***Moonlight pack***
Crystal walked home, the fading sunlight casting long shadows across the path. The trees towered above, their branches creaking in the gentle breeze.
She quickened her pace, her senses on high alert.
As she approached her home, she saw the worried faces of her parents and Ethan. Sarah's eyes were red-rimmed, and Edwin's expression was tense.
"Crystal, where have you been?" Sarah asked, rushing to her side. "We've been searching everywhere for you."
Crystal took a deep breath, her eyes darting between her parents. "I'm fine, Mom. I just...I needed some time alone."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "You were gone for hours. We were worried sick."
Crystal's gaze dropped and she fidgeted with her hands. "I'm sorry. I just needed some fresh air and time to think."
Sarah's expression softened, and she wrapped her arms around Crystal. "We're just glad you're home safe"
Crystal's eyes dropped, her gaze on the lingering concern etched on her parents faces.
As they sat down, Crystal's words tumbled out. "I met a stranger...his name is Ryder. He's...he's my mate."
The room fell silent and her parents exchanged a curious glance. Sarah's eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean he's your mate?"
Edwin's expression was stunned. "But...but George was your mate," he said, his voice filled with confusion.
Crystal nodded. "I know, i'm confused as well. George was my mate but he rejected me".
Sarah's eyes searched Crystal's face, trying to understand the emotions behind her words.
"Honey, this is a lot to take in. You're still reeling from George's rejection and now you're telling us you've met someone new who claims to be your mate?"
Crystal's hands trembled slightly as she smiled , her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
"I met him in the forest. He's kind, gentle and makes me feel safe. His pack is the Star Blood Pack."
Ethan's eyes widened in surprise. "The Star Blood Pack? That's a powerful pack."
Crystal's hands trembled as she explained her encounter with Ryder. Her parents listened intently, their expressions thoughtful.
"We'd love to meet him," Sarah said, her eyes sparkling with interest. "When do you think that could happen?"
Crystal hesitated, feeling uncertain. "I'm not sure. He only asked for my pack and name when we met."
Edwin nodded understandingly. "That's okay, sweetie. We'll just have to wait and see how things develop."
As the evening wore on, Crystal's thoughts drifted back to Ryder. She wondered when she'd see him again, and what the future held for them.
---
***Star blood pack***
Ryder sat at his desk, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm light on the maps and documents scattered before him.
His eyes narrowed as he studied the layout of the vampire territories, his mind focused on the growing threat to their boundaries.
The scent of old leather and wood filled the air, a comforting familiarity in the midst of chaos.
Despite the tension, a sense of calm had settled over him in the past few days. He couldn't explain it but something had shifted, like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
His thoughts drifted to the forest, to the moment he had met his mate. The memory of he smile, her scent, her eyes, lingered in his mind like a gentle hum.
His fingers drummed a slow rhythm on the desk, betraying the turmoil brewing beneath his calm exterior.
He had been fighting the urge to leave everything behind, to track her down and claim her as his own. But duty bound him to his pack, to the war against the vampires.
Ryder's gaze lingered on the sketch of the forest, his mind wandering to the possibility of showing her the hidden waterfalls.
He imagined her laughter, her eyes sparkling with joy.
The sound of footsteps outside his study door broke the spell. Ryder's focus snapped back to the task at hand. He leaned back in his chair, his expression neutral as Luca entered the room.
"Alpha Ryder, we've received reports of vampire activity near the eastern border" Luca said, his voice low and urgent.
Ryder's eyes locked onto the map, his mind racing with strategy and tactics.
Ryder's eyes narrowed as he studied the map, his jaw clenched.
He stood up, his movements fluid and deliberate.
"Let's get to work" he said, his voice firm and commanding.
As they looked over the maps and made plans, Ryder's thoughts lingered on his mate, a constant presence in the back of his mind.
His thoughts were consumed by the mate he had yet to claim. But for now, duty came first. The vampires wouldn't wait.
After instructing the pack warriors, Ryder set off towards the boundary.
With his senses on high alert, Ryder charged into battle, his claws outstretched and fought fiercely, taking down several of the attackers.
Despite being outnumbered, Ryder fought on, driven by a primal urge to protect his pack and his territory.
He caught sight of a cloaked man standing far away, a flicker of curiosity sparked within him. Who was this mysterious figure, and what did he want?
He had to focus on the battle. He gritted his teeth and plunged back into the fray, determined to emerge victorious.
---
The dim light of the alleyway casts eerie shadows on the figure's face as he leans back on his chair.
"What do you mean he found her?" he asked, his voice low and measured.
The other person, a tall and imposing figure with piercing eyes locked onto him, a hint of wariness in his gaze. "Ryder had found his mate. And we have a reason to believe she's the one we've been searching for"
The figure's expression remained calm but a flicker of interests danced in his eyes, "This changes things, we will need to take action. And fast", he said.
The air seemed to thicken with tension as the two figures sat in silence...
