Blocked Path

The sky turned pink and gold as the sun rose over the healing tent. Elias sat by the window and watched the light push the darkness away. It had been a rough night for him. He was having strange thoughts about that woman with the glowing white hair.

Seraphina put a bowl of fruit next to him and said, "You should eat something."

Elias answered, "I'm not hungry," keeping his eyes on the horizon. "How can I eat when my life is being decided for me?"

Her violet eyes were full of worry as she sat next to him. "Sorry, Eli. I should have told you that a deal was possible.

"Did you know?" Elias turned to her, searching her face for the truth.

"No, but I heard whispers. Old wolves talking about deals made before our parents died." She took his hand. "I didn't want to worry you with rumors."

Before Elias could reply, the tent flap opened and Elder Moira entered. "It's time," she said softly. "The council is meeting to discuss the terms of the Trial."

Elias stood, straightening his shoulders. "I should be there."

"You will be," Elder Moira nodded. "They wish to see you."

The walk to the meeting tent felt like the longest of Elias's life. Wolves stopped to stare as he passed, their whispers following him like ghosts. Some looked at him with sorrow, others with fear.

The council tent stood in the center of the camp, bigger than the others and decorated with ancient symbols of the packs. Inside, twelve leaders sat in a circle, with Darius and Kael standing on opposite sides.

Kael's golden eyes found Elias instantly, and that strange pull tugged at Elias's heart again. He looked tired but alert, like a fighter ready for battle.

Darius, by contrast, seemed perfectly at ease. His silver hair was neatly combed, and his icy blue eyes gleamed with confidence. "Ah, the guest of honor arrives," he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Elias Nightshade," the head elder spoke. "Do you understand why you have been summoned?"

"To watch my future be decided for me," Elias said, unable to keep the bitterness from his voice.

A murmur ran through the meeting. The head elder frowned. "Mind your tone, young one. We follow the old rules to protect the peace."

"What peace?" Elias pressed. "The one where Omegas have no choice?"

"Enough," Darius cut in. "This display only proves why Omegas need direction. His power is shaky."

Kael growled, the sound rumbling through the tent. "His power is his own. And he's right to question rules that treat him like property."

The council shifted uncomfortably. One adult, a woman with steel-gray hair, spoke up. "The trial must proceed according to tradition, but perhaps we can allow the Omega some input on the challenges."

"Absolutely not," Darius protested. "The trial must be pure."

"I agree with Elder Lyra," Kael said, shocking everyone. "If this is truly about finding the best match for Elias, then his voice matters."

Elias felt a rush of thankfulness toward Kael. At least someone in this room saw him as a person, not a prize.

"Very well," the head elder admitted. "Elias Nightshade, what challenge would you propose for the first trial?"

Elias thought quickly. He needed a test that would show the truth about both Alphas. "A truth spell," he said firmly. "Each contestant must answer three questions under a truth spell."

Darius's confident smile faltered for the first time. "That's not a traditional challenge."

"Are you afraid of the truth, Frostveil?" Kael asked, his eyes glinting with dare.

"Of course not," Darius shot back. "I simply respect tradition."

The head leader considered this. "A truth spell is rare but not without precedent. The trial is meant to try worthiness, and honesty is worthy. We accept this challenge."

Relief washed over Elias. At least now he might get some answers.

"The trial will begin at midnight by the sacred pool," the head elder announced. "Each Alpha will answer three questions chosen by the council."

"Wait," Elias interrupted. "I should be able to ask at least one question of each."

The council exchanged looks. Finally, Elder Lyra nodded. "One question from the Omega, two from the council. That is fair."

As they left the council room, Darius caught up to Elias, gripping his arm. "Clever move, little Omega, but it won't save you from your destiny."

"Let go of him," Kael growled, appearing beside them.

"Or what?" Darius smiled coldly. "Would you break ceremony law by attacking me?"

"I don't need to attack you," Kael answered calmly. "Your own words will condemn you tonight."

Darius's grip stiffened for a moment before he released Elias. "We'll see who stands convicted when the truth comes out, Stormcrest. Some secrets are better left hidden." His gaze flickered meaningfully to Kael's back, where the hidden runes lay beneath his clothes.

After Darius walked away, Elias turned to Kael. "What did he mean by that?"

Kael's face darkened. "Everyone has secrets, Elias. Mine are no exception."

"Will I hear them tonight?" Elias asked.

"Some," Kael admitted. "But not all stories can be told in three questions."

Before Elias could reply, a commotion broke out at the edge of the camp. Wolves were gathering, looking at the sky. Above them, storm clouds had emerged from nowhere, swirling in an unnatural pattern.

"That's not possible," Seraphina said, joining them. "It was clear just moments ago."

A bolt of silver lightning struck the ground in the middle of the camp, leaving a strange mark burned into the earth—a crescent moon with a star inside.

Elder Moira pushed through the crowd, her face pale. "The Mark of Aelara," she whispered, falling to her knees. "The goddess returns."

The air shimmered, and a woman with flowing white hair appeared beside the spot. She was beautiful and frightening, her eyes shifting colors like a kaleidoscope.

"The time of choosing approaches," she stated, her voice echoing strangely. "But beware—one among you serves the shadow." Her gaze swept over the crowd, pausing first on Darius, then on Kael, and finally on Elias. When their eyes met, Elias felt a jolt of recognition.

"The woman from my vision," he gasped.

The goddess smiled, and then she disappeared as quickly as she had appeared. The storm clouds dissipated, leaving only the strange mark as proof she had been there.

In the stunned silence that followed, Darius's words rang out: "The first trial begins at midnight. And when it's done, Elias Nightshade, you'll know exactly where you belong—with me."

Elias looked up at Kael, whose golden eyes had turned stormy with worry. "What just happened?"

"The prophecy," Kael said quietly. "It's beginning."

And somehow, Elias knew their lives would never be the same again.