Eclipsed Destiny
A War in the Making

The camp buzzed in a quiet, uneasy energy; wolves moved through the clearing with purpose, their edges sharp, their faces drawn tight. The air lay heavy with anticipation, feeling like a weight pressing in on her, suffocating by its intensity. The rogue lieutenant's taunts, the blessing's warnings, and growing distrust among the pack swirled in her head, refusing to settle. There was no denying it now-a war was coming. The only question was whether they would be ready. Aziel stood in the center of the camp, the council and key warriors about him. Spread out on a cloth before him lay a map of the territory surrounding them, lines and symbols etched upon its surface, indicating the rogue movements which were known. Marcus bent over the map, his face grave as he traced one of the marks on it.

"They're consolidating their forces here," he said, voice low. "This valley gives them the high ground. If they attack from there, we'll be pinned down."

Aziel's jaw set, his blue eyes scanning the map. "Then we don't let them attack first. We take the fight to them."

She breathed softly, her chest tightening in at the step forward. Are you sure that's the right move? What if it's a trap? she asked, her voice steady but laced with concern.

"It's always a trap," Aziel said shortly. "But we cannot wait for them to take the initiative. The more time we spend sitting, the more time they can take to prepare their side.

He's right," Marcus said, though his face still wore a scowl. "We have to be first to make a move. Hit them hard, take out their leaders, and scatter their forces.

Celia nodded, though the unease in her chest didn't fade. She could feel the blessing pulsing faintly beneath her skin, its energy a constant reminder of the role she played in all of this. The pack was looking to her and Aziel to lead them, to guide them through the chaos. But the weight of that responsibility was crushing.

"Then we prepare," Aziel said, his voice firm. "Every warrior ready to move by dawn. This ends now." 7---

The hours before the dawn were a blur of activity. Wolves armed themselves, sharpening blades and testing bows as they prepared for battle. The tension in the air was palpable, a heavy weight that hung over the camp like a storm cloud. Celia moved through the camp, her presence a steadying force as she checked on the warriors and offered words of encouragement. But inside, her mind was a whirlwind of doubts and fears. The blessing was quiet now, its warnings subdued, but the memory of its voice still echoed in her mind. Kael.

She found him at the edge of the camp, sharpening his blade in slow, practiced strokes. His face, so tranquil, almost aloof, but Celia could feel the tension writhing from him like a living thing.

"Kael," she said, the words steady in her throat, despite the nerves cramping her stomach.

He looked up, his bright red eyes meeting hers. "Luna," he said, his voice toneless. "What brings you here?"

She paused, staring at him. The warning had been clear in the blessing, but she had to be sure. "I wanted to check on you," she said finally. "We're about to face one of the biggest battles this pack has ever seen. I need to know I can count on you.

Kael's face didn't change, but something flickered in his eyes-something dark and unreadable. "I'm here to fight for the pack," he said simply. "Just like always."

The words should have been reassuring, but they only made Celia's unease grow. She nodded, though her chest felt tight. "Good. Because we need everyone to give their all. This war isn't just about survival-it's about protecting everything we stand for."

Kael's eyes remained on her for a moment, then returned to his sword. "Understood." 7---

The sun was breaking over the horizon when the pack gathered at the forest's edge. The warriors stood in lines, their weapons sharp in the early light. Aziel stood at the front, his presence demanding as he spoke to the pack.

"This is it," he declared, his voice ringing above the assembled wolves. "The rogues think they can break us. Think they can take what is ours. But they are wrong. We are stronger than they know. We fight for each other, for our pack, for our future. And we will win."

A chorus of howls rose from the warriors, their voices laced with determination. Celia stood beside Aziel as her heart pounded. Her eyes looked out over the pack, and she can see the fear, the resolve in their eyes. They will fight, stand side to side against the darkness.

Aziel turned toward her, his blue eyes smoothing. "Are you ready?

Celia nodded, though her stomach churned with nerves. "As ready as I'll ever be."

He reached for her hand, the bond between them pulsing with warmth and reassurance. "We'll get through this. Together."

She nodded again, her chest tightening as the weight of his words settled over her. Together. It was the only way they could win.

---

The journey to the stronghold of the rogue was tense, each and every step with expectation in it. The forest they were walking in seemed all quiet, a kind of oppressive silence instead of a cacophony of chirping birds and rustling leaves; Celia's mark vibrated faintly under that blessing's energy.

"They're close," she breathed softly, voice hardly rising above a whisper.

Aziel looked back at her, his expression sharp. "Stay alert."

The pack moved cautiously, their movements silent as they approached the valley. The stronghold loomed ahead, its walls towering and imposing. Celia's heart raced as she took in the sight. The rogues were ready for them, their forces gathered behind the fortified walls.

Aziel raised his hand, signaling for the pack to stop. "This is it," he said, his voice low. "We hit them hard and fast. No mercy."

The warriors nodded, their faces stern as they steeled themselves for the battle. Celia drew her blade, its weight familiar in her hand. The blessing flared within her, its power rising as she focused on the battle ahead.

"Remember," Aziel said, his eyes sweeping over the pack. "We fight together. For the pack. For our future."

Growls and snarls riposte to him, the wolves coiled to spring. Celia drew a breath, her nerves steadying as she felt the tie between her and Aziel strengthen.

"Let's be done," she said, voice firm.

Aziel nodded; his eyes fierce. "Together."

1---

As the pack surged forward, the first wave of rogues appeared, their red eyes glowing like embers in the shadows. The clash of steel and snarls filled the air, the battle erupting with violent intensity.

Celia's mark flared suddenly, the energy searing and sharp. She gasped, her vision blurring as the blessing surged through her, overwhelming and uncontrollable.

And then, amidst the chaos, she saw him-the rogue lieutenant, standing atop the wall, his eyes fixed on her.

"Welcome to the war, Luna.