The gray light of dawn was filtering through the pack house as I entered Morwens cottage .


    The scent of herbs and incense clung heavy in the air ,bined with the acid bite of burned candles .


    I sighed as I recalled my encounter with Dane earlier this morning , even though he had asked me to leave .


    I could see in his eyes that he wanted me to stay with him , but even as I saw the longing in his eyes , I also saw the fear in them .


    I had left .


    But , I promise to go back soon , I must save him .


    I pushed those thoughts off my mind and I raised my gaze to see Morwen standing at her workbench , her back to me , grinding something in a stone mortar .


    She didnt turn , but said , I was wondering when youde to me .


    How the fuck did you ….


    ? I started , but she cut me off with a wave of her hand , her curls bouncing as she turned .


    Youve been radiating energy like a bonfire in the woods .


    Even the cats are on edge , she said , gesturing to a sleek ck feline that red at me from its perch by the window .


    I took a steadying breath .


    I had another dream .


    About the silver figure .


    At this , Morwens hazel eyes narrowed , and she set down the 2/7 Chapter 172 mortar .


    Tell me everything .


    I told her everything : how it pulsed with light , how I felt myself being drawn to it , and finally , the unmistakable vision of Dane .


    Morwen listened , her face impossible to read , her hands sped tightly in front of her .


    When I finished , she turned away , pacing the tiny space .


    This is no ordinary dream , she muttered .


    That much I gathered , I replied dryly .


    She shot me a look .


    Im serious , Aurora .


    This dream .


    Its a message .


    Or rather , a warning .


    My stomach churned .


    A warning about what ? Morwen stopped pacing and turned to me , her face unusually grave .


    Transformation .


    The word hung in the air .


    What kind of transformation ? I asked , my voice barely above a whisper .


    She reached up onto a shelf and pulled down an old looking thick leather bound book .


    She opened the book , saying as she flipped through its pages , The moon goddess works in mysteries and cycles , Aurora .


    Your connection to her is deepening , more than it should for a wolf without a true wolf spirit .


    Its as if shes preparing you for something monumental .


    Chapter 172 377 Like what ? I pressed , frustration seeping into my tone .


    Morwens fingers paused on one page filled with intricate diagrams .


    The kind of transformation that alters everything .


    Your dreams of the silver figure , are a crossing point .


    To defeat the Nameless , you may need to be something … more .


    I swallowed hard .


    What does that mean ? What would I be ? Her eyes met mine , filled with a mixture of pity and warning .


    I dont know .


    But the transformation of this magnitude alwayses at a cost .


    A cold weight settled in my chest .


    What kind of cost ? That depends on the goddesss will .


    It could be your power , your identity … She hesitated before adding softly , Or your life .


    I copsed onto the nearest chair , my legs giving way beneath me .


    The pearl pendant at my throat hummed softly , its note almost musical , seeming to vibrate with the import of her words .


    I wont be able to walk away from this , I said finally after an eternity of silence .


    If this change is the only way to save Dane , to defeat the 4/7 Chapter 172 Nameless , then I have to wee it .


    Whatever the cost .


    Morwen regarded me for a moment , her eyes probing .


    You are stronger than most , Aurora .


    But sometimes even that is not enough .


    What else is there ? I pressed her .


    She sighed and moved closer , cing a hand on my shoulder .


    Faith .


    And trust in yourself .


    Iughed bitterly .


    Trust in myself ? Thats easy to say when I dont even know who or what Im bing .


    The goddess sees you , Morwen said firmly .


    Even see yourself yet .


    You cant It seemed her words were meant tofort me , but I only felt worse , I nodded , trying to steady the storm of emotions swirling inside me .


    What should I do next ? Prepare , she said simply .


    The dreams will guide you , but you must be ready to act when the timees .


    And Aurora … Yes ? Be careful .


    The Nameless is bound to sense the change in you .


    Hell try to stop it .


    I closed my fingers over the pearl pendant .


    Let him try .


    5/7 Chapter 172 Later that night , I sat in my chambers , alone , the journal my mother had left me open on the desk before me .


    Words upon words no longer read like some sort of ciphernguage ; they were alive , ran into my mind like a wave of the ocean as if theyd always been there .


    One passage jumped out : The silver light is both the key and the guardian .


    It binds the chosen to the will of the goddess , but only those who embrace their true selves can wield it .


    I ran my fingers over the words , feeling a shiver run down my spine .


    The silver figure in my dreams wasnt just a guide ; it was a part of me , something I had yet to fully understand .


    A knock at the door broke my concentration .


    Come in I called , closing the journal quickly .


    Evelyn stepped inside , her expression cautious .


    You wanted to see me ? I gestured for her to sit .


    I need your help again .


    Somethings happening to me , Evelyn .


    Something I dont fully understand .


    She sat across from me , her posture tense .


    Is this about the dreams ? 6/7 Chapter 172 Yes , I admitted .


    And more .


    Morwen thinks Im on the verge of some kind of transformation , one that could be the key to defeating the Nameless .


    But … But it could destroy you , she finished , her voice quiet .


    I nodded .


    Exactly .


    Evelyn leaned back , studying me .


    And youre willing to take that risk ? For Dane.


    For the pack .


    For our world , I said firmly .


    She sighed , running a hand through her hair .


    Youre insane , you know that ? Probably , I said with a faint smile .


    She leaned forward after a moment , her face serious .


    Whatever happens , youre not facing it alone .


    You have me .


    You have the pack .


    The weight of whaty ahead still pressed heavily on my shoulders , but her words warmed something inside me .


    Thank you , I said softly .


    Evelyn rose , cing her hand briefly on my shoulder .


    Get some rest , Aurora .


    Youll need it .


    I nodded .


    But how can I sleep knowing so much ? Chapter 172 7/7 When she had gone , I turned back to the journal , the impression of the silver figure remaining in my mind like a whispered promise .


    The change wasing .