*Starblood pack — Eastern battlefield*The second wave had begun.The undead wolves returned, this time with larger beasts among them. Creatures with horns. Others fused with bone armor. Some had two heads. One dragged a chain of skulls behind it as it moved, its breath clouding like winter.But the pack was ready.Crystal led from the front, eyes glowing and her magic rippling. She carved paths of flame, her power no longer flickering but steady and rooted.She didn’t hesitate while moving. A blur of silver and flame. Each time her palms rose, fire came out to the air in arcs. Not wild, but precise, controlled.Beside her, Ryder fought like the storm itself.His claws slashed through one undead wolf after another, black blood staining the soil. His growls became commands. His fury was silent but brutal. Sharp, precise and relentless.Ato
*Starblood pack — Outer Watchtowers, Midnight* The wind swept across the eastern cliffs, carrying with it chills. The full moon, peeked behind racing clouds, casting its silver light over the ridge below. Two guards stood on the highest stone watchtower. One was young, eyes darting nervously. The other, older and scarred, stood stiff and still, spear gripped tightly in calloused hands. Then, silence. No rustling leaves. No owls cry. No night insects in sight. “Do you feel something is wrong?” the younger asked, his voice barely a whisper. The elder didn't answer at first. Then he slowly nodded. “Too quiet.” Then a shape emerged from the shadows. Not running, not charging. Just walking like it had all the time in the world. A massive white-eyed wolf, covered in frost. Then another. And another. Soon, dozens emerged from the shadows, their hollow gazes locked onto the watchtower. The younger guard reached for the warning bell. Too late. A black arrow hissed through the ai
*Star Blood Pack — The Luna’s Chambers* Crystal collapsed to her knees, her throat dry. The crimson moon hung low outside, its light stained the shattered garden with a dark omen. The once-vibrant moonflowers were now blackened husks. The wind whispered secrets she dared not understand, and the pendant’s faint flicker was something unnatural. Her trembling fingers reached for the velvet box, heart hammering wildly beneath her ribs. “The crown is your cage”. The voice echoed in her mind coldly and more calculating. The weight of the words were suffocating. Chills crawled through her veins, threatening to unravel her sanity. She barely noticed the soft knock on her chamber door. “Crystal?” The voice was steady and calm, a beacon cutting through the storm. She looked up to see Ryder slipping inside, his golden eyes immediately searching hers. He wore a heavy cloak, but his presence filled the room with warmth. “Are you okay,” he said quietly, closing the door behind him. “
*Star Blood Pack — The Grand Hall* The great hall of the Star Blood Pack shone with golden torchlight and silver banners. Long tables stretched end to end, weighed down by platters of meat, honeyed breads, moonleaf wine and glowing fruit. It was a celebration. A feast of honor. The Luna had been claimed. Crystal entered at Ryder’s side, the new crescent-shaped mark on her neck glowing faintly against her skin. She wore a flowing silver gown, her hair was braided with starpetals. Around her, silence fell. Then came the bows. One by one, members of the Star Blood Pack and the invited outer clans dropped their heads, exposing their necks in respect. “She is truly the Flame,” someone whispered. “She carries the old light.” Crystal’s gaze swept the hall. Her father and mother sat near the high table, pride evident on their faces. Edwin’s chin was lifted but his hand rested lightly atop his staff, as if ever ready. Sarah gave Crystal a quiet nod of love. Ethan leaned forwar
*Star Blood Pack — Training Grounds* The clang of metal echoed through the morning. Warriors moved in organized formation, claws slicing through the air in rhythm, yet tension threaded between each breath they took. Luca stood near the sparring ring, arms folded tightly. His gaze flicked from warrior to warrior, sharp and calculating. From the eastern gate, Ryder emerged cloaked in black and silver. “Report.” Luca stepped forward and handed over a sealed scroll. “Two border patrols haven’t returned. We sent scouts at dawn. No word yet.” Ryder’s brow furrowed, his fingers tightening around the scroll. “They’re moving faster than we thought.” “And this..” Luca lowered his voice, pulling a folded parchment from inside his armor. “We found it beneath one of Queen Elira’s handmaidens’ beds. Coded in symbols I’ve only seen on witchbound contracts.” Ryder’s gaze sharpened. “Decode it and do it quietly. If the Queen’s sending messages beyond our borders, I want to know who’s listening.
*Starblood Pack — The Balcony*Crystal leaned against the carved stone railing of her balcony, silver eyes tracing the sky as dawn gave way to pale blue light. The wind brushed her skin.Her thoughts were quiet, too quiet. Aelira had gone silent since their connection that morning. Behind her, the door opened softly.Ryder stepped into the sunlight, golden eyes finding her immediately. His bare chest bore the golden markings of the bond, still glowing faintly.“You left the bed,” he murmured, sliding his arms around her waist from behind.“I couldn’t sleep,” she said, leaning into him. “My mind’s still full.”“Of what?”Crystal hesitated. “The power. The changes. The things I don’t understand.”He rested his chin on her shoulder. “Then let’s understand them together.”She turned to face him. “You’re not scared?”“I’d walk through fire for you,” he said simply. “Why would I fear your light?”Her heart thudded but her mind wandered briefly, fleetingly to the Queen. She had yet to spea