第8章

The Moon Hunt was one of our pack's most sacred traditions.

At the edge of the hunting grounds, I wore light hunting gear, a silver-tipped short spear in my hand. Moonlight bathed the meadow, covering everything in a silver glow.

Even though I was pregnant, as the future Luna, I had to participate in this ritual symbolizing purity and strength.

"Ready?" Marcus came to my side, looking concerned.

"Of course," I straightened up. "This isn't my first Moon Hunt."

He hesitated. "Sera, about the Alpha's decision… there are mixed feelings in the pack. Many think it's unfair to you."

"Thanks for your concern, Marcus," I smiled. "But I can handle my own affairs."

In the distance, Kaelen was giving final instructions to the pack. Lyra stood beside him, out of place in a white dress unsuitable for hunting.

"Why is she here?" I muttered. "Non-pack members shouldn't join the hunt."

Marcus sighed. "The Alpha thinks she needs fresh game from the hunt… says it's good for the cub."

Of course. Another exception. Kaelen would break any rule for Lyra.

The hunt was about to begin, and the pack members split into small groups. Traditionally, I should have been with Kaelen, but he announced he would go with Lyra to "protect her."

"I'll team up with Sera," Marcus offered, giving me an encouraging look.

Kaelen nodded, but a flicker of unease crossed his eyes. What was he worried about? That I'd hurt Lyra? Or that he was losing control over me?

The hunting horn sounded, and the groups fanned out into different parts of the forest.

Marcus and I headed east, tracking a herd of deer. The air smelled of earth and pine needles, and moonlight dappled the ground through the leaves.

"Are you and the Alpha… okay?" Marcus broke the silence.

"What do you think?" I asked without looking back.

"I think… this isn't like him," Marcus said, hesitating. "Since Lyra showed up, the Alpha's changed. His decisions… they're not as sound as they used to be."

That got my attention. "You've noticed too?"

Marcus nodded. "Some of the warriors have been talking… Lyra's scent is a bit off. Not like a normal Omega."

I stopped. "You mean…?"

"I'm not sure," he shook his head. "But since she arrived, the mood in the pack has changed. The Alpha has changed."

A gust of wind brought a strange scent – strong musk mixed with some herb I didn't recognize.

"What's that?" I frowned.

Marcus tensed. "Something's not right. That smell… it's a lot like…"

Before he could finish, a low growl came from the bushes.

Shadow wolves!

These fierce creatures rarely came to the hunting grounds; they usually stayed in the deeper parts of the forest. More importantly, shadow wolves were protected, considered messengers of the Moon Goddess.

"Impossible," Marcus whispered, shocked. "Shadow wolves never enter this area."

Suddenly, a huge black shadow burst from the trees, lunging straight at me!

I quickly raised my spear to defend myself, but the shadow wolf was much stronger than I expected. The impact sent me staggering back.

"Sera!" Marcus yelled, drawing his dagger and charging forward.

The shadow wolf roared, its eyes glowing an unnatural red. It completely ignored Marcus, focusing only on attacking me.

Worse, a sharp pain shot through my belly – the cub was reacting to the danger.

"Stay back!" I yelled at Marcus, dodging another lunge from the wolf.

This wasn't right. Shadow wolves never attacked werewolves unprovoked, unless… they were being guided or controlled somehow.

Just as the third attack came, a dark shape flew out of the trees and slammed the shadow wolf to the ground.

Kaelen!

He'd shifted into his wolf form, his black fur glinting in the moonlight. The two powerful creatures rolled and tore at each other on the ground, their roars shaking the forest.

Finally, the shadow wolf let out a low snarl, retreated into the trees, and disappeared.

Kaelen quickly shifted back to human form and rushed to my side. "Are you okay? The cub?"

I was about to answer when a voice interrupted us.

"Alpha! There you are!" Lyra ran out from the trees, her face a mask of terror. "I've been looking all over for you!"

Seeing us, she quickly put on a concerned expression. "What happened? Are you two alright?"

"A shadow wolf attacked Sera," Marcus answered curtly.

"A shadow wolf?" Lyra's eyes widened. "But they never come… Wait," she suddenly pointed at the silver spear in my hand. "Did you go into the northern forbidden zone? That's shadow wolf territory!"

"What?" I stared at her, shocked. "We were in the eastern section! We didn't go anywhere near the north!"

Kaelen stared at me intently. "Are you sure?"

"Of course, I'm sure!" I said angrily. "Marcus can vouch for me!"

But Lyra picked up a small cloth bag from the ground. "Then what's this?" She opened the bag, revealing a red powder. "This is wolf-lure. You can only find it in the northern forbidden zone. It's usually used to repel shadow wolves, but if you use it wrong, it can enrage them."

She looked at Kaelen. "The shadow wolf probably followed this scent."

"That's not mine!" I practically screamed. "I've never seen that stuff before!"

But Kaelen's expression had already changed. He looked at me with disappointment and blame.

"Sera, you know the consequences of venturing into the forbidden zone. Especially while pregnant. You should have been more careful!"

"You think I did this?" I looked at him in disbelief. "You'd rather believe her than your own mate?"

"The evidence is right here," he said coldly, pointing at the bag. "This was reckless, Sera. You not only endangered yourself but our cub too!"

I looked to Marcus for support, but he just shook his head in confusion, clearly baffled by this sudden "evidence."

And Lyra, standing behind Kaelen, had a faint smirk on her lips, a triumphant glint in her eyes.

In that moment, my heart died completely.

Not just because of Kaelen's mistrust, but because I finally understood Lyra's real game – she didn't just want Kaelen; she wanted to destroy me and my unborn cub.

And the scariest part? Kaelen was completely fooled by her.

"Go back," Kaelen ordered. "Tonight's hunt is over. Sera, you need to rest… and think about what you've done."

He turned and walked away, Lyra close behind him, shooting me another smug smile.

Marcus stood there awkwardly. "Sera…"

"Don't say it," I cut him off, my voice ice-cold. "I finally see everything clearly."