BLOOD MOON SYSTEM

The Council Summons

Three days of training with Grimm had taught Theo that he knew absolutely nothing about being a werewolf.

Each night, he'd arrive at midnight and leave at dawn, his body aching and his mind stuffed with information. Bloodlust control exercises. Combat forms. Transformation techniques. Pack dynamics. Supernatural politics. The history of werewolf bloodlines.

Grimm was a relentless teacher, pushing Theo harder each session. But it was working. His bloodlust control had improved dramatically. He could now manage spikes up to 70/100 without losing himself. His combat forms were becoming second nature. And he'd finally mastered holding a partial transformation for over an hour without strain.

The system had rewarded his progress:

[STATUS UPDATE]

Level: 2

EXP:175/200

Bloodlust: 42/100

Skills:

Werewolf Combat Forms - LV3

Bloodlust Control - LV2 (New)

Partial Transformation Mastery - LV2 (New)

But on the fourth day, everything changed.

Theo was at school, enduring another boring lecture, when his enhanced hearing picked up whispers from across the room.

"Did you hear about Blake?"

"Yeah, he transferred schools. His uncle pulled him out."

"I heard he had a breakdown or something. Started talking about monsters."

Theo kept his expression neutral, but relief flooded through him. Blake was gone. One less problem to worry about.

During lunch, Theo sat alone as usual, scrolling through his phone while eating. His isolation didn't bother him as much anymore because he had bigger concerns than high school social dynamics.

"Mind if I sit?"

Theo looked up to find Sarah Chen standing beside his table with a lunch tray in hand.

He blinked in surprise. Sarah had never approached him before. She was one of those students who existed in a completely different social sphere. She's smart, popular and involved in everything.

"Uh, sure," Theo said.

Sarah sat across from him, studying his face with sharp, analytical eyes. "You're Theodore Cross, right? You work at the QuickStop on Fifth?"

"Yeah. Just Theo."

"Sarah Chen. School newspaper." She took a bite of her sandwich. "I've been wanting to talk to you."

Theo's instincts immediately went on alert. "About what?"

"About Blake Morrison." Sarah pulled out a small notebook. "He was my best lead for a story I'm working on...gang activity in Riverside High. Then he suddenly transfers schools, and all my sources say he's terrified of something. Or someone."

"That's got nothing to do with me," Theo said carefully.

"Doesn't it?" Sarah leaned forward. "Blake used to target you specifically. Beat you up at least once a week. Then about a week ago, it stopped. Not only that, but witnesses say you confronted him and his crew in an alley. Walked away without a scratch while all three of them looked like they'd seen a ghost."

"Witnesses got it wrong."

"Did they?" Sarah's pen was poised over her notebook. "Because I also heard that you're suddenly paying off your family's debts. Your mother's getting medical treatment. And you've been seen in some... interesting parts of town late at night."

Theo's bloodlust ticked up: 45/100. This girl was too observant, too smart. And she was getting dangerously close to things she shouldn't know about.

"I got a second job," Theo said. "The rest is coincidence."

"What kind of job pays enough to clear thousands in debt in one week?"

"The legal kind. Now if you'll excuse me....." Theo stood to leave.

"I'm not trying to get you in trouble," Sarah said quickly. "I'm trying to understand. Something's happening in this city, Theo. Unexplained disappearances. Animal attacks that don't make sense. And Blake's uncle, the one with Crimson Fang connections? He was found dead two weeks ago. Officially ruled an animal attack, but the wounds..." She trailed off, watching his reaction.

Theo kept his face blank. "Sounds like you've got plenty for your story without me."

"I do. But I'm missing the most important piece." Sarah closed her notebook. "What really happened that night in the alley? What scared Blake so badly that his own uncle pulled him out of state?"

"Maybe he finally realized he was an asshole."

Sarah smiled slightly. "Maybe. Or maybe someone taught him a lesson he won't forget." She stood. "If you ever want to talk...off the record, I'm here. Something tells me you could use a friend who asks questions."

She walked away, leaving Theo standing there with his bloodlust at 48/100 and a new problem on his hands.

Sarah Chen was dangerous. Not because she knew the truth, but because she was smart enough to find it if she kept digging.

He'd have to talk to Grimm about this.

After school, Theo went home to find his mother in the kitchen, looking healthier than she had in months. The clinic appointments were working. Color had returned to her cheeks, and she moved without the constant exhaustion that had plagued her.

"You're home early," she said, smiling. "How was school?"

"Fine." Theo dropped his bag. "How are you feeling?"

"Better every day, thanks to you." She hugged him. "The doctor says if I keep improving at this rate, I might be able to go back to work part-time next month."

Theo hugged her back, relief washing over him. This was why he'd risked everything. Why he was training every night and keeping dangerous secrets.

His phone buzzed. Unknown number.

Unknown: The Midnight Council requests your presence. Tonight, 10 PM, Riverside Grand Hotel, Penthouse Suite. Come alone. Do not be late. - Council Secretary

Theo's blood ran cold.

