Page 54 of Full Moon
Chapter 26
Feray
They will never understand.
Something in this cavern calls to me, tugging at my very soul. It's not an object I can identify, but a presence I can feel more than see. My ancient mates would understand if I voiced this feeling. But I don't want to cause a rift between the mythics and Khal and Torben.
As I follow the sensation, it leads me around a bend to where the dragon's skeleton rests. Behind it, a chest protrudes from beneath a sheet of ice. Shifting my nails to claws, I strike the ice, chipping it away bit by bit. The cold bites at my fingers, but the drive to uncover the source of this calling pushes me onward.
Eventually, the ice gives way, and I pull the small chest free. Inside, I find a pair of bone-carved bracers. Beneath the bracers lies a solid bone circlet, adorned with jewels and carvings of wolves in mid-run.
My heart races.
I close my treasure within its case and carry it back to where the guys are.
"What do you have there, little wolf?" Torben is the first to spot me, approaching with a warm hug and a kiss.
"Not sure. It called to me." I offer the box to Easton.
His eyes widen as he looks inside. "The first Arctic Queen wore this set. I have a book back at my house about it."
"So, I found another crown and bracers?"
"You're half right. It's a bracer set and a bone collar. The clasp is hidden under the ornate peak here." With a click that echoes in the cavern, Diaval opens the necklace and sets it on me, locking it in place. The necklace is oddly warm against my skin, pulsing with a rhythmic energy.
"I'm guessing there's a reason you put it on me?" I arch a brow at him.
"Yes. It further proves your claim to the throne." Diaval smiles.
A shiver runs down my spine—not from the cold, but from the weight of his words. The pulsing of the necklace syncs with my heartbeat, and I feel an ancient power awakening within me. As if the queens who wore this before me are reaching across time, lending me their strength.
"Alec?" I call out. "From here, which direction to the Crescent Valley?"
"I'll show you." Alec leads us through the labyrinthine cavern, guiding us with confidence. Finally, we emerge back to the surface. The biting cold hits me immediately as we step out into the falling snow. "If you look due east, you can see the peak of the Queen's Mountain." Alec points toward the distant horizon. "To the right of the base of that mountain is the cavern that leads you to the Crescent Valley."
"How far do you think it is?"
"About two hours shifted. On human feet, about four hours, maybe a little more." He studies my map. "This is quite outdated. We removed several of these older structures about twenty years ago. Beyond the cavern, it's about a day and a half journey, weather permitting. In bad weather, two days easily."
I take a deep breath, ready to face whatever lies ahead. Torben shifts beside me, and I carefully adjust the harness to fit him snugly. With everything in place, we start our journey down the mountain. As we pass the outskirts of the village, I notice the wolves from my father's pack lining up. One by one, they bow as we move past them. My eyes drift over their familiar faces, and I lower my head slightly in thanks.
"We will unite the packs. It's what my parents wanted, and it's what's best for us." The wolves respond with a chorus of howls, a sound that reverberates through the crisp air. Their song fills my chest with warmth—a blend of love and devotion radiating from their howls.
They are expressing their unwavering loyalty to their new Luna. The weight of their trust settles on my shoulders with a comforting heaviness. Torben's bear trudges along ahead, its massive paws leaving deep imprints in the snow, guided by Alec. Easton, Khal, and Diaval follow close behind in their heavy winter gear.
Every breath I take is a visible puff of steam.
"Luna?" Dorian closes the distance between us. "Who are you leaving in charge?"
Well, shit.I hadn't thought that far ahead. "You and Alec will watch over the pack in my absence."
"We won't let you down, Luna." He bows his head and turns back toward the village.
"That was a wise decision, my flame. Spoken like a true queen." Easton moves alongside me.
"Just following my gut."
"We'll camp in the cavern overnight. Torben and I will remain shifted to provide extra warmth for you guys." From what I've read about my species of wolf, it would take a second ice age to bother me. Winter wolves literally have ice in their veins.
