Liora’s POV

The forest was unusually eerie. We walked the narrow paths, not minding the dense nature of the forest, but Jaxon and I pressed on. There was a lot to be handled. A lot was going on in the pack we left behind. We didn't give anyone a hint of where we were going except Elder Marcus to avoid betrayal. I told Mira also that this is because I want her to update me on the happenings in the pack through mind talk. Mind-talking was one of the beautiful things I created with her to help our friendship blossom, but I blocked her off when I fled to the Night Howlers for refuge. My mind kept replaying what Elder Marcus had said. He has been a father figure in our lives, always ready to guide us in the right direction. I glanced at Jaxon and I noticed him staring at me with the corner of his eyes. My cheeks flushed at the thought that he had been watching me while my mind was elsewhere. From the look in his eyes, this journey seemed to hold a lot in store for us. My heart started pounding in anticipation. I knew a lot would happen on our little adventure, and I was open to it. I am tired of pushing it away, this is the time to give it my best. I listened to the chirpings of the birds; they sang beautifully with melodious voices, reminding me of what the woods represent for lovers. We must make use of every opportunity before us and now is no different. Trust in each other in purpose and heart. That was the keyword for this mission to be successful. Jaxon seemed to have a lot on his mind, maybe concerned with what lies ahead for us, but I am ready to encourage him to be open and give us the chance to explore the bond between us. Gone are those days we would shy away, and hide under the disguise of being careful. I was hurt, but I have healed. This is the right time to move on, and with my fated mate, which I can't keep avoiding. I watched his movement; it was calm, collected, and stead,y, and I knew it was time to have that conversation. If we must be successful in this mission, we must be united in both purpose and heart and that entails settling our differences. The more we got deeper into the forest, the thicker it became. We met a different atmosphere; the trees grew taller, unlike on our last visit, their branches forming a beautiful artwork of ancient canopy, and that alone made the place dark, totally blocking out the entrance of sunlight. It felt strange, more like we were venturing into another world, and all I could see was the past; I had the feeling that I'd been there before, not in this life, but something in the past. I was totally confused. Could it be possible that I was part of the Sthe silver Moon Pack in my past life? But no, it felt like I was human, not a wolf. How will all these be flying right into my mind at this moment? Why do I have a feeling that I am connected to the human race? Could that mean something, and why is it suddenly appearing now that we're in this forest? Finally, I decided to block the voices talking to me, that must be a distraction. Maybe a strange spirit is somewhere trying to confuse my mind, to sow seeds of doubt in my identity, and I would deviate from my purpose and pursue irrelevant things. We finally reached the heart of the ancient woods, but not without some difficulties. We were able to navigate the path to our advantage as warriors. We encountered many setbacks and almost gave up, but we were working toward a set goal; our pack was in trouble. In the very heart of the ancient woods, there stood a small, but weathered hut, and as was the norm in the forest, it was surrounded by towering trees. I knew for sure that it had been there for ages, but what baffled me was how it looked untouched even with time. Jaxon knocked gently, and the door creaked open before the knock could land. It was as if he had been waiting for our arrival. Right there before us was the old man, and yes, he was the very one who had given me the prophecy, the one we left our pack to see. Taking a good look at him, I noticed I couldn't be specific with his age, but can comfortably describe him to be as ancient as the forest itself. He had a long white beard which effortlessly flowed down to his chest. I also observed how sharp his eyes were, even with his age, making sure to capture every detail of his environment. 'I've been waiting patiently for your arrival, expecting to have you both in my hut," he said with a knowing smile, surprising us beyond expectation. He seemed everything and more of what we had been looking for. Why haven't we made the move to come to this place, other than visiting hungry seers.? 'Come right in." We stepped inside, and we marveled at the sight before us. It was amazing how he meticulously weaved a comfortable abode right there in the forest and lived the best of his life. On stepping in, we were welcomed by the scent of herbs and incense. He seems to be more than what we have thought him to be, more than just an old man. The old man motioned for us to take a seat, but it was very close to the fire, and I wondered why. By the fire, the flames flickered, and our shadows were cast on the walls of the hut. 'I know exactly what brought you to my abode," he began, his gaze not leaving us, and eventually, it settled on me. 'Never you see the prophecy you carry as a burden, child. It is a rare gift, but its power is yet to be unlocked. You have been struggling to use this power, but all your efforts have been fruitless. But here is an answer to your questions. Something has been holding you down, stopping you from manifesting the power in your life and saving lives with it. This particular reason has made your abilities hidden for so long." My heart jumped into my stomach. 'What does that mean, please? Why am I restricted.... from healing my pack, why can't I heal anyone again?" He gave out a knowing nod, he was indeed expecting the question. 