Chapter 9: Blood Moon Prophecy
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"My name is Adrian Harris," the man says calmly, "I am a druid, and an old friend of Eleanor McCall."
I look at this stranger in shock, "You knew my mother?"
Harris nods, his eyes flashing with complex emotions, "Very well. In fact, we were once very... close."
The atmosphere in the room suddenly becomes more tense. I feel a strange premonition, as if I'm about to hear a truth that changes everything.
"Why are you only appearing now?" I question.
"Because the time has come," Harris answers, "the Blood Moon is approaching, and your abilities have awakened. Eleanor wanted me to find you at the appropriate time, to guide you."
"Guide me in what?"
"How to truly become a Shadow Heart," Harris says, "how to master your abilities, rather than being mastered by them."
Derek steps forward, "Why should we believe you?"
Harris smiles, "Because I know what's hidden in the pendant Eleanor left for Valerie."
I instinctively touch the wolf pendant on my chest, "This is just a memento."
"No," Harris shakes his head, "it's a key. Open it, and you'll find the truth."
I hesitantly remove the pendant, examining it carefully. I never noticed, but the wolf's jaw seems movable. When I gently press it, the pendant opens, revealing a small piece of parchment hidden inside.
I unfold the parchment, seeing my mother's familiar handwriting:
Dear Valerie:
If you're reading this, it means Adrian has found you. Trust him, he will teach you things I couldn't. But remember, the final choice is yours. Blood doesn't determine destiny, only the heart can.
Always loving you,
Mom
I look up at Harris, my eyes full of questions, "This proves nothing. You might have peeked at this pendant."
"I know what Eleanor's first lesson to you was," Harris says calmly, "'Observe the prey's breathing, because lies will change its rhythm.' Am I right?"
This is a private memory between me and my mother, no one knows about it. I feel shocked.
"Who are you really?" I ask again, my voice trembling.
Harris takes a deep breath, "I am your real father, Valerie."
The room falls silent. Scott looks completely shocked, Derek and Ethan exchange a wary look, and Stiles' mouth drops open.
"Impossible," I shake my head, "my father is Rafael McCall."
"Rafael is your legal father," Harris explains, "but not your biological father. Eleanor and I knew each other before she married Rafael. We... fell in love. But my identity made it impossible for us to be together."
"What identity?" Derek questions.
Harris looks at Derek, "I am a Dark Druid, Mr. Hale. Your father knew me."
Derek's expression becomes more wary, "Dark Druids have no place in Beacon Hills."
"That was the case in the past," Harris admits, "but times have changed. The Blood Moon is approaching, and my daughter needs my guidance."
I feel dizzy, it's too much information. I always thought I was Rafael McCall's daughter, Scott's half-sister. Now I discover my father is a Dark Druid, meaning I'm not even related to Scott.
"If you really are my father," I finally say, "then my abilities... don't just come from the Shadow Heart bloodline?"
Harris nods, "Your mother was the last Shadow Heart, and I am a Dark Druid. This combination created unprecedented power. That's why Deucalion so desperately wants your blood."
"Why should I believe you?" I ask, my voice firm, "Why are you only appearing now?"
"Because Eleanor asked me to keep my distance, until necessary," Harris explains, "she wanted you to have a normal life. But now your abilities have awakened, you need to learn how to control them, or they will control you."
