CHAPTER ONE

~Riya~

Today was supposed to be another normal day. Sword practice, strategy lessons. Another reminder that I was born to rule, not to dream.

But lately, even the air in Nightfang felt different. The forest didn’t sing like it used to. The wolves stayed quieter at dawn, as if they too were waiting for something to happen.

My father said I was only imagining things.

“You worry too much, Riya,” he said this morning as his sword sliced through the air, missing me by inches.

I blocked his next strike and pushed back. “Maybe you don’t worry enough.”

That made him laugh, deep, very proud and fearless. His laugh was always louder than the wind, like nothing could touch him.

“Come on,” he said. “Show me the Luna spirit I raised.”

I lunged forward. Our blades met with a sharp clang that echoed through the courtyard. Sparks flew, and so did my temper.

I hated losing. I hated the way his eyes twinkled when I did. When he caught my wrist and twisted, the sword slipped from my hand and hit the ground.

He smiled. “Still too predictable.”

I scowled. “Still too smug.”

He threw back his head and laughed again. “That’s my daughter.”

For a moment, everything felt perfect. The sound of the river in the distance, the smell of steel and pine, the warmth of morning light spilling across the training ground.

For a moment, I forgot that our world was full of wolves who wanted us dead.

“Again,” I said, picking up my sword.

But he shook his head. “Enough. You’ve improved. I need to get ready for the council meeting.”

I frowned. “To discuss meeting with the Darkmoon representatives?”

He nodded. “They want a peace treaty.”

“Do you believe them?”

His jaw tightened, although it was barely noticeable, but I saw it. “I believe peace is worth trying for. Even with enemies.”

He turned away before I could respond, but something in his tone stayed with me. Peace had never been easy for wolves. Especially not for Alphas.

“Come inside, both of you!” my mother called from the terrace.

She stood in a long blue gown, elegant as always, her silver hair pinned high. Luna Siarah , my mother, the Matriarch of our pack. Her smile never reached her eyes anymore.

I sheathed my sword and followed my father into the castle.

Breakfast was already served: roasted venison, fresh bread, and honeyed fruit. My father talked about the council while my mother corrected him on which words to use, which ones would make him seem “less intimidating.”

I mostly pushed my food around my plate.

“You’re quiet,” Father said, watching me.

“Not really, l’m…I’m just thinking.”

“About?”

“The Darkmoon Alpha. I don’t trust him.”

My mother sighed. “Riya, not everyone is out for war.”

“No,” I said softly, “just power.”

My father’s look softened. “Power is only dangerous in the wrong hands. That’s why I trained you to hold it right.”

His confidence always made me feel safe. And that scared me, because safety never lasted long in our world.

A knock interrupted us. The Beta, Marcell, stepped into the room. He looked uneasy.

“Alpha,” he said. “A messenger from Darkmoon Valley.”

My mother straightened. “This early?”

My father gestured. “Send him in.”

The messenger bowed low, his dark cloak soaked from travel. “My lord, King Darius sends his regards. He accepts your invitation to peace talks. He will arrive by sunset.”

“Sunset?” my father repeated. “Absolutely, but I mean he could have just called.”

The messenger nodded. “He wishes to make amends personally.”

My mother smiled faintly. “Then perhaps this is a good sign.”

But I caught it, that flicker of hesitation in my father’s eyes. The kind that said don’t relax just yet.

When the messenger left, Father rose. “We’ll prepare a feast. Nightfang will welcome him with honor.”

I looked at him. “You really think honor means anything to Darkmoon?”

“Honor means something to us,” he said.

That ended the discussion.

*****

By evening, the castle glowed with lanterns and silver banners. Servants rushed through the halls carrying trays of food. Laughter filled the air, but beneath it was tension, quiet and sharp.

I dressed in my princess robes, not the sparkling type of my royal gowns. My mother didn’t approve, but my father smiled when he saw me.

“You look like a leader,” he said.

“Absolutely, just like my father.”

He chuckled. “You’ll make a good Luna my RiRi.”

The guards opened the grand doors. The Darkmoon delegation entered, their armor glinting under the hall's light. At their center was Alpha King Darius , tall, silver-haired, with eyes like frost.

The room went still.

He smiled, but it was the kind of smile that belonged to predators.

“Nightfang looks… prosperous,” he said. “You must be doing well without your borders under siege.”

“Prosperity comes from peace,” my father replied.

“And yet you train your daughter like a soldier.”

I felt his eyes settle on me, very heavy and assessing.

“I train her,” my father said, “so no man has to defend her. But you're welcome Darius.”

A few guests chuckled, but Darius didn’t.

Dinner went on, but the air never warmed. Darius kept speaking in riddles, praising my father’s leadership while hinting at debts and alliances.

By dessert, my stomach was tight with unease.

When the meal ended, Darius rose. “You’ve been generous, Alpha Wintle. I hope to return the favor soon.”

His tone was smooth, but his smile didn’t reach his eyes.

“Of course Alpha Darius, you are welcome anytime and anyday.” Father answered.

He bowed and left with his entourage as silence filled the hall.

Father turned to Marcell. “Double the guards on the gates tonight.”

Mother frowned. “Do you think he means to…”

“I don’t think,” Father said quietly. “I know.”

He glanced at me. “ He didn't speak about peace, he just came to survey us.”

My heart left my chest, what could the man be up to now, what could be his next move. Father left with mother and the council members from our pack, he kept giving orders to ensure the pack's safety.

He forced me to retire to my room, but sleep didn’t come.

I stood by my window all night, watching the forest shimmer under the moon. The wind carried faint howls, not from our pack, but from the north - Darkmoon territory.

Something was coming for our peaceful lands, although we could already sense it. I mean, I felt it deep in my bones, a shift in the air, and a storm on the way.

And for the first time in my life, my wolf didn’t whisper strength. She whispered fear.