SHADOWS OF THE MOON

Amara Lyall's POV

The old grandfather clock in the library ticked methodically, its sound a constant friend to the mild hum of my laptop and page turning motion. My haven was the library, where among the stacks of worn-out books and antique tomes I could immerse myself. Here I was invisible, something I found comforting. In Silverwood, an Omega like me fit nowhere among the great intrigues of the Alphas. But behind the cover of my ordinary work, I carried secrets that might upset the fragile equilibrium of our planet.

Five went on the clock, and I got ready to close for nighttime. At this hour, the library was always empty; the last users had long since left. I went throughout the aisles returning wayward books to their correct locations. A shadow dropped across the front door just as I was ready to lock it.

Startled, I looked up to find someone standing outside framed by the last of the light. The shape was striking, with a strong posture suggesting might. My pulse skipped a beat—no typical werewolf could create such a powerful presence. My fingers chilly and clammy, I stumbled with the keys.

"May I help you?" Trying to keep a steady voice, I spoke out. The man emerged from the darkness looking really good with dark, disheveled hair and piercing blue eyes. He wore a custom coat that represented authority and riches.

"I hope I'm not invading," he replied smoothly, his voice like velvet. I'm Kaelan Blackwood. I was informed I might come across you here.

The name struck me like a stomach punch. The strongest Alphas in Silverwood were the Blackwood triplets, Darius, Lucian, and Kaelan. I never expected them to find me; their presence was hardly sensed outside their own fields. Though my heart surged, I kept a blank face.

"I'm Amara Lyall," I said, attempting to project calm. " How might I help you?"

Kaelan fixed a focused stare as though he could see right through me. Stepping inside as though he owned the place, he said, "We need to talk about a matter of great importance." His nearly overpowering warmth was simply amazing. "May I come inside?"

I hesitated, but I nodded because of curiosity—and maybe a deeper sense of doom. Hoping the alone would help me to better assess the matter, I guided him to my little office at the rear of the library.

Kealan leaned forward after we were seated, his gaze never leaving me. His tone solemn, he said, "I'm here because of a prophecy." "It's thought that a fated mate will bring our split groups together and save a coming calamity. I think you are your partner.

Like a thunderclap, the words strike me. Prophecies were the cornerstone upon which our planet was constructed, not just tales. It was both exciting and terrible to realize that, as an Omega with nothing to identify except my latent skills, I might be the key to such a historic occurrence.

Trying to digest the weight of his allegation, I answered, "I don't understand." " Why would you think it's me?"

Kaelan's face turned even more grave. "You have a very unique gift for foresight, Amara. The prophecy describes a mate who can see behind the curtain of the present into the future. Though the Council—those who uphold our laws—will never accept a union like this, we have seen images like you.

THE Council. The very idea of them made my back hurt. For people like me, their exacting adherence to tradition has always made life challenging. The mention of their displeasure made me start to get scared.

"Why would the Council turn against this?" My voice quivering somewhat, I asked.

According to Kaelan, "they fear change." "They are limited by old rules stating one mate per Alpha. It is anathema to three Alphas to have one mate shared among them. But the prophecy is unambiguous. We have to come together to stop a certain disaster.

A great crash sounded in the library just then. My heart shot up into my mouth. I looked at Kaelan, who was already on his feet, his face turning to one of worry.