*The Battlefield — Moments After the Lightstorm* Smoke curled around the crater like mist. Ryder still knelt at the center, shielding Crystal’s limp form with his body. His hands trembled where they gripped her shoulders. She was warm, too warm like wildfire trapped in mortal skin. “Crystal,” he murmured, brushing hair from her face. Her lashes fluttered, silver light still flickering. Around them, the field was silent. Not dead. Not alive. Just still. Wolves and warriors who had survived the blast rose slowly to their feet, dazed. Some stared at the glowing imprint scorched into the earth. A perfect circle of silver flame, humming with energy. “She is breathing,” Ryder whispered, his voice hoarse. “Come back to me, little flame…” Crystal gasped
*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.