CHAPTER 22 - SECRETS OF THE OATH
"The Oath does not bind the body alone. It binds the soul."
The hall was quiet now, save for the crackling of broken torches and the shallow breaths of warriors scattered across the floor. The High Alpha had retreated, his golden eyes glaring from the shadows, but his threat hung over them like a storm cloud.
Kael sank to one knee beside Lyra, brushing dust from her glowing silver arms.
"Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice low, filled with concern.
Lyra shook her head.
"I'm... fine. But I feel... stronger."
Kael's eyes softened.
"That's the Oath. It reacts to your fear, your will, your bond with me. But it has secrets-things even I do not fully understand."
Lyra frowned.
"Secrets?"
Kael nodded.
"Yes. I've read the ancient scrolls, but they never explained the full scope. Only hints. The Oath is more than a connection between mate and Alpha. It can guide, protect... and awaken powers you never dreamed of."
Her wolf stirred inside her, fierce and eager.
We want to know. We want to understand. We want to rise.
Milo stepped forward cautiously, holding another ancient scroll.
"There's a record of previous Silverblood Mates," he said.
"Only two in recorded history survived the full awakening. Both became legendary for their strength-and their wisdom. But the Oath nearly killed them first."
Lyra's chest tightened.
"Killed them?"
"Yes," Milo continued.
"The bond reacts violently if the Mate resists its will. The First Moon Sign is just the beginning. The Second Moon Sign... is when your mind awakens. You'll hear thoughts. Feel emotions. See the truths hidden inside everyone around you."
Lyra swallowed, fear and excitement swirling inside her.
"You mean... I'll know everything Kael feels?"
Kael's jaw tightened, and he looked away, hiding the blush that rose to his cheeks.
"Not just me," he admitted quietly.
"You'll feel the pack, the warriors, the enemies... everything. It's dangerous. You may not be able to control it at first."
Lyra's wolf growled in frustration, wanting control, wanting power.
We can handle it. We must.
Kael took her hands in his.
"Lyra... the bond is more than protection. It's love. It's trust. And it's a weapon. But only if you understand it-and embrace it."
Lyra's silver eyes met his crimson ones, her pulse syncing with his.
"I... I want to learn. I want to control it. I want to protect you."
Kael smiled faintly, relief washing over him.
"That's all I've ever wanted to hear."
A sudden movement in the shadows made both of them tense. Milo's eyes widened.
"It's him," he whispered.
"The High Alpha's scouts. They're returning with reinforcements."
Kael's expression hardened.
"Then we prepare. Lyra, it's time you see what the Oath can truly do."
Lyra's wolf surged, intertwining with her own heartbeat and Kael's. Silver light erupted from her skin, spilling over the room. She raised her hands, focusing on the power coursing through her, and the Oath responded.
Images flashed through her mind-Kael's memories, Milo's fears, the High Alpha's intentions. She saw everything: lies, truths, strategies, and weaknesses.
Her wolf whispered:
We are ready.
Kael stepped closer, placing his forehead against hers.
"Together," he said.
"Always."
Lyra nodded, closing her eyes.
Always.
The hall glowed with silver and crimson as the prophecy pulsed in her veins.
The next battle was coming.
And this time... she would not be unprepared.
