Eclipsed Destiny

Celia's pulse raced as she sat in Aziel's cabin, the air between them taut with unspoken words. Ever since the shrine revealed the truth about the blessing, something had changed-shifted in a way she couldn't define. Aziel had been quieter, his sharp gaze watching her with a mix of caution and something deeper, something she dared not name.

But the tie-whatever it was-was unmistakable.

Celia could feel it now, pulsing like a second heartbeat under her skin, holding her to him. It wasn't the blessing; this was something else, something raw. "Tell me what's wrong," she said finally, breaking the silence.

Aziel sat across from her, his shoulders tense as he stared into the flickering fire. "Nothing's wrong," he said, but the strain in his voice told her otherwise.

"Don't lie to me." Celia pushed, leaning forward. "You've been acting strange ever since the battle. What aren't you telling me?"

Aziel's eyes locked onto hers, and in that moment, the depth there stole the breath from her body. "You wouldn't understand".

"Try me," she said steadily, her voice only shaking inside of her.

Aziel's jaw set tightly, his fists clenched against his knees. "It's the bond, Celia."

She was confused and blinked, her brow furrowing together. "What bond?

Aziel turned around and stood up, his back to her as if the words he was about to say were too much to bear. "You feel it, don't you?" he asked, his voice rough. "The connection between us."

Celia froze her mind to the racing. The connection, she reasoned. The pull she's felt since the very moment that she met him, this steadying of a presence by which nothing seemed to give way, as well as the response of the mark about him. It was one thing she just kept herself from giving more mind.

"I feel it," she admitted softly. "But what does it mean?"

Aziel turned to face her, his blue eyes burning with a mix of anger and longing. "It means we're mates."

The word hung in the air like a thunderclap, shattering the fragile silence between them. Celia's breath caught, her heart slamming against her ribs as she tried to process what he had just said. "Mates?" she breathed.

Aziel nodded, his face grim. "It's not often for an Alpha to bond this strongly with someone-especially with someone who isn't fully a member of the pack. But the bond is true. I can feel it. and so can you." Celia shook her head, rising to her feet. "No, this. this doesn't add up. I'm not like you, Aziel. I'm not a wolf."

"That doesn't matter," Aziel said, moving closer. His presence filled the room and overwhelmed her senses as the bond pulsed stronger between them. "The blessing chose you, and now. so have I." Celia took a step back, reeling in her mind. "You think this is a choice?" she snapped. "I didn't ask for this, Aziel. I didn't ask for any of this."

"Neither did I," Aziel said, his voice low but steady. "But we don't get to choose the bond, Celia. It's bigger than us."

She turned away, her hands trembling as she gripped the edge of the table. "This isn't fair. How am I supposed to carry this? The blessing, the prophecy, and now. this?"

Aziel paused before speaking. His voice was low and soft. "You're not carrying it alone."

Celia glanced at him over her shoulder. Tears prickled in her eyes. "You say that, but I feel so alone. Every day, I feel as though I am drowning, and no one sees it. No one understands.

"I understand," Aziel said firmly, stepping closer. "Because I feel it too. This bond-it's not just a connection. It's a promise. You're not alone, Celia. Not anymore."

His words cracked something deep inside her, something she hadn't realized she'd been holding back. The tears she had been fighting slipped free, and she sank into a chair, her shoulders trembling.

Aziel stood beside her, his solidity an anchor in the turbulent sea. He did not touch her, but he did not need to. The bond between them throbbed, a quiet beat that spoke of trust, strength, and something she couldn't yet name. "I don't know if I can do this," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"You can," Aziel said, his voice firm. "You're stronger than you think, Celia. And when you can't fight, I'll fight for you."

Celia gazed up at him, her heart breaking at the honesty in his eyes. For so long, she had been running-running from the blessing, from the prophecy, from herself. But Aziel wasn't going to let her run anymore.

"What happens now?" she asked, her voice soft.

Aziel's expression grew serious, his gaze never leaving hers. "We fight. Together."

The weight of his words settled over her, but for the first time, it didn't feel crushing. It felt like a lifeline. She nodded, a small spark of resolve lighting in her chest. "Together," she echoed.

7---This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

The next morning, the camp was full of activity as the pack prepared for what lay ahead. Celia stood at the edge of the clearing, watching the wolves gather their weapons and supplies. The rogue lieutenant was still out there, and the blood moon's warning hung in her mind like a dark shadow.

Aziel moved toward her, his nearness a steady comfort. "You are sure about this?" he asked softly.

Celia met his eyes, the mark on her cheek stirring faintly at the silent pulse of their bond. "I am sure," she said. "Whatever lies ahead, we face it together."

Aziel nodded, a flicker of pride crossing his face. "Good. For this is only the beginning.

Celia looked toward the forest, where the shadows seemed deeper than usual, as though they were hiding something just out of reach. She knew he was right. The battle wasn't over. The prophecy hadn't yet been fulfilled. But for the first time, she wasn't afraid. The bond was real. And she wouldn't face the darkness alone.

As Celia turned back to the camp, a faint whisper echoed in the wind, chilling her to the bone. "The bond will save you. or destroy you." Her mark flared with sudden heat, and she gasped, clutching her arm as the energy within it surged. Aziel was at her side in an instant, his gaze sharp with concern. "What is it?" he demanded.

Celia stared at him, her voice shaking. "Something's coming."