ANMELDENASHERThe markings continued glowing beneath our feet, and my wolf growled as I studied them. Kael crouched beside one of the symbols, his expression tense. We had expected a battle, but we had not expected the entire valley to be prepared with forbidden magic.“We need to retreat,” Kael said. “Fireclaw is not prepared to fight against this kind of magic.” I looked around the valley before slowly nodding.“He is right,” I said. “If we attack now, their magic could easily kill our warriors.” We had no choice but to return and plan properly before facing the southern territory pack.I turned toward the warriors. “Tell everyone to retreat.” They immediately moved through the forest, signaling the others to leave the valley.I mounted my horse and reached for the pendant beneath my clothes. The matching stone Isabel carried was supposed to warn me if she was in serious danger. But before I could check it properly, the stone suddenly lost its color.I froze.My fingers tightened around the
ISABEL“Today will be the end of you.” Vivian grabbed my chin and forced my face upward. “Unmask her,” she ordered, and one of the men beside her stepped forward and pulled the mask away from my face. I struggled against the ropes, twisting my wrists until they burned.“You can't kill me. You really can't,” I said, my voice shaking. Vivian threw her head back and laughed. “What makes you think I can't?” she asked, “Because you became the Fireclaw Luna?”“What do you want from me?” I whispered. “I will give you whatever you want, but please don't hurt my pup.” My fingers curled against my stomach as I tried to shield it despite my bound hands.“What do I want?” Vivian repeated, her lips curling into a smile. “I want you dead.” My breath caught, and I stared at her as if I had never seen my sister before.“It hasn't gotten to that, Vivian,” I whispered. I closed my eyes, and a tear slipped down my cheek, leaving a strange burning trail against my skin. Vivian's laughter grew louder as s
ISABELI held my stomach as I stood up, but something warm suddenly ran down my legs. I looked down and saw blood, and my heart dropped. I quickly rushed toward the hall where the Fireclaw healer was staying.When I entered the hall, I looked around and saw the warriors and delegation sitting inside. “Can I have a word with you?” I asked the healer. She stood up immediately, and we moved to a quiet corner away from everyone.Her eyes widened when she saw the blood on my dress. “What happened?” she asked, looking at me with worry. I stayed quiet for a moment before answering.“I fell,” I said. I didn't tell her who had pushed me. The healer moved closer and looked at my stomach.“How did you fall?” she asked. “Do you feel any pain?” Her eyes remained on my stomach as she waited for my answer.“No, but please check if the pup is okay,” I said. I held my breath as she took my wrist. She closed her eyes and stayed still for a few seconds.“The pup is okay,” she finally said, letting out a
ISABELThe following morning, the Rivercrest gates came into view as our chariots moved along the winding road. Fireclaw warriors rode on both sides of mine, while a small delegation followed behind us under the orders Asher had given before he left. I touched the pendant beneath my clothes and remembered his warning to keep it with me.The moment we reached the gates, several Rivercrest guards stepped forward. One of them hurried toward the pack house while the others stood aside to let our procession pass. “Your Luna has arrived,” I heard one of them announce.I climbed down from the chariot and looked toward the pack house. My eyes moved over the familiar stone walls, but instead of feeling like I had returned home, my stomach tightened at the memories waiting inside. I adjusted my cloak and followed the Fireclaw warriors toward the entrance.At the top of the pack house, Vivian stood beside our parents. Her expression changed the moment she saw me, and her eyes dropped toward my s
ASHERI remained in the throne room after Isabel finished her prayer, my eyes fixed on her. She had just prayed for my safety, asking the Moon Goddess to bring me back to her and our child. I looked at her stomach before meeting her eyes again.“Isabel,” I called.She looked at me.I reached into the small pouch attached to my belt and pulled out a small black stone hanging from a silver chain. “Take this with you when you leave for Rivercrest tomorrow.”She stepped closer and examined it. “What does it do?”“It is a protection charm,” I replied. “If you are in serious danger, the stone will become hot, and I will feel it through your mark.”Her fingers closed around it. “So you will know if something happens to me?”“Yes.” I nodded. “But you must keep it around your neck.”She placed the chain around her neck and tucked the stone beneath her clothes. “I will.”I watched her for a moment. She was carrying my pup, yet she had never awakened her wolf, and I had marked her despite knowin
ISABEL“Like me?” I asked, fear showing through my voice.“My Luna,” an omega interrupted, lowering her head. “Alpha said it is time.”I pushed myself to my feet, my legs aching as I stepped away from the healer’s shrine. My hand settled over my stomach as I imagined Asher’s face if our child was born wolfless. The thought made my chest tighten, and I quickly pushed it away.When we reached the ritual grounds, I found Asher waiting for me. He wore a white ceremonial robe that reached his ankles, the silver embroidery catching the blue moonlight. Around him, the pack members knelt in silence as I approached.I slowed when I saw how many eyes were watching me. Some wolves stared at my stomach while others kept their heads bowed, waiting for the ritual to begin. The blue moon hung above us, bathing the entire clearing in an eerie light.The healer stepped forward and knelt before the altar. She raised one hand toward me, motioning for me to come closer. I walked toward her and placed bot







