Chapter One hundred and Three

Marc's Pov

The moon hung high in the sky, its light casting shadows across the forest floor. I stood at the edge of my territory, the sounds of the night filling my ears. A twig snapped behind me, and I turned, my hackles raised.

"Who's there?" I growled, my voice low and menacing.

Out of the shadows stepped a woman, her dark hair cascading down her back. I could smell the magic on her, and I knew she was a witch. I bared my teeth, ready to defend my territory.

The witch raised her hands, palms facing me in a gesture of peace. "I mean you no harm," she said, her voice calm and steady. "I come bearing a message from Nadia, the High Priestess of Black Magic."

I hesitated, my instincts telling me to attack, but something about the witch's demeanor made me pause. "What message does she have for me?" I asked, my tone wary.

"She wishes to speak with you about the sacred staff of power," the witch replied. "She believes that its magic could be used to benefit your pack."

I narrowed my eyes,