'It has nothing to do with your abilities, L iora. You don't lack anything, you are still the same Liora that healed the pack months ago during the war with our rival pack, Liora. It is only because of one thing, because of a law that made the abilities, you are bound by an ancient law. It's not an ordinary law, it was set in place by the great Moon Goddess herself. Until you fulfill the demands of the Moon goddess and unite with your mate as she so desires, your power will forever remain restricted, and the purpose of giving them to you is thwarted." Jaxon froze beside me. 'What does everything you just said mean? United and ancient law? What does that have to do with what is going on now?" The old man's eyes landed on Jaxon. He tried to smile,e but the wrinkles on his old face hid the beautiful smile. 'You must be bound by something predestined by the Moon goddess, and that's by marriage. That's the only way to appease the Moon Goddess, and she would allow Liora to access her power in full." An invisible lump, as usual, formed on my throat without wasting time. Why marriage? I glanced at Jaxon. I wanted to see his reaction, and as was expected, he was shocked but pleased at the news. Maybe stunned that the answer was as simple as getting married to each other, I was shocked at the revelation too. Then the excitement on his face must be because he would finally be getting what he always wanted; to be close to me always, to make up for the wrongs he did to me in the past, and to finally make me his Luna. 'But... but what if we are not ready yet, like if we still have a lot to figure out between ourselves?" I stammered, hoping he wouldn't lash out at me for asking a dumb question. 'What if we..." The old man silenced me immediately with a stern eye. 'I understand your worries and the reason behind your hesitation. But have this in mind: your bond didn't just start today, it is not something new. It has been engraved in the stars, from the beginning of the world before your birth. The Moon Goddess chose the two of you in her spotlight, and her will is irrevocable." His words were becoming heavier than when he started. Indeed, there is a lot to be revealed. We were chosen? I thought our bond was like another fated mate bond experienced on the night of the moon ceremony. Why is ours different? And the moon Goddess did it by herself. This has to be followed with caution less, it consumes us. 'What would happen if we don't follow this prophecy and marry?" Jaxon asked, curiosity obvious in his voice. 'What if we decide to neglect the spark? Is it going to affect our lives apart from fulfilling Liora's healing abilities?" The old man's face became grave. 'If you decide to rebel against the Goddess's will, Liora's powers will remain sea, led as I explained before, but worst of all, the darkness that seeks to cover Silver Moon Pack would do so with ease and encounter no opposition." A cold chill washed over me, sending jolts of electricity over my body. I had felt it before in one of my recent visions. It was too real; the shadows of the darkness that I had seen were terrifying. It was all in my visions; what happens when it becomes a reality? No one would survive its wrath if my powers remained restricted and no one to stop it. 'Is there an alternative to solving this apart from those you already mentioned?" I asked, but in a whisper. I couldn't believe I was still asking him that when I knew the answer. 'There is more to what you just heard. In addition to your union, something is still missing, but both of them must be done," the old man replied. 'There are rare and sacred artifacts that you must find, and they are three in number. They are known as relics of the ancients. It would unlock the full potential of your power, and secure the pack from dark magic permanently. But there's a problem: they are not found so easily. It would have been done by your ancestors if it was that easy." I closed my eyes and concentrated on his voice as I tried to process everything. From talking about marriage to sacred artifacts that would serve as a fortification to the entire pack to unquestionable darkness arising if the will of the goddess is neglected. Wasn't the load too much for my tender shoulders? How do I handle everything without feeling overwhelmed? 'Where are these artifacts hidden? How do we find them?" Jaxon finally asked the expectation. He was ready to get over everything at once. The old man hesitated a moment; it was as if he was retrieving important information from the old, somehow connecting to the past. 'The first artifact that could destroy spells lies in the Valley of Shadows, but so you know, it's guarded by the spirits of the fallen. The second, also important in securing the future of the pack, is in the Ruins of Eldara; though its specific function is unknown, it can't be neglected as well. The Ruins of Eldara can be found deep within the mountains. And the last one, which would bless your union and prosper the pack, is hidden in the Temple of the Moon. It is specially hidden here because of its function, the light of the Goddess shines brightest at this temple, and if you two must fulfill the will of the goddess, you must grace your presence at the temple." Jaxon and I exchanged a glance. Those were a handful, but we are ready to do them. We must fulfill our destinies no matter what. As we made to leave, the old man gave us a parting encouragement.'Remember, child, this is not your fight alone. The Moon Goddess who had chosen the both of you to fulfill her will, watches over you both. Never forget the great impact the trust you have in your bond would make, it's the strength you need to strive well." We nodded to his last words. Our minds were already very heavy. There was a lot to be done, too much that we had no idea where to start, but we just had to start. And starting with their order of priority.