Marked By The Alpha's Cursed Blue Moon
Chapter 41. Whispers of the Beast Within

Chapter 41: 41. Whispers of the Beast Within

"The Alpha has dined with the spirits of righteousness," the voice replied. "They sit above all spirits. Hisamo cannot kill him. You’ll need more."

"Then how do I kill him? How do I destroy the entire pack and bring them under my control?" The Shadow demanded.

"You must kill him yourself. No one can tell you how—it must be done by your own hand. But remember—your time is limited. You must complete your mission before the next fortnight," the spirits laughed, their voices echoing in the dark...

The Shadow clenched his fists.

"Then I’ll do it. I must gain immortality and rule over all. I’ll do whatever it takes!" he roared before vanishing into the shadows, consumed by rage...

***

Maria saw blood and chaos everywhere—smoke and fire devouring the woods and forest like a raging inferno.

Her body was soaked in blood, though none of it was hers. The thirst for blood boiled inside her, and she was driven by a fury so powerful it felt inhuman.

She was hunting. Every werewolf in her path was a target, and the strength she wielded was terrifying. Her killing instinct was unlike anything she had ever felt.

Pain surged from within her, and her eyes felt as though they might burst from their sockets.

Her body swelled, bones shifting, muscles stretching, and the world around her twisted in hue—the sky and earth transforming with her.

She was no longer herself. She had become a beast, unstoppable and hungry for destruction.

As she sprinted through the woods, not knowing her destination, she reached a crossroads buried deep within the wild forest.

Tall trees stood like guards around her. Then, a voice erupted from nowhere—a loud, booming sound that echoed in all directions.

"The chaos and calamity born to bring her kind sorrow and ruin has come. Soon, the beast shall awaken. The cursed child walks with rage to destroy all in her path!"

The moment those words were spoken, the clouds above blurred into darkness. Her form twisted fully into a massive white werewolf, marked by brilliant blue streaks swirling across her fur.

More werewolves appeared—large, intimidating figures emerging from the shadows, surrounding her. None dared face her alone. One attempted and was immediately torn to pieces.

The rest rushed at her together. Her heartbeat thundered. She braced for the fight.

Then... Maria jolted awake.

She sprang from her bed, chest heaving, breath short. Her skin burned, and her temperature was far from normal.

She raced to the bathroom and stood under a cold shower, water cascading over her body as she struggled to calm herself.

"What kind of dream was that? I can’t make sense of any of it," she whispered, still shaken.

Fifteen minutes passed before she felt somewhat composed. She returned to her room and froze in horror.

Blood—It covered her mattress. She heard wolves howling in pain—agonized, guttural cries.

Her eyes shut instinctively. When she opened them again, everything was gone. It was just her bed. Just a bedsheet.

She collapsed onto the floor. Fear gripped her too tightly to sit on the bed.

Her mind spiraled. Should she tell Bernard or Beta Gilbert? She wanted to, but the timing felt wrong.

"No... this isn’t the right time. They have more pressing matters to worry about. My dream? It’s my problem," she muttered to herself.

Still, she knew she needed to speak to someone. Cassandra and Laura were the only ones she trusted enough. And despite the chaos surrounding her, she decided to go to college that day.

She prepared herself mentally and emotionally, aware they might object—but she was ready with her reason.

By 7 a.m., Maria was dressed and ready. With her bag in hand, she stepped out and found Beta Gilbert, Luna Victoria, and Bernard in the living room, deep in conversation.

Their eyes widened with surprise. After exchanging greetings, she broke the news.

"I’m heading to college."

Victoria’s voice cut through the air. "Why would you go now? With everything going on? Do you want to get yourself killed?"

Maria remained calm.

"Our final exams are close, and Bernard and I can’t afford to miss out entirely. Someone has to attend, and I need to be able to help Bernard catch up once this is all over."

Victoria fell silent. Beta Gilbert nodded, approving.

"She makes sense," he said. "Besides, I heard the college has increased its security. Just be sure to come back with the driver the moment your lectures end."

Maria promised, then left for college.

Once there, she headed straight to class, where Cassandra and Laura greeted her with warmth and surprise.

"Girl! It’s been ages. Where have you been? We’ve tried calling, but your number’s always off!" Cassandra exclaimed, pulling her into a hug.

"Yeah," Laura agreed. "We called you just yesterday. What’s going on?"

Maria’s smile faded. "So much has happened. Honestly, I’m taking a huge risk just being here."

Laura leaned in, concerned. "What do you mean? Is everything okay?"

Maria sighed. "There was an attack... at our meeting ground. Bernard got hurt, and some others died. That’s why I’ve been away. I wasn’t even supposed to leave the house today, but I couldn’t stay cooped up."

Their eyes widened.

"Is Bernard okay? And you—are you alright?" Cassandra asked softly.

"He’s recovering fast. I’m fine too... mostly. Just... overwhelmed."

Laura reached over, squeezing her hand. "Talk to us. What’s bothering you?"

Maria hesitated, then confessed, "I was trying to retrieve the important documents Bernard mentioned. He said they were in his room."

"And? What stopped you?" Cassandra pressed.

"His mom walked in. I had to cover up, pretend I was doing something else."

"It’s too risky now," Maria added. "Security in the house is insane. I can’t try again—not now. I could get caught."

They nodded in understanding.

Their conversation was still going when Maria’s gaze shifted. She spotted someone approaching—James. Her expression changed instantly, softening.

Her friends noticed immediately and they exchanged knowing looks.

James walked closer, unaware that his presence had already brightened Maria’s morning...