Eclipsed Destiny

First was pain: a burning, throbbing sensation that seared through every part of her.

Her chest was heavy, her limbs weak and unresponsive. The air was cool and still, with a faint scent of pine and smoke wafting through the space.

"Celia."

Aziel's voice cut through the haze, laced with relief and barely controlled anguish. She slowly opened her eyes, blurring her vision against the dim light as she blinked. His face came into view, his blue eyes wide with worry, his jaw set tight as he knelt beside her.

"Aziel," she croaked, her voice hoarse. "What happened?"

"You saved us," he said, his voice trembling. "But at what cost?

Celia struggled to sit up, but sharp pain shot across her chest. She fell back down. Aziel steadied her with his hands, gentle yet firm.

"Don't force yourself," he said softly. "You must rest."

Her scar stung dimly, a dull ache that forced her to remember the overwhelming might

of the blessing. She remembered the battle: her sword, the jolt of energy, the light that had engulfed the rogues. And the cost she had paid to wield that blade.

"I... I thought it'd kill me," she spoke, her voice quivering.

Aziel's jaw tightened, his gaze dropping to her mark. "It almost did," he said, his voice low. "But you're still here. You're still with us."noveldrama

The camp was quiet as Celia regained her strength, the pack moving with subdued efficiency. The losses they had suffered were evident in the empty spaces around the central fire, the absence of familiar faces a constant weight on their hearts.

Marcus's face set and severe, he approached Celia as she sat there, resting by the fire. "We've regrouped," he told her evenly. "But we can't stay here for much longer. The rogues might be down, but they're not out."

Celia nodded, a queasy feeling rising up in her chest as she met his eyes. "I know," she said quietly. "We have to keep moving. The fight isn't over.

Marcus hesitated, his eyes scanning her face. "You have done enough, Celia. Let us take it from here."

Her heart ached at his words, the bond between them pulsing with quiet strength. "I can't step back now," she said firmly. "The blessing chose me for a reason. I have to see this through.

Night falling, the pack gathered around a central fire which cast its play of flicker and shadow about their faces; Celia sat at the very center, holding her blade horizontally across her thighs. The flow of the blessing was muted yet steady, serving as a subliminal hint of the charge she bore with her.

"We've been through so much," Celia began, her voice steady despite the emotion in her chest. "We've lost friends, family, and pieces of ourselves. But we've also gained something-strength, unity, and the will to keep fighting."

The pack watched her intently, their expressions a mix of pride and determination. "This fight isn't just about survival," she continued. "It's about protecting what we've built. It's about standing together, no matter what comes our way."

Aziel stepped forward, his blue eyes locking onto hers. "And we will stand together," he said firmly. "Because that's what it means to be a pack."

A murmur of assent ran through the group, a quiet strength which resonated throughout the clearing. Their unity swelled Celia's chest, her heart a steady beat that kept her grounded in chaos.

As the pack broke off, Celia stood at the edge of the clearing, gazing out across the horizon. The stars overhead twinkled faintly; their light, a distant comfort in the darkness.

Aziel approached, his presence grounding as he came to stand beside her. "You're thinking too much again," he said softly, his voice breaking through her thoughts.

Celia glanced at him, her heart aching at the concern in his eyes. "I can't help it," she admitted. "There's so much at stake."

Aziel reached out and took her hand, his touch warm and steady. "You're not in this alone, Celia. You have me. You have all of us."

Her breath hitched, her chest swelling with a mixture of gratitude and longing. "I know," she said, her voice trembling. "But it doesn't make it any easier.

Aziel's blue eyes softened, his hand tightening around hers. "Then let me make it easier," he said softly. "Just for tonight."

Celia leaned into him, her head resting against his shoulder. The bond between them pulsed with warmth, a steady rhythm that chased away the shadows.

The peace was short-lived.

A scout appeared in the clearing, face deathly pale, breathing short, ragged gasps. "Luna," they stammered. "Movement near the south border. Rogues amassing, rounding up the stray members to create a solid team."

Celia's mark trembled to a faint flare with the blessing inside her; this time the blessing was warm under her skin. Her breath caught with resolute decision. She drew herself

up straightening her hand round her blade. "Then prepare," she decided. "It's not yet

over.