Noah's group began their journey at 8 a.m., just as the first golden rays of sunlight gilded the treetops.
The weather was perfect, with a clear sky and a fresh breeze descending from the Lunar Forest mountains. The air smelled of damp earth and wildflowers, creating a serene atmosphere interrupted only by the sweet singing of birds.
At the beginning of the hike, everything was exciting. The gigantic trees towered over them, their branches stretching like protective arms. Mischievous monkeys swung between the vines, watching them with curiosity, while some came down just enough to throw small fruits at them before disappearing into the shadows. Everyone in the group was full of energy, enjoying the experience.
No one was holding their phone during the walk. The trail, initially flat, gradually began to incline, winding through the vegetation. In some sections, the path descended near small ravines, forcing them to be cautious. This trail had been built by the villagers to make the ascent to the summit easier, and their footprints were still marked on some of the stones.
—This is amazing —Caleb said enthusiastically, adjusting his backpack from time to time.
Noah smiled softly. His white hair, slightly tousled by the breeze, shone under the sunlight like strands of silver. His sky-blue eyes seemed to reflect the sky itself, so clear and hypnotic that anyone who looked closely could get lost in them.
The birds on the branches began to sing louder when they saw him smile, as if his very presence had dazzled them. Their chirping became more melodious, harmonizing with the nature around them.
—Looks like we'll have a peaceful trip —said the guide, Mr. Dion, who could interpret the omens of nature. The breeze and the animals' behavior told him all was well.
But while they walked without concern, high up in a tree, a pair of golden eyes watched them intently.
"He's beautiful... Does he have sacred blood?"
"His face shines as if he were a celestial being..."
Among the shadows of the foliage, Theo appeared, camouflaged in the treetop where the birds rested. His white fur glowed under the golden light, and his nine tails, also white with reddish shimmers, moved with elegance, as if dancing with the wind.
The birds were about to take flight, startled by his presence, but upon realizing it was the fox spirit, they remained in place, bowing their little heads in respect.
—They're right. He is my destiny —Theo murmured with a cunning smile. His eyes sparkled with a predatory gleam as he fixed them on Noah.
He had waited centuries for this moment. His soulmate had finally appeared. And he was perfect. His very existence seemed like a masterpiece carved by the gods.
"Is he truly of pure blood?" asked a bird.
—He is —Theo whispered, his voice caressing the air with a blend of devotion and desire—. Tomorrow, when the solar eclipse arrives, I want you to help me get him.
"How will we do it?"
—Tell the snakes and the lions to scare him. I will appear as his savior.
The birds laughed softly, their trills echoing like a sweet melody in the forest.
—I will make him fall into the abyss of darkness, and at that moment, you must erase all traces of his existence from the others. Only I will be able to take him out of this forest.
"Alright, Theo. Hopefully, this time you'll break the curse and become human."
Thefox spirit smirked, his fangs barely showing between his lips. His nine tails swayed with anticipation.
With synchronized wingbeats, the birds took flight, leaving Theo in his hiding spot, still with his gaze fixed on the blue-eyed omega.
His wait of hundreds of years had been worth it if, in the end, his soulmate was this perfect. To him, Noah was like an angel fallen from heaven.
.
.
Meanwhile, on the ground, Noah and his companions continued walking. Two hours later, sweat began to form on their foreheads, gluing some strands of hair to their temples.
They decided to rest under a huge tree, whose roots protruded from the earth like wooden sculptures. Some sat on the ground, stretching their legs with relief after the effort. They still had seven more hours of hiking to reach the summit.
—We'll only rest for ten minutes. Make good use of the time —instructed the guide, adjusting his hat.
—Noah, would you like some of my water? —asked Michael, approaching cautiously.
The alpha took advantage of the fact that Noah's bodyguards weren't with him to dare speak to him. Michael was considered the most attractive guy at the university, a confident alpha with a charming smile and impeccable physique. However, in front of Noah, all his confidence seemed to crumble.
But before Noah could respond, Caleb intervened in a firm voice:
—I'm sorry, Michael, Noah can't accept drinks from anyone. Besides, he brought his own water.
His words weren't just a warning. Caleb had direct orders from Mr. Black to take care of the only omega of the Everharts, and that included avoiding any unnecessary contact with other alphas.
Noah sighed softly before smiling gently at Michael.
—I'm sorry, Michael.
His voice was so sweet that any anger or annoyance dissipated into the air.
Michael forced a smile and nodded.
—No problem, Noah. If you need anything, just let me know.
Noah nodded with a smile before looking away, unaware of how the alphas around him stared at him in fascination.
However, even that small exchange was enough for Theo, still hidden in the treetops, to let out a chirp of irritation.
"Hickk!"
His tails moved impatiently as he clenched his teeth.
Despite the distance, he had heard every word clearly.
He didn't like it.
He didn't like another alpha trying to get close to Noah.
He had waited centuries for his soulmate. He wasn't going to let anyone get in the way.
Tomorrow, during the eclipse, Noah would be his alone.
And no one could stop it.
...