His mother noticed his expression. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, just... work stuff." He forced a smile. "I need to go out tonight. Don't wait up."

At 9:30 PM, Theo stood outside Grimm's shop. The old man was waiting for him, dressed in a suit that looked expensive and out of place.

"You got the summons," Grimm said. It wasn't a question.

"How did you...."

"I told you. I know everything in my territory." Grimm straightened his tie. "The Council moves faster than I expected. They must have heard about The Pit and decided to investigate."

"What do I do?"

"Exactly what I told you. Be honest. Be respectful. Don't threaten anyone, but don't grovel either. Show strength but accept their authority." Grimm started walking. "And whatever you do, don't lose your temper. Some of them will try to provoke you. It's a test."

They took a cab to the Riverside Grand Hotel, one of the most expensive buildings in the city. The lobby was marble and gold, the kind of place Theo had never imagined entering.

The elevator rose to the penthouse in silence. Theo's bloodlust was climbing despite his best efforts: 50/100, 52/100, 55/100.

"Breathe," Grimm reminded him. "Control."

The elevator opened directly into the penthouse suite. The space was enormous, decorated in dark woods and rich fabrics. Floor-to-ceiling windows showed the city lights stretching to the horizon.

But Theo barely noticed the luxury. His attention was fixed on the seven figures seated in a semicircle at the far end of the room.

The Midnight Council, all radiating power that made Theo's instincts scream danger. He could smell them. Werewolf, vampire, something else he couldn't identify. Ancient, powerful and Deadly

"Theodore Cross," the man in the center said. He was middle-aged, with gray at his temples and eyes that glowed faint amber. "Thank you for accepting our invitation."

"Invitation" was a polite word for a summons that wasn't optional.

"Councilors," Grimm said, bowing slightly. "Thank you for seeing us."

"Grimm." The speaker's tone was cool. "We should have known you'd be involved. Please, both of you, sit."

Two chairs had been placed facing the Council. Theo and Grimm sat.

"I am Councilor Marcus Kane," the man continued. "Alpha of the Iron Claw Pack and chairman of this Council. These are my fellow councilors." He gestured to each in turn. "Victoria Stern, vampire coven mistress. James Park, mage representative. Linda Reeves, Alpha of Night Runners Pack. Thomas Mitchell, Alpha of Steel Moon Pack. Sarah Blackwood, independent shifter delegate. And Detective Laura Cross, human liaison."

Theo's eyes widened at the last name. Laura Cross. The detective Grimm had mentioned, his estranged aunt. She looked like she was in her late thirties, with sharp features and suspicious eyes that studied him carefully.

"We know she's your aunt," Kane said, noticing Theo's reaction. "She doesn't. Yet. We'll address that issue later."

Laura's expression didn't change, but Theo saw her hand twitch toward her notebook.

"Theodore Cross," Kane continued. "You were bitten approximately two weeks ago by an unidentified werewolf. Since then, you've fought at The Pit, drawn attention from multiple supernatural factions, and somehow acquired training from Grimm, who famously refuses to teach anyone. You've also paid off significant debts, healed injuries that should have hospitalized you, and according to our sources, carry a bloodline that shouldn't exist anymore."

Kane leaned forward. "So let's start with the simple question..... Who bit you?"

Theo glanced at Grimm, who nodded slightly.

"Her name was Luna," Theo said. "She was dying. Being hunted by the Silver Order. She bit me in an alley and then... dissolved into smoke."

"Luna," Victoria Stern repeated, her vampire fangs showing as she spoke. "The last Alpha of Silver Moon Pack. We heard rumors she was in the region, but couldn't confirm." Her red eyes fixed on Theo. "She gave you her bloodline?"

"I don't know the details. I just know she bit me, and when I woke up, I had a system."

That caused a stir. The councilors exchanged glances.

"System?" James Park, the mage, leaned forward. "Describe it."

Theo explained the Blood Moon System as best he could. The quests, the stats, the leveling, the skills. The councilors listened in silence.

"A legacy system," Kane finally said. "Luna's last gift. That's... unprecedented."

"It's also dangerous," Linda Reeves added. She was younger than the other Alphas, maybe forty, with scars crossing her face. "A legacy system accelerates growth exponentially. The boy could reach Alpha-level power in months instead of decades."

"Or lose control and rampage through the city, exposing us all," Thomas Mitchell countered. He was the oldest of the Alphas, with white hair and cold eyes. "New wolves are unstable. Add Royal bloodline and accelerated growth? It's a disaster waiting to happen."

"Which is why I'm training him," Grimm said calmly.

"Your track record doesn't inspire confidence, old man," Mitchell shot back. "The last wolf you trained...."

"Is not relevant to this discussion," Kane interrupted sharply. "The question before us is simple...what do we do with Theodore Cross?"

"Bind his power," Mitchell said immediately. "Suppress the system until he's proven stable."

"Assign him to an established pack," Reeves suggested. "Let them guide his development."

