Chapter twenty-four:Moonblood revealed

By the time Alex stood before the allied packs, the sun had barely risen—but tension buzzed in the air like lightning.

The Gathering Circle was nestled between three territories, sacred ground untouched by war or politics. Massive stones carved with symbols of the Goddess stood tall, marking the four corners of the clearing. Alphas, Betas, and Omegas from every pack had assembled, murmuring among themselves as Brian and Alex entered hand in hand.

Alex’s head was held high.

But inside, his heart pounded.

“Just breathe,” Brian whispered.

Alex nodded. He had fought beasts. Faced rejection. Survived betrayal. But now, he had to face doubt—and perhaps worse, ignorance.

Council Elder Marius of the Coldstream Pack stepped forward. A broad-shouldered Alpha with graying hair and calculating eyes, he sneered as he looked Alex over.

“So this is the one we’ve heard about? The ‘Moonblooded’ Omega?”

Rachel stepped in, her tone calm but firm. “You forget your place, Elder. The Moonblooded existed long before your line did.”

He scoffed. “Legends and fairytales don’t win wars. Strength does.”

Alex stepped forward.

“I didn’t come here to convince you,” he said. His voice was steady. “I came to show you.”

He pulled down his collar, exposing the glowing mark. Gasps echoed. A few Elders stood up. One Beta fell to their knees, whispering old prayers in awe.

The mark shimmered and pulsed—responding not just to Alex’s heartbeat, but to the land itself.

Suddenly, a gust of wind whipped through the circle. The stone pillars hummed. Wolves began to shift instinctively, howling not in fear—but in recognition.

The energy was undeniable.

Rachel raised her staff. “The Moonblooded has returned. And with him, the bond of unity the Goddess once blessed us with. The bond that Jerik seeks to destroy.”

A younger Alpha from the Silvermane Pack, a woman named Tessa, stepped forward. “You mean the rogue who’s been burning Omega dens? The one gathering feral wolves?”

Brian nodded. “He wants to tear down every tradition we’ve held. And he’ll start with us.”

“We’ve never fought together before,” another Alpha murmured. “Not as one.”

“Then now is the time,” Alex said. “Or there won’t be a ‘before’ to remember.”

A long silence followed.

Then, one by one, the Alphas began to step forward, laying tokens at Alex’s feet: stones, branches, pieces of fur—symbols of alliance.

Even Marius, though clearly reluctant, laid down a shard of obsidian.

Brian leaned in. “You just changed history.”

Alex exhaled deeply. “Let’s hope it’s enough.”

⸻

Back in their cabin that night, Alex finally allowed himself to collapse into Brian’s arms.

“You were incredible,” Brian whispered, kissing his temple. “I’ve never seen anyone command so much without raising their voice.”

“I was terrified.”

“Still looked hot doing it.”

Alex laughed, the sound muffled against Brian’s chest. “We’ve united the packs. But Jerik’s still out there. He’ll move soon.”

Brian nodded, his expression sobering. “Then we’ll be ready.”

Alex reached for his ring, twisting it slowly on his finger. “I don’t care how this ends. As long as I’m with you.”

“You will be,” Brian promised. “Until the last breath. And even after.”

⸻

But far beyond the woods, Jerik watched the stars through a cracked window.

The moon was nearly full.

And the blood on his hands had not yet dried.

He grinned. “Let the little Omega gather his allies. Let him think the Goddess favors him. The final eclipse will come. And with it… his end.”