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Chapter 125: The Queen's Gambit
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2025-07-02 00:26:24The first light of dawn bled across the Blackmoon sky, casting a crimson hue over the castle’s highest tower. Serena stood at the edge of the training yard, her cloak fluttering in the breeze. The scent of steel and wet earth filled her lungs.
Today, she wasn’t just the Alpha’s mate. She was the bait. The blade. The storm. Kael approached, his armor buckled and blades strapped tight. His dark eyes scanned her with quiet intensity. Of all the warriors in the Blackmoon Pack, Kael was the most loyal — and the least predictable. “You’re certain about this?” he asked, voice low. Serena nodded, not looking away. “This is the only way to draw Darian out. If he believes I’m weak, he’ll make his move.” Kael’s jaw tightened. “You’re not weak, Serena. But the rest of the world still underestimates you — that’s your advantage. Just don’t let your heart get in the way of your instinct.” She smiled faintly. “Is that what you think I do?” “I’ve seen you hesitate when it comes to Caine. When it comes to Elias.” His eyes lingered for a second too long. “Just don’t hesitate when it comes to Darian.” Before she could respond, Naelia appeared, cloaked in royal silver. Behind her came Elias, his steps silent, his eyes shadowed. Theron flanked the rear, inspecting his weapons. The hunting party was complete. Caine had not come to say goodbye. And Serena wasn’t sure if that made this easier — or unbearable. An hour later, beyond Blackmoon territory… The forest swallowed them whole. Branches tangled above their heads like fingers clutching secrets. The Crescent border was a ruinous stretch of territory — unclaimed, unstable, and perfect for ambushes. Rogues moved through these woods like whispers, and Darian knew them better than anyone. Serena’s senses were heightened, her wolf restless. Beside her, Kael moved like a shadow, always watching the edges of the path. He hadn’t spoken since they crossed into rogue territory. Elias rode closer. “We’ll camp by the river bend. The old outpost is still standing.” Serena nodded