The moon hung heavy in the sky, its fullness a glowing promise of what was to come. Tessa drifted into a restless sleep, her body yearning for rest, though her mind refused to settle. As soon as her eyes closed, the world around her shifted.

  She was no longer in her room but standing in an endless field of golden light. The sky above shimmered with stars that danced like fireflies, and a warm breeze carried the scent of blooming wildflowers. In the distance, Morgana emerged, her silver hair flowing like liquid moonlight, her presence radiating power and calm.

  “Tessa,” Morgana’s voice called, resonating like a melody.

  Tessa stepped forward, her chest tightening. “Morgana, what is it? Why are you here now?”

  The goddess's expression was grave. “Because the time has come. The Reaper and the vampire clan will not wait any longer. They will attack on the night of the full moon. That is tomorrow.”

  Tessa’s breath hitched. “Tomorrow? But we’re not ready—”

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  “You are as ready as you’ll ever be,” Morgana interrupted, her tone firm but not unkind. “The enemy believes the moon’s power will tip the scales in their favor. They think you’ll be weak, that the light within you is still untamed. They underestimate you, Tessa.”

  A flicker of doubt crept into Tessa’s voice. “But what if they’re right? What if I’m not strong enough?”

  Morgana stepped closer, placing a hand on Tessa’s shoulder. The touch was warm, grounding. “You are stronger than you know. The light inside you is not just power—it is purpose. It is connection. Remember, you are not alone. Your brother, your friend, my people—we will stand with you. But it is your light that will tip the balance. Trust it.”

  Tessa’s jaw tightened, her fear battling with resolve. “Where will they come?”

  “The clearing,” Morgana replied. “At the heart of the forest, where the moon’s light is strongest. They’ll arrive at midnight, believing they have the element of surprise. You must be there to meet them. Let them believe they have the upper hand, and then strike.”

  Tessa nodded, determination settling into her features. “We’ll be ready. I’ll make sure of it.”

  Morgana gave her a small smile, her gaze softening. “You have grown so much, Tessa. I see in you the heart of a warrior and the soul of a leader. Whatever happens tomorrow, know that you are fulfilling your destiny.”

  The dream shattered, and Tessa woke with a start. Her room was bathed in silver moonlight, her heart pounding as if she’d just run a marathon.

  She sat up, running a hand through her hair, and whispered to herself, “The clearing. Midnight.”

  Tessa swung her legs out of bed, already reaching for her phone to call Ryker and Liam. Hours. They only had hours to prepare for the fight of their lives.

  As she hurried to meet the others, the weight of Morgana’s words echoed in her mind: The light within you is enough.

  Tomorrow, they would find out if she was right.