Ashes of the Moon

Scene 1: The Cursed Forest that is outside Silverpine Pack







There was moonlight dripping through the broken canopy like it was blood coming out of an old wound.



The forest was silent. It was so silent that even the wind dared not speak. Alpha Kael Thorne is standing at the edge of the cliff, where the trees were twisted like gnarled hands which reached out for forgotten gods. His boots were drenched in dried mud, his coat was heavy with dew. The full moon loomed above, but his eyes were pale gray and dulled. It reflected nothing.





Kael had not felt its pull in years.





Seven winters had passed since the fire. Seven years since Liora. Since his wolf went silent.



He did not blink as the wind blew the scent of pine and ash across his face.



Behind him came soft, hesitant footsteps. It belongs to the only wolf in the pack who still dared approach him.



"Alpha." Elder Maelin's voice had the weight of age. "The stones are glowing again."



Kael did not turn. "They have glowed before."



"Not like this one, the markings, the runes that have not burned in centuries past are now alive. The Moonborn Prophecy is stirring."





"I don't care," Kael murmured. "That prophecy died with her."



Maelin stepped in beside him. His white hair was glistening in the moonlight. "You think your mate was the end of the prophecy? She was just a spark, not a flame."



Kael's jaw clenched. "I buried the flame in the same pit where I lost my wolf."





"Perhaps your wolf is waiting for you to rise again."



"Don't speak of him," Kael snapped. "He is gone, a hollowed shell is all that is left."



Maelin did not flinch. "A hollow shell can still echo, Alpha. And sometimes, echoes carry the truth."





Kael's fists clenched at his sides. "Do you know what it is like to hear nothing? No whisper. No growl. Just silence."





"I know your grief," Maelin said softly. "I know the taste of ashes which you get in your mouth every time you breathe, but I also know this, that your mate would not want you to waste your soul chasing after shadows."





Kael laughed bitterly- "Shadows are all that I have left."





A howl broke the air. It was sharp, urgent.





Maelin and Kael turned at once.





"That is the sound of the patrol," Kael muttered.



Maelin narrowed his eyes toward the eastern treeline. "Something is wrong. Did you notice that it was Drex's voice?"





Kael did not wait, he was already moving.









Scene 2: The Eastern Border of the Silver Pine Territory.







The patrol circle was making so much noise that Kael stormed into the clearing. Wolves shifted back into human form, their blood-stained claws and faces were tight with alarm. At the center of this group lay a figure that was crumpled, burned, and unconscious.





Kael stopped immediately in his tracks the moment he perceived the scent.





The scent hit him like it was a storm.



Fire, burnt but not destroyed, rebirths. Wild, radiant, it was all familiar.





The familiar scent of moonflowers after the rain.





"No". His voice broke out, but no one answered him.





Drex stepped forward, he was still panting. She just appeared outside the eastern border. Collapsed. No one had seen her before.





"She smells like the forest after a heavy flash of lightning," muttered Siva, one of the younger guards. "But there is no sign of any fight.





"She is a rogue," someone whispered behind them.





"No," Kael said hoarsely; he quickly pushed past all of them.





He noticed that the girl's skin was blistered at the shoulders, soot clinged to her silver-blonde hair. Her dress was torn and blackened at the sides like it had been scorched by a fire that razed her from within. Her lips were pale, but her face looked somewhat. It appeared delicate. She has a high cheekbone on which there is a scar which is just below her left eye.





Kael dropped to his knees, his hands were trembling as he proceeded to touch her. Something about her felt like it was talking to him from another life.





"Don't touch her, Alpha," Drex said cautiously. We don't know who.





Kael's fingers brushed her arm.





A jolt struck him so hard that he gasped.





Thump.





His heart lurched.





Thump-thump.





All this was a growl that rumbled from deep in his chest. It was low, primal, and alive.





His eyes widened, while his hands shook vigorously.





And then he heard the voice from deep within him. It was a familiar one that had been buried for seven years.





"She is ours."





Kael reeled back, his breath was ragged at that moment.





My wolf- he whispered, this is what he never expected to hear at that moment, so he stared down at his own hands as if they were not really his own.





The girl stirred at that moment, a faint whimper escaping her lips.





"Did you hear that?" Siva asked no one in particular, but he was glancing around as he spoke.





Kael did not answer his question, rather his gaze was locked on the girl's face as her eyes fluttered open. They were deep violet, ancient and haunted eyes.





She blinked once, and then she whispered, but her voice was barely audible.





"Kael." She called his name.





This prompted immediate gasps from everyone that heard her tiny words.





Kael's heart stopped at that moment.





He leaned closer to her, now stunned. "How do you know my name?"





But Aeryn's eyes had already closed again.





