let’s find Alpha Wyatt.”
As we follow the young warriors through the halls, the atmosphere shifts from festive to tense. The gathering is still being prepared, but whispers of the artifact ripple through the crowd, drawing attention. It feels as if the very air is charged with anticipation, and I can sense the flickering shadows lurking just at the edges of our collective consciousness.
When we reach the Alpha’s office, I find Alpha Wyatt standing with a few members of the pack council, examining the stone carefully. It rests on a wooden table, gleaming underthe warm glow of the lamps. It’s mesmerizing, a deep azure hue, almost like the ocean at midnight, and I can feel the magic radiating from it, intertwining with the energy in the room.
“Wren, Harrison,” Alpha Wyatt greets us, his expression serious. “You need to see this.”
I step closer, my heart racing as I peer at the stone. It seems to pulsate with life, shadows dancing across its surface. I close my eyes for a moment, reaching out with my magic, trying to read the aura surrounding it. It feels ancient and powerful, but there’s an undertone of darkness wrapped in this glowing light — an unsettling imbalance that sends a shiver down my spine.
“What do you sense?” Harrison asks, leaning in beside me, his presence grounding me.
“It feels… conflicted,” I answer slowly, opening my eyes. “There’s power here, but it’s tainted. It could be dangerous.”
Wyatt nods, his jaw tight. “We need to understand what we’re dealing with. This could be a key to something much larger, or it could be a threat we can’t ignore.”
The few council members murmur among themselves, and I can feel the weight of their worry. “We should perform a ritual,” I suggest, feeling the urgency in my bones. “If it’s magical, I might be able to uncover its true nature or purpose.”
“Agreed,” Wyatt replies, his authoritative tone bringing no argument. “Wren, you’ll lead the ritual. Gather what you need and prepare.”
Harrison’s eyes widen at my side, a mix of pride and concern flashing across his face. “Are you sure you’re ready for this, Little Bird?” he asks, his voice low.
“I have to be,” I respond, determination settling in my chest. “If there’s even a chance this stone is dangerous, we need to know.”
As I make my way out of the office, I feel the weight of responsibility resting on my shoulders. The whispers ofthe shadows grow louder in my mind, urging me to proceed cautiously. I can’t shake the feeling that this artifact is a harbinger of something more significant — and potentially more sinister.
In the quiet of the Pack House, I gather the supplies I need for the ritual: white candles, herbs, and a small bowl of moon water. My thoughts swirl with the possibilities, the weight of the task ahead pressing down on me. With each item I collect, I can feel the magic within me stirring, igniting a fire that blazes brightly in my core.
When I return to the main hall, I find it transformed. The warriors have set up an area for the ritual, clearing space and creating an atmosphere of reverence. The flickering candlelight dances in the shadows, and the air is thick with anticipation.
Harrison stands at my side, his eyes filled with unwavering support. “You’ve got this, mate,” he whispers, squeezing my hand.
I take a deep breath, centering myself. “I know, honey,” I reply, my voice steady. “With you here, I can do anything.”
As I step into the circle of light they’ve created, I can feel the energy swirling around me, a tangible force that pulses with life. I arrange the candles in a circle around the stone, their flames flickering in unison, creating a warm glow that pushes back the shadows.
“Everyone, please focus your energy on the stone,” I instruct, my voice carrying through the hall. “We need to unite our intentions and open ourselves to the truth.”
The warriors gather around, forming a tight circle, their eyes fixed on the stone. I close my own eyes, allowing the magic to flow through me, connecting with each person in the circle. I can feel their energy intertwining with mine, creating a tapestry of strength and purpose.
“Moon Goddess, guide us,” I whisper, summoning the power of the night. “Show us the truth hidden within this artifact. Lend us your knowing sight.”
As the words leave my lips, I open my eyes and gaze at the stone. It shimmers in response, the deep blue hue intensifying, radiating waves of energy that pulse through the air. I can feel the magic vibrating beneath my skin, a connection that transcends the physical realm.
Suddenly, the stone erupts in a brilliant light, illuminating the entire hall. Gasps echo around us as the energy surges, enveloping us in a cocoon of warmth and power. Shadows flicker at the edges of the light, writhing and twisting as if trying to escape.
“Stay focused!” I call out, my voice rising above the chaos. “Don’t let the shadows distract you!”
The warriors concentrate, their faces set with determination. I can feel their energy merging with mine, amplifying the power of the ritual. The stone is alive with magic, and I can sense the depths of its history — echoes of power long forgotten, tales of triumph and tragedy.
Visions swirl before my eyes, fragments of memories that are not my own. I see a time before the packs were divided, where witches and shifters lived in harmony, united by a shared purpose. But then, darkness creeps in — betrayal, greed, and a thirst for power that splits them apart.
I gasp, the weight of the vision crashing down on me. “It’s a relic of an ancient war,” I murmur, struggling to hold onto the thread of understanding. “It was used to seal away a great magic. One that can break or heal bonds given by the Goddess herself.”
The shadows grow bolder, swirling around the edges of the light, their whispers rising to a crescendo. I can feel their cold tendrils reaching for me, trying to pull me into their depths.“No!” I shout, pushing back with my magic, drawing on the strength of the warriors around me.
