Chapter 11: Blood Moon Night
1163words
I stood by the Nemeton stump, holding the Shadow Blade, feeling the Blood Moon's energy pulsing in the air. This was the moment we had planned for—Deucalion would certainly try to perform the ritual tonight, and we were ready to stop him.
"I see them," Derek's voice came from another channel, "Kali's leading, with Aiden and two other Alphas following. Deucalion's behind them."
I took a deep breath, feeling the energy within me. The past few weeks of training had given me a deeper understanding of my abilities, but tonight would be the real test.
"Remember the plan," I said into the walkie-talkie, "let them think I'm alone."
"I don't like this plan," Ethan's voice was full of concern, "it's too dangerous."
"It's the only way," I answered firmly, "we need to make Deucalion believe his plan is working."
Through my connection with Ethan, I could feel his fear and worry, but also trust and... love. This feeling gave me strength.
The moonlight grew brighter, the Blood Moon approaching its peak. I stood in the center of the stump, closing my eyes, feeling the energy around me. When I opened my eyes again, five Alphas stood at the edge of the forest clearing, their eyes flashing red.
"Valerie McCall," Deucalion stepped forward, his voice calm yet dangerous, "or should I call you the Shadow Heart heir?"
"You know who I am," I answered, my voice steady, "the question is, why are you here?"
Deucalion smiled, "I think we both know the answer. The Blood Moon is about to reach its peak, and your blood is the key."
"Key?" I pretended to be confused, "What key?"
"Don't pretend," Kali said impatiently, "we know Harris has told you everything."
My expression became wary, "Harris? What does he have to do with this?"
Deucalion's smile widened, "Oh, this is amusing. He hasn't told you his true identity, has he?"
Just then, a familiar voice came from the forest, "I think it's time to reveal the truth."
Harris walked out of the shadows, but his posture and expression were completely different—more confident, more dangerous.
"Adrian," Deucalion nodded in greeting, "everything going according to plan?"
"Of course," Harris answered, then turned to me, "sorry, dear daughter. Some lies are necessary."
I felt a chill, "You... you're with them?"
"Not exactly," Harris explained, "we have a common goal, but different motives. Deucalion wants power, while I want to release Erebus."
"Erebus?" I asked in shock, "The Shadow Wolf? Are you insane? He'll destroy everything!"
Harris shook his head, "No, he will restore order. Dark Druids have been marginalized for too long. Under Erebus's rule, we will regain our rightful place."
I felt the pain and anger of betrayal, "So it was all lies? Your concern, your teaching, even claiming to be my father?"
"Oh, I am your father," Harris said, "that part is true. Eleanor and I did fall in love, you are indeed our daughter. But the rest... yes, mostly to make you trust me, to teach you to control your abilities."
"Why?"
"Because only the blood of a fully awakened Shadow Heart can open the seal," Harris explained, "I needed you to reach the peak of your abilities."
I gripped the dagger tightly, feeling anger and betrayal burning inside me, "You won't succeed."
"It's already too late," Harris said, taking a small device from his pocket and pressing a button.
Suddenly, I felt excruciating pain, the red gem on the dagger beginning to glow. I realized it was a trap—the dagger wasn't meant to help me, but to control me.
"The Shadow Blade indeed can guide the Shadow Heart's abilities," Harris explained, "but it can also be used to control those abilities. Now, your blood will serve a greater purpose."
I struggled to resist the control, but the dagger's power was too strong. I felt my consciousness beginning to blur, my body no longer my own.
Just then, a howl tore through the night. Ethan burst from the forest, his eyes flashing red, lunging at Harris. At the same time, Derek and Scott appeared, battling the other Alphas.
"Now!" Scott shouted.
Stiles and Lydia ran out from the other side, holding bags filled with mountain ash, beginning to form a circle around me.
Harris laughed, "You think this can stop us?"
"No," a new voice said, "but this can."
Chris Argent and Allison walked out from the forest, holding specialized weapons. Allison fired an arrow, precisely hitting the dagger, knocking it from my hand.
In the chaos, Deucalion seized the opportunity, rushing toward me. But Ethan was faster, blocking his path, engaging in fierce combat with Deucalion.
"Valerie," Ethan called out during the fight, "use our connection!"
I understood what he meant. I focused, borrowing Ethan's Alpha power through our emotional bond. Red energy merged with my silver energy, creating a new balance.
I picked up the dagger, this time controlling it, rather than being controlled by it. Energy flowed along the blade, but now it was my will guiding it.
"Enough!" I shouted, my voice filled with authority.
A wave of silver-red energy burst from me, pushing everyone back. The fighting stopped, all eyes on me in shock.
I stood at the center of the stump, my eyes flashing silver-red, the dagger glowing in my hand.
"This ritual ends now," I declared, my voice carrying undeniable authority, "leave this place and never return."
Deucalion stared at me, his expression mixing anger and surprise, "You don't know what you're refusing, Shadow Heart. Your power could change everything."
"It's precisely because I know that I refuse," I answered, "my power belongs to me alone, not to anyone's agenda."
Harris looked both angry and disappointed, "You are my daughter, Valerie. You should stand with me."
"I may have your blood," I said, "but I am not you. My choices define me, not my bloodline."
The Blood Moon reached its peak, energy pulsing in the air. I felt an ancient power calling to me, but I rejected it. Instead, I channeled the energy into the dagger, then plunged it into the stump.
A blinding light erupted, then quickly disappeared. When everyone could see again, the dagger had merged with the stump, only the handle remaining visible.
"The seal has been strengthened," I announced, "Erebus will sleep forever."
Deucalion and the other Alphas backed away, knowing their plan had failed. Harris looked completely broken, his dream shattered before his eyes.
"This won't end," he warned, "some powers can't be sealed forever."
"Perhaps," I answered, "but tonight, balance has been maintained."
As the Alpha pack and Harris left, I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me. I staggered, but Ethan was immediately by my side, supporting me.
"You did it," he said softly, his eyes full of pride and love.
I smiled, feeling the connection between us stronger than ever, "No, we did it."
