Chapter 215: Bearer of the moonstone
The magical woman vanished into thin air, leaving no trace behind.
Ronan pulled back his empty hand and scanned his surroundings. "Where did she go?" he muttered, his eyes darting frantically across the clearing.
Suddenly, a tiny sphere of glowing light materialized in the air before him. Ronan tensed, startled for a moment, but as the orb drifted forward, he realized it was guiding him. Tightening his grip on the dagger, he set off after it.
The ball of light accelerated, weaving through the trees, and Ronan quickened his pace to keep up.
At last, the orb led him to the mouth of a dark cave before vanishing into the shadows within. Ronan took a deep breath, adjusted his grip on his dagger, and stepped inside.
He moved through the gloom until he spotted the familiar light ahead. Following it deeper, he found the orb resting atop a circular stone pedestal. As he approached, his eyes widened, sitting upon the altar was a deep red stone, pulsing and shining as brightly as a fallen star.
Ronan reached out to claim it, but before his fingers could make contact, the magical woman materialized between him and the pedestal, forcing him back. The floating orb dissolved into nothingness.
"You can’t touch it, or you’ll burn," she warned, her voice devoid of its former hostility.
"You!" Ronan glared at her, confusion warring with caution. "What are you?"
"I am a spirit bound to this forest to protect the moonstone," the woman replied softly. "You passed the test. The only wolf who achieved in hundreds of years. You can call me Eris."
Ronan’s confession surprised him as much as it seemed to satisfy her. "So, how do I take it?"
"I will give it to you," Eris replied. "Only I can touch it safely, as its protector." She studied him intently. "Why do you need this?"
"You already know everything about me. I bet you can read my thoughts too," Ronan said, keeping his tone direct.
"You have to say them aloud, Ronan," Eris instructed softly.
"My brother needs it to end the Alpha King," he declared. "He has slaughtered too many innocents, and we can’t defeat him without this stone. I came here to bring peace to my brother, who has spent his life believing he caused our parents’ deaths, and for Leia, who is still searching for answers about her mother and the family she lost to the Alpha King’s schemes."
"What about you, Ronan?" Eris tested him again, watching to see if self-interest would slip through.
"I already have everything I need," Ronan answered without hesitation. "But I want the Alpha King punished. He used Lucien for his own gain, and he needs to pay for it. At the same time, he is the reason my mate was isolated from the wolves for years and had to stay hidden."
Eris smiled and picked up the red stone. She placed it toward Ronan’s hand, but before his fingers could close around it, the stone floated into the air and sank straight into his chest.
"Where did it go? Inside me? Wait—why?" Ronan panicked, clutching at his chest where the red glow faded beneath his skin.
"You are the true bearer of the moonstone. Lucien cannot wield it. When the time comes, you will use it," Eris answered, her smile softening. Swarms of glowing butterflies began to swirl around her body, her form blurring into light. "You have freed me, Ronan. I bless you. Whatever doubts you carry for yourself, let them vanish starting today."
"How will I use it? Please, tell me!" Ronan pleaded, reaching out toward her.
The spirit vanished into the fluttering swarm, leaving the cavern silent. Ronan stood alone in the dim cave, the warmth of the moonstone pulsing softly against his ribs before everything went normal.
Taking a deep breath, Ronan stepped out of the cave to find the dense forest clearing before him. The thick overgrowth had pulled back, laying out a straight, clear path, as if the woods themselves were guiding him home.
He made his way back to the cliff’s edge, where his four warriors were already crossing the chasm. The ancient, rotting bridge had completely transformed, its rotting wood swapped for fresh, sturdy timber as if newly built.
"Alpha Ronan! Something magical happened," Leander called out, leading the others across. "The bridge started weaving itself together and turned completely new!"
"This whole place is enchanted," another warrior added, staring down at the solid planks in disbelief.
"Let’s move," Ronan instructed, stepping onto the bridge. "We must leave at once."
"Did you find it, Alpha?" the third warrior asked, leaning in eagerly. "Did you find the moonstone?"
Ronan felt the soft warmth pulsing beneath his chest. "Yes," he replied, a smile touching his lips. "I have. Let’s go back before the night falls."
~~~~~
Lucien took the glass, swirling the amber liquid before taking a quiet sip.
"Has he seemed off to you lately?" Lucien asked, keeping his tone casual as he studied his brother over the rim of the glass. "Or is this just another one of his usual summons?"
Cesar leaned back against the counter, taking a drink of his water. "He’s been restless ever since the reports came in from the northern border. He keeps asking about you and Kieran." Cesar met his gaze, his lighthearted demeanor fading slightly. "Be careful in there, Lucien. Whatever he wants, he didn’t look pleased when he gave the order."
Lucien set the glass down untouched. "The Alpha King won’t like it if I show up smelling of alcohol."
Cesar chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "Fair point. My mistake. Water instead?"
"No," Lucien said, standing straight. "I should get this over with. He sounded troubled on the phone."
He considered bringing Cesar into the loop for a fleeting second, but clamped his jaw shut. Trusting anyone inside these walls, even Cesar, was a gamble he couldn’t afford right now.
"I’ll walk with you to his manor," Cesar said, stepping toward the door and gesturing for Lucien to lead the way.