Drex stepped forward. All of this shook him as well as the others. What the hell is going on?





Kael stood slowly, his body was still humming with power.





He turned toward the others, his eyes had gold flickering in the irises. Some of the others blinked repeatedly at this spark because it was the first spark of color in seven years.





"Get her to the healer," he said. "I will not entertain any questions or hesitations. She will stay under my protection."





Siva hesitated. "But Alpha, what if she is dangerous?"





Kael's growl silenced him.





"She is mine."





Maelin arrived some moments later. His breath was sharp. He stared at Kael's glowing eyes and let out a long, shaky breath.





"Your wolf..."





Kael could not look away from the girl throughout the exchange, his eyes were still on her as he spoke."





Maelin's eyes were filled with something that had not been there in years. He now had hope.





"She might be the one whom the prophecy spoke of."





Kael shook his head. "My guts tells me that she is more than that."





Finally, he turned away from the girl, facing the forest again, the moon at his back.





"She is the one who woke me."





As the patrol began to move, Kael felt a crackle of heat behind him.





He turned just in time to see a faint brand that appeared on the girl's back. It was an ancient sigil which glowed faintly through the fabric she wore, but it was shaped like a crescent moon that was surrounded by flame.





And in the trees beyond, something was watching all that happened. The thing was hidden by the shadow.



Its eyes were burning red as it smiled.

Scene one : The Healer's Chamber, Silverpine Pack






The scent of burnt herbs and moonroot was the smell that welcomed you into the healer's lodge. It was thick and cloying, as though it wanted to erase the fever burning through the girl's skin. Aeryn tossed it on the pallet; her silver-blonde hair was matted to her forehead with sweat. Her lips were moving restlessly as she whispered inarticulate words that filled the air.





Kael stood by the doorway, his arms were crossed, and his muscles were coiled tight. He had not moved in an hour. He had not spoken to anyone since he brought her in. Even when Siva tried to suggest that the girl should be placed on guard, he kept mute.





"She is dangerous, Alpha," Siva had said. You don't even know who she really is!!





Kael had only growled dangerously, the sound was so raw and cold that the younger wolf had backed down.





Now, Kael just watched her.





"She has been unconscious for nearly a day," muttered Mira, the healer, as he grinded a root between stones. "But her body is fighting something... old."





Kael frowned. "Poison?"





"No. This is deeper than poison. It is also deeper than infection. Something is inside her, dreaming, maybe it is even waking."





Suddenly, Aeryn let out a sharp gasp due to her arching back. At that moment, her eyes flew open. It was violet and wild. The sigil of flame and moon still burned faintly on her skin.





"Kael," she whispered his name once again.





He stepped forward immediately; his voice was low and rough. I am here.





She did not see him due to the fact that her eyes were not in the room, they were elsewhere. At another time.





"Fire... silver moon... the blade, no don't you trust her... Kael... Kael, run..."





Kael knelt beside her. Aeryn, he softly told her, listen to me, you are safe.





She gripped his arm like it was a lifeline, her skin was too hot, almost searing him, and in her palm, Kael saw the faint outline of a scar which was curved like a crescent, with three slashes through it.





His breath caught. I have seen this before...





Aeryn's eyes snapped at him, then they became focused, and at the same time frightened.





"Where am I? She whispered. "Who... who am I?"





Kael hesitated. "You crossed into Silverpine territory, then you collapsed at the border where I found you."





"I don't remember." Her voice cracked because it was raw from fever and confusion. "I dreamed that I had gotten burnt, and I could feel my skin melt. The moon was silver, and someone... betrayed me.





Her fingers tightened on his sleeve. There was blood.





Kael's voice was gravel. "What else?"





"I saw you," she whispered. In the fire, but... you looked different. It was like, she looked into his eyes. "Like I have known you forever."





Kael swallowed hard, his jaw was clenched. He stared down at the scar on her palm.





"I have seen this mark before," he muttered. "It is carved into the stone altar in the Temple of Stone."





Aeryn blinked rapidly, breathing faster. "What does it mean?"





Kael stood slowly, the answer was heavy in his chest.





"I intend to find out."








Scene 2 : The Temple of Stone, Silverpine Territory








The Temple was older than the forest that shrouded it. It was built by moonlight and carved with blood rites; its obsidian walls had the appearance of centuries on it. Vines coiled around ancient symbols, but at the center of the temple, its altar remained untouched by time.





Kael's boots echoed through the cold chamber as he entered. Torches registered his presence, flames were souring in the air.





The altar stood proudly in the center, where faded prophetic runes were lined in the stone. He remembered visiting once as a boy when the runes were nothing more than pale etchings, their magic was long dormant.





