Chapter 88

The misty dreamscape dissolved as Shea's eyes fluttered open. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting warm patterns across her bed. Her heart still raced from the vivid encounter, the ethereal girl's words echoing in her mind.

A gentle touch on her cheek made her turn. Achilles lay beside her, propped up on one elbow, watching her with tender blue eyes. His chocolate brown hair was adorably mussed from sleep, and his lips curved into that rare, soft smile he seemed to reserve just for her.

"Good morning," he murmured, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her lips.

Shea blinked, momentarily confused by his presence. "When did you...?"

"You were tossing and turning all night. I heard you through the wall." His thumb traced circles on her shoulder. "Came to check on you and ended up staying."

She curled into his warmth, breathing in his familiar scent. The strange dream felt more distant now, yet the girl's words remained crystal clear. Her father had visited that place, had sought answers there just as she was doing now.

"I had the strangest dream," she whispered against Achilles's chest.

His arms tightened around her protectively. "Want to talk about it?"

Shea nodded, gathering her thoughts. The memory of the white-haired girl's knowing smile and ancient eyes felt both unsettling and comforting. But here in Achilles's embrace, with morning light washing away the dream's ethereal glow, she felt anchored. Safe.

Shea shifted in Achilles's arms, her fingers tracing patterns on his chest as she gathered her thoughts. "I was in these woods, but they weren't like the ones around here. Everything glowed with this strange blue light."

"There was this girl," she continued, her voice soft. "She had white hair that seemed to float around her, and these ancient eyes that felt like they could see right through me."

Achilles's arms tightened around her as she spoke, his body tensing.

"She knew about my father, Achilles. She said he'd been there before, seeking answers just like I am now." Shea's voice trembled slightly. "She mentioned something about a sacred pool hidden deep in those woods, where the veil between worlds is thinnest."

"The girl said my father discovered something there, something that changed everything. But before she could tell me what it was..." Shea paused, remembering the ethereal figure's knowing smile. "She said I'd have to find it myself, just like he did."

Achilles's eyes widened, his body going completely still against hers. Without warning, he pressed his lips to hers in a fierce kiss that stole her breath away. Then he was gone, practically flying out of the room, leaving Shea blinking in confusion at the empty doorway.

Shea's bare feet padded across the cool wooden floor as she stepped into the hallway. Down below, Achilles stood with his father, their heads bent close together in urgent whispers. His hands moved in quick, agitated gestures as he spoke.

Lucius's head snapped up, his piercing blue eyes locking onto Shea. Before she could blink, both men appeared at her side, their supernatural speed making them little more than blurs of movement. Without a word, they ushered her back into her bedroom.

The door clicked shut behind them with a soft finality. Lucius strode to the window, his movements precise and controlled. He drew the heavy curtains closed, plunging the room into dim shadows. The morning light that had seemed so warm and welcoming moments ago now felt like a distant memory.

"Not a sound," Lucius commanded, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes darted between the covered window and the door, scanning for threats only he could sense.

Shea's heart thundered in her chest as she perched on the edge of her bed. Achilles stood rigid beside her, his body coiled with tension. The peaceful intimacy they'd shared just minutes ago had evaporated, replaced by an atmosphere thick with unspoken danger.

Lucius's expression hardened as he turned to his son. "Achilles, check her body for any markings. Those who receive visions from the spirit realm often bear its touch."

"What kind of mark?" Shea asked, but Lucius was already moving toward the door.

"You'll know it when you see it. I'll be outside." The door clicked shut behind him, his footsteps fading down the hallway.

Achilles faced Shea, his blue eyes dark with concern. "We should check thoroughly."

Shea nodded, pulling her nightgown over her head. She stood before him in just her underwear, suppressing a shiver as his warm hands traced over her shoulders and down her arms.

"Turn around," he murmured, his fingers skimming across her back.

Outside, Lucius's voice carried through the thick walls as he called for Alaric. "Double check every entrance. Ward the perimeter again if you have to."

"Right away, sir." Alaric's measured footsteps echoed through the mansion as he moved to secure their defenses.

Achilles's hands stilled on Shea's lower back. His sharp intake of breath made her twist to look at him. "What is it?"

"There's something here." His fingers traced a spot just above her hip. "Like a crescent moon, but it's... shifting."

Achilles's fingers lingered on the mark for a moment longer before he stepped back. "Get dressed," he said, his voice tight with concern. "Father needs to see this."

Shea pulled her nightgown back on as Achilles strode to the door. "Father," he called, his tone urgent.

Lucius entered, his sharp eyes taking in their tense expressions. "What did you find?"

"A crescent moon mark," Achilles said, moving closer to Shea. "But it's not static - it seems to shift and move, like liquid silver beneath her skin."

Lucius's face drained of color. He sank into the nearest chair, running a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair. "This is more serious than I thought. You haven't encountered just any spirit, Shea. You've made contact with Selene herself."

"Selene?" Shea's brow furrowed in confusion. "Who is she?"

Lucius's eyes met hers, filled with a mix of awe and apprehension. "Selene is the Lunar Goddess - the most powerful entity in our world. She's the source of all werewolf bloodlines, the creator of our kind." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "And if she's chosen to mark you, everything we thought we knew about your role in this has just changed."