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CHAPTER 5

The Disclosure

My senses were pricked awake by the subtle aroma of flowers and spices in a dimly lit room. With my head still foggy from the incident at the eastern border, it took me a while to get my bearings. The memories came flooding back: the appearance of that alien thing, the shaking ground, and the poachers. I sat up and looked around, my heart pounding.

The timber walls were embellished with a variety of therapeutic plants that hung from the rafters. It was a haven for healers, a place with a tranquil atmosphere that uplifted and calmed me. However, a terrible coldness swept over me as I glanced down at my hands. Their bodies were shaking.

"Luna?" I was startled out of my reverie by a strong voice, and as I looked around, I saw Kai standing at the doorway, his outline defined by the low light. Even in the darkness, he exuded warmth and power, a ray of hope that made my heart skip a beat.

"What took place?" My voice was tremulous as I asked. "The poachers... the creature..."

Kai entered with a worried expression on his face. You passed out. The beast's energy was too much to handle. You had to be carried here by me.

I remembered how I had attempted to summon whatever force I sensed rising within me, and I gazed down with a racing heart. “I didn’t mean to.

His voice was forceful but soft as he interjected, "It's okay." "Luna, you did well. You stood up for yourself and assisted us in facing them. Few people are able to handle the strain of the circumstance.

I looked him in the eye and remarked, "But I felt something… like a surge of energy." "I've never encountered anything like that. It seemed to be a part of me, and I felt a connection to it.

Something unfamiliar flickered over Kai's face as his eyes darkened a little. "You might not know how powerful that relationship is. I felt that you and the beast were connected. However, I need you to realize that this is uncharted ground for us both.

"A bond?" I repeated, my thoughts racing. However, I'm not I can't really recall anything. How am I able to connect with something so strong?

He moved closer, his intensity enveloping me like a shroud as he continued, "It might be connected to your past." There's more to you than just healing; you're more than that. Something old.

A mixture of curiosity and terror sent a chill down my spine. "What do you mean?"

As though gathering his thoughts, he inhaled deeply. Mates are more than just companions on our planet. Their spirits are connected by a common link. I believe... Although you are still figuring out who you are, I believe I may have a connection with you.

Everything else briefly vanished as his words lingered in the atmosphere. His news hit me so hard that I was hardly able to breathe. Did Kai, the Alpha, realize that we were mates? But I felt lost and bewildered, a stranger in this body.

With a tinge of worry building in my chest, I said, "Kai, I'm not ready for that." "At this point, I have no idea who I am. How can I be a partner for someone?

His voice was calm and steady as he replied, "I won't rush you." However, I need you to realize the importance of what's taking place. Given the difficulties that lie ahead, this relationship may prove to be crucial for us both.

"Difficulties?" With a knot in my gut, I asked.

With a solemn gaze, he nodded. "Luna, we are at war. The poachers are hunting werewolves for fun in addition to stealing our land. They are vicious and will not give up until they have obtained what they desire. We must exert every last bit of our might.

I felt a chill of fear come over me. Something flickered inside of me, pulsing in sync with my heartbeat, and I couldn't deny it. But was I really strong enough to take on such a threat?

With a renewed sense of resolve, I said, "Then I'll do whatever it takes." "Even though I can't recall my past, I refuse to let fear control my future."

I noticed pride gleaming in Kai's eyes as his lips formed a little grin. Luna, that's the spirit. Together, we will train. You'll discover how to use your skills and access the power you sensed. As a team, we will confront this menace together.

"Partners..." The connotation of the term hung in the air. The notion made my heart skip a beat. "What if I am unable to accomplish it? What if my strength is insufficient?

"You underestimate your strength," he remarked, taking a step forward. "I have witnessed it in you. And keep in mind that I'll be at your side no matter what happens between us if you ever question yourself.

I felt a warm hug from his words, and I couldn't help but wonder if they were true. Could I really fit in with this group, become a part of his life? Even though I was plagued by uncertainty, I couldn't deny the fire in my chest.

Before I could reply, the moment was cut short by a loud bang that reverberated throughout the room.

A voice outside yelled, "Alpha Kai!" with a tone of urgency. At the training grounds, you are needed. The pack is meeting together. It concerns the poachers.

Kai looked back at me, his face grave again. Luna, stay put for the time being. I will return shortly. Try to get some rest, please.

I said, "I will," but the idea of his going broke my heart.

I took a minute to gather my thoughts as he left the room. The air hung heavily with the weight of what Kai had disclosed. A link between mates? Power I don't understand? The poachers' imminent threat? I had to quickly discover who I was and what I could do.

I inhaled deeply as I felt the energy within me calm down and become open to exploration. As I concentrated, I noticed a gentle glow all about me, a reflection of the bond I had previously had with that creature. It was more than simply mending; it was a power that throbbed with possibilities.

At that moment, the door opened once again, and Mira, the healer I had seen before, walked in. Her presence was soothing as she smiled softly.

"How are you feeling, Luna?" In a calming tone, she inquired.

I said, attempting to sound more assured than I actually was, "I'm… okay, I think." "Kai just shared with me the poaching situation and the connection he feels between us."

A knowing smile appeared on Mira's face as her eyes expanded a little. "Oh, so you know already. That connection may provide tremendous strength and is a unique gift. However, there is a duty as well. You have to accept it.

In a barely audible murmur, I said, "I don't even know who I am." "How can I accept something that seems so alien to me?"

"Luna, it's a part of you," she murmured, taking a step forward. Accept the unknown. Despite the ambiguity surrounding your history, you still possess the core of who you are. We'll assist you in finding it.

I nodded slowly as my optimism began to flare once again. "I want to get stronger and help." I can't watch while the pack is put in peril.

"Good," Mira responded, her face taking on a determined look. "Especially at this time, we need more healers like you. You'll need to put in the necessary training, but you have the potential to be among the strongest in this group. You must develop self-control over your skills.

With my determination growing, I responded, "Let's do it then." "Teach me."

Mira grinned, full of vitality. "Great. Come with me. I have several methods that can assist you better channel your energy and heal. Now is the moment to realize your full potential.

The sun was low in the sky as we went outdoors, giving the training fields a golden glow. I could see the pack members huddled together, their faces displaying a mix of worry and resolve. Kai commanded attention with his authoritative presence in the front.

When I saw him, my heart grew, a glimmer of warmth lighting up at the memory of our relationship. I was ready to assert my position among these warriors and protectors by entering their world.

However, my heart fell as a low growl came from the treeline, just as I was starting to feel like I belonged. I looked in the direction of the sound, and there were more figures dark forms that made my spine tingle hiding in the darkness.

"Luna!" The desperation in Kai's voice was audible. "Return!"

The shadows rushed forward, exposing a group of threatening creatures mutated wolves, their eyes flashing with malice before I could even respond. I felt a wave of panic as they moved forward, snapping and growling, prepared to strike.

The air exploded with energy as I started to realize how serious the situation was, and I sensed a tremendous strength building inside of me that was just waiting to be let go. Would that be sufficient, though?

I could hear the animals howling, and as I turned to face the approaching mayhem, I became aware that I was on the brink of a conflict that might alter the course of history. Would I rise to the challenge, or would I once more be overcome by the ghosts of my past?

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