But now they were burning gold and red, and pulsing with life.





And one line shone brightest of all:





"When fire remembers love, and ashes yearn for blood, the Hollow shall rise."





Kael stared at the words, his heart was thudding. His wolf stirred restlessly inside him, as if it was pacing.





"'The Hollow shall rise,'" Kael murmured. "They mean me."





"Yes," came Maelin's voice from the doorway. "And maybe it is not just you."





Kael did not turn. "The girl. Aeryn."





Maelin stepped closer, his robes were shining. "There are no coincidences in prophecy, Kael. Only signs that are misread."





Kael's voice hardened. She spoke my name before she woke. She dreams of fire, of betrayal. To cap it all, she bears the mark on her palm.





"And yet she does not remember who she is," Maelin said. "That is what worries me."





Kael turned now, his eyes were dark. Do you think that she is a threat?





"I think that she is very important," Maelin said carefully. But importance is not always salvation. Sometimes, it is destruction in disguise.





Kael looked back at the prophecy. "Do you believe that she is a part of this?





"I believe she is this."





Kael's jaw worked. "What do the runes mean, Maelin? 'Fire remembers love'? Is she the fire?"





Maelin was silent for a moment, then he said, "There was an old tale that was buried even before the fall of the Crimson Age, about a girl who was born from moonfire. Not of a mother, but of a rite. She will be burned alive beneath the silver moon and reborn by flame. The Seared Maiden, they called her.





Kael's breath caught.





Maelin continued, his voice is distant. "She was meant to bring balance, or ruin. Depending on who reached her heart first.





Kael's voice was hoarse. "You are saying that she is that girl?"





"I am saying that we should tread carefully."





Kael turned toward the black mirror that was mounted behind the altar. An ancient artifact, its surface did not reflect light, rather it absorbed it. They said it was used by the old Moon Priests to glimpse the truth that is buried beneath the skin.





Kael stepped before it, staring into the dark.





And for a moment, it showed only his own reflection. It was a weathered and haunted one. A man that is emptied by loss.





But then the surface rippled.





Kael staggered back a step as the image warped.





Behind him in the reflection was a massive wolf that stood cloaked in fire. Its fur burned like it were coals, its eyes were golden suns. And from its shoulders spread great plumes of smoke, forming wings.





Kael whipped around, but there was nothing there.





The temple was silent, but the reflection still smoldered in the glass.





Maelin stepped beside him, his breath was sharp. "You saw it too."





Kael nodded once.





"I think," Maelin said grimly, "the Hollow is no longer empty."





Kael stared into the mirror.





No longer hollow... but it was burning.






Outside the temple, the wind howled.





And far away, in the forest which was near the border, Aeryn sat up in her bed with a gasp, clutching her chest.





A strange word burned on her tongue, but it was not her name.





It was someone else's name.





"Lilith," she whispered.





And from somewhere that is deep beneath the earth, a voice answered.





"I am coming back."

Scene 1: The Sparring Grounds, Silverpine Pack






The midday sun filtered through the clearing where the Silverpine wolves trained, although today, most of them were reluctant about gathering at the edges. This was caused by the curiosity that was stirring among the ranks. At the center of the ring stood Kael. His arms were crossed, his expression was hard as iron. Opposite him stood Aeryn. She was barefoot, in simple trousers and a dark linen tunic that clung to her frame. Her violet eyes burned with an anxious fire.





"Are you sure about this?" Mira, the healer, asked from the edge of the ring, his arms folded.





"She needs to remember who she is," Kael replied flatly. "Instincts tell us what the mind forgets most times."





Aeryn turned her gaze toward him. "I have never... fought before, not that I remember."





Kael's eyes narrowed slightly. "Then let us find out if your body remembers what your mind doesn't."





She swallowed hard, and gave a small nod. "Alright."





Kael stepped forward into the ring, removing his coat. The tension in the crowd was so dominant.





"No claws," Kael said, circling. "Nor would we use teeth." Just movement, but if you don't defend yourself, I will knock you on your ass."





"Good," Aeryn said with a smirk, raising her hands. "I could use some humility."




Kael raised an eyebrow. There it was again, that same flicker of fire. It was not just in her eyes, but in her spirit.





He lunged.





The move was sharp, swift, but Aeryn sidestepped without hesitation. Her body twisted low and tight. It was exactly like!!

Kael blinked.





She was moving like "Liora."





The turn of her heel, or is it the shift in her weight? The sharp exhale before striking.





Kael barely dodged her palm, which flew toward his shoulder with perfect precision.





"Where did you learn that?" he asked her, at the same time retreating two steps.





"I didn't," she panted. "I just... knew."





Gasps echoed around the ring. Aeryn's hands had begun to glow faintly, the embers were flickering across her fingertips. And then her body jerked, and her bones cracked.





Her eyes flared gold and red as fur sprouted up her arms partially. It was not a full shift. Rather, it was an in-between form of someone who is caught in mid-transformation.





Her breath came out in a snarl. It was a wild, half-formed growl.





"Shift control!" Kael barked, stepping in.





"I can't", her voice cracked. "I don't know how."





"Breathe, Aeryn! Focus. Listen to me."





Aeryn gritted her teeth, her body trembled as sparks danced along her arms.





Then, suddenly, she collapsed to her knees.





The glow vanished, and silence fell across the ring.





Kael rushed forward, as he kneeled beside her. "Are you alright?"





Aeryn coughed, breathless. "Did I just... shift?"





"Partially," Kael murmured. That should not be possible for someone who does not remember their wolf. It takes years of training to control a half-form. Some warriors can't even do it.





"I did not mean to," she said softly. "I just felt... like I was someone else."





Kael's fingers gently touched her shoulder. "You were fighting like her."





"Like who?"





"My mate," Kael whispered. "Liora."





Aeryn's eyes widened. "Did I?"





Kael looked away, his throat was tight. "Exactly like her."





Whispers stirred around the watching wolves, some were murmuring about fate, while others about fear.





"Clear the ring," Kael commanded, rising. "Now."





They scattered, uncertain of what he meant, but they were obedient.





Kael helped Aeryn to her feet. "Come with me."










Scene 2: Kael's Quarters – That Evening










The fire crackled low in the stone hearth. Outside, the wind was heavily sweeping through the pines with a mournful howl. Kael stood by the window, his arms crossed. Aeryn sat on the low couch, her hands wrapped around a steaming mug of bitterroot tea.





"I did not mean to cause a scene," she murmured.





"You didn't," Kael said. What you did was to cause a revelation.





Aeryn looked up; her eyes were searching his face. "Who was she? Liora?"





He hesitated. Then he spoke heavily. "My mate. My soul. She died seven years ago in a fire that was set by someone whom we trusted."





Aeryn's throat bobbed. "I am sorry."





"She was fierce," he continued quietly. A warrior. But she was kind, clever. She could disarm you with a smile and gut you with the next breath."





Aeryn smiled faintly. "She sounds like someone I would want to meet."





Kael looked at her then. "You remind me of her more than you should."





"That is not exactly comforting," she said, being compared to a ghost.





Kael exhaled. "I don't mean to. It is not fair to you or her."





Aeryn set the mug down and stood. Slowly, she stepped toward him, the firelight casting soft gold on her skin. "You said I calmed you."





Kael raised an eyebrow.





"In the spar," she continued. "When you are angry. When I touched you."




He remembered. The second her palm brushed his chest, his wolf had gone from pacing to still.





"You did," he admitted.




"I don't understand it," she whispered. "I feel... drawn to you, but it was not just because you saved me." It is something which seems older, deeper. Like my bones "remember" you.





Kael did not respond immediately. He couldn't.





Aeryn took his hand and pressed it gently to her chest.





"Do you feel that?" she asked.





He did. Her heart was hammering hard beneath her skin.





But he also felt more than that. He felt a warmth, a slow and ancient sensation that began to unfurl between them. It is a bond that had once withered... now trembling back to life.





"I have seen you," she whispered. In dreams. And there was someone else. A man with silver hair. Cold eyes."





Kael's blood chilled. "What did he do?"





"I saw him... stabbing me." Her voice broke. "He smiled as he did it."





Kael stepped back, his mind was racing so fast. "A silver-haired man?"





Aeryn nodded. "I don't know how I knew him, but it was like he knew me. Like he hated me."





Kael turned away, his fists were clenched.





"Kael?" Aeryn's voice was uncertain.





Kael's breath hissed through his teeth. "You just described someone who I hoped I would never hear of again."





"Who?"




He turned to face her, his eyes were dark. My brother. "Riven."





Aeryn froze.





Kael's voice dropped to a whisper. He vanished the night that Liora died, but after the fire, we never found a body. There were no tracks, nor a sign of struggle.





"You think he...?"





Kael's stare was hollow and sharp. "If he was alive... and you saw him in your nightmares..." He stepped toward her. "You may not have been reborn by accident, Aeryn. You might have been made."





In the dead of the night, in a place that was far from Silverpine, a figure stood atop a cliff, cloaked in silver moonlight. Long white hair whipped in the wind. His eyes were icy and void as he watched the distant forests of Kael's land.





In his hand was a dagger.





Its edge shimmered with old fire.





He whispered a name to the wind.





"...Aeryn."




And the blade pulsed red.