Riding Into Danger

The moon hung high in the sky, but its light was faint, hidden behind heavy clouds that drifted slowly like warnings. A cold wind moved through the trees around Moonridge, brushing against the fur of the wolves guarding the borders. The air felt thick and tense, filled with something old and unsettling. Dereek’s instincts screamed—danger wasn’t just near, it had already slipped through.

Inside the war chamber, torches flickered on the stone walls, casting shaky shadows. Footsteps echoed as Dereek stood at the end of a long wooden table, its surface scratched and worn from years of use. His hands rested firmly on the table while he stared down at a map. Thick red circles marked the eastern side—Silverfang territory. Reports of attacks had been coming in all night. These weren’t random attacks. They were planned.

“They need backup,” said Markus, his trusted beta. His voice was low and serious as he stepped closer, eyes scanning the map. “The Silverfangs stood by us in the border war. If we turn our backs now—”

“I know,” Dereek cut in. His tone was sharp, but not harsh. His jaw tightened as memories of fighting beside the Silverfangs came rushing back. Brave. Loyal. But no pack could hold off a swarm of bloodthirsty rogues forever.

He took a breath to steady himself and stood straighter. “Send ten of our best. I’m riding with them.”

Markus nodded once and left the room without another word.

Now alone, Dereek’s thoughts drifted to her.

Diva.

Just her name stirred something in his chest—a deep pull he couldn’t shake. He turned and walked quickly toward the mansion. The guards at the front doors straightened as he neared, but he waved them off and stepped inside.

The hallway was warm, lit by golden wall lights, a sharp contrast to the cold danger building outside. He found her in the parlor, sitting by the fire wrapped in a blanket. She stared at the flames, lost in thought. When he entered, she looked up. Their eyes met, and neither of them said anything for a moment.

“I’m going,” he said finally, his voice low and rough with emotion.

Diva lifted her eyebrows. “Going? Where?”

“East,” he said. “The Silverfangs are under attack. Ronan’s rogues are swarming in. They won’t last without us.”

She stood quickly, the blanket falling to the floor. “But what if it’s a trap?” she said. “What if they’re using the Silverfangs to draw you out?”

“Maybe,” he said honestly. “But I can’t sit here while they fall.”

She looked at him, sadness written all over her face. The silence between them was heavy.

“You’re staying here,” Dereek said firmly.

She looked like she wanted to argue, but stopped herself. She nodded, even as her shoulders tensed. She hated being locked away. He knew that. But he couldn’t take the risk.

He turned to the guards now standing at the entrance. “She stays inside. No walks. No yard. Don’t let her out of your sight. Not until I return. Understood?”

The guards saluted. “Yes, Alpha.”

Dereek looked back at Diva. For a moment, the world faded. He walked over and gently tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. She leaned into his touch, but said nothing.

“Stay safe,” he whispered.

Then he turned and left. The door shut quietly behind him.

Outside, his warriors were already mounted and ready. The air smelled of leather, sweat, and burning torches. Dereek climbed into his saddle, just about to give the signal—when a scout galloped in, dust rising behind his horse.

“Alpha!” the scout shouted, pulling his horse to a stop and jumping down.

Dereek narrowed his eyes. “Speak.”

“Something’s wrong,” the scout said, breathing hard. “Near the mansion. The energy—it’s different. Darker. It feels like something’s hiding. Watching.”

A chill crept through Dereek. He turned his eyes toward the mansion. Now that it was said, he felt it too. Something strange lingered in the air, like a shadow waiting to strike.

But the Silverfangs needed him. He had to trust the guards and the protective wards he’d put in place.

“Double the patrols,” he ordered. “No one in or out. No spell, no creature, no shadow moves without my say.”

The scout hesitated, clearly worried, but nodded.

Dereek turned to his warriors. “We ride now. No stopping.”

“Yes, Alpha!” they shouted together.

He kicked his horse forward, and the group galloped into the night. The cold wind whipped against his face, but his mind was sharp—half on the coming fight, half on the unease he left behind.

As the trees rushed past, shadows moved in the darkness. Far behind them, near the edge of the mansion, a pair of glowing eyes watched from the trees. Not a wolf. Not a man.

Something ancient had woken up. And while the Alpha rode toward battle, it crept silently toward the heart of his home.

Moonridge was no longer just a battleground.

It was a hunting ground.

And Diva was its prey.