"Kill him," Victoria said bluntly. "A Royal bloodline, a legacy system, and emotional instability? He's a threat to the Masquerade. Better to eliminate the problem now."

Theo's bloodlust spiked: 62/100. His claws wanted to extend. The beast inside him snarled at the threat.

"Control," Grimm said quietly.

Theo breathed. In through the nose. Out through the mouth. The bloodlust dropped to 58/100.

"Or," Kane said, silencing the others, "we could do what Luna intended. Give him time to develop, under proper supervision, and see if he becomes what we all hope...a unifying force rather than a threat."

"That's a gamble," Mitchell said.

"Everything about our existence is a gamble." Kane stood. "Theodore Cross, you have two options. Option one, Submit to power binding and join the Iron Claw Pack under my direct supervision. You'll be monitored constantly, restricted in your activities, but protected."

Theo's wolf bristled at the idea of being caged.

"Option two," Kane continued, "remains independent but under Council probation. You'll train with Grimm, report your progress monthly, and if you prove stable and trustworthy, you'll be granted full autonomy. However, any violation of the Masquerade or loss of control will result in immediate termination."

"By termination, he means execution," Victoria clarified, smiling.

"I know what he means," Theo said quietly.

Kane studied him. "Which do you choose?"

Theo thought about it. Option one was safe but suffocating. He'd be a prisoner, constantly watched, never trusted. Option two was dangerous but free. A chance to prove himself on his own terms.

Luna hadn't given him her legacy so he could be someone's pet wolf.

"Option two," Theo said. "I'll prove I can control it."

Mitchell snorted. "Foolish."

But Kane nodded. "Very well. You have six months. Prove your worth, or face the consequences." He pulled out a document. "Sign this. It's your probation agreement."

Theo read through it. The terms were clear with no Masquerade violations, mandatory monthly check-ins, immediate response to Council summons, no unauthorized pack formation.

He signed.

"One more thing," Kane said. "A school girl, Sarah Chen....She's been spooking around."

Theo's heart skipped. "I'll handle it."

"See that you do. We can't have a human journalist exposing our world because a young wolf couldn't cover his tracks." Kane dismissed them with a wave. "You're free to go. And Theodore? Welcome to the supernatural community. Try not to get yourself killed."

In the elevator going down, Theo's hands were shaking.

"You did well," Grimm said. "Most young wolves would have chosen option one. Safety over freedom."

"I'm not most wolves."

"No. You're not." Grimm smiled. "Luna chose well. Now comes the hard part....proving you deserve her faith."

The elevator reached the lobby. As they stepped out, a young man blocked their path.

He was Theo's age, maybe a year older, with blonde hair and expensive clothes. His eyes glowed faint amber, and the scent of dominance rolled off him in waves.

Born werewolf. Strong one.

"So you're the mutt everyone's talking about," the young man said, his voice dripping with contempt. "Theodore Cross, the bitten wolf who thinks he's special because some dead Alpha gave him a pity bite."

Theo's bloodlust spiked: 65/100.

"Marcus," Grimm said warnly. "Not now."

"Marcus?" Theo realized. "As in Marcus Kane? The Alpha's son?"

"The Alpha's heir," Marcus corrected. "And I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. You don't look like much to me. Just another weak, bitten wolf playing at being a predator."

He stepped closer, and Theo could feel the challenge in every movement.

"When you fail...and you will fail...don't come crawling to my father's pack. We don't accept charity cases." Marcus's smile was cruel. "See you around, mutt."

He walked past them into the elevator.

Theo stood there, fists clenched, bloodlust at 68/100.

"Breathe," Grimm said.

"I'm going to prove him wrong," Theo growled.

"Good. Use that anger. Channel it." Grimm started walking. "But remember....Marcus Kane jr is everything you're not. Born into power, trained since childhood, backed by one of the strongest packs in the city. If you fight him now, you'll lose."

"And later?"

"Later, you'll make him eat every word." Grimm's smile was fierce. "But first, you need to survive the next six months. Come. We have work to do."

They walked out into the night, and Theo felt the weight of the Council's judgment on his shoulders.

Six months to prove himself.

Six months to master his power.

Six months to show that Luna hadn't made a mistake.

The beast inside him growled its acceptance of the challenge.

'Let them watch,' Theo thought. 'I'll show them what a mutt can do.'

[Quest Complete: Face the Midnight Council]

[Reward: 25 EXP, Council Probation Status (6 months)]

[New Quest: Prove Your Worth]

Objective: Survive probation period without violations

Time Limit: 6 Months

Reward: Full Autonomy, Council Recognition

Failure: Execution

[LEVEL UP!]

[You are now Level 3]

Author's Note: The Council has spoken, and Theo's on probation! With Marcus Kane jr as a rival, Sarah Chen getting too close to the truth, and only six months to prove himself, the pressure is mounting. Theo master has to master his powers before time runs out?

Thank you for reading! Please add Blood Moon System to your library and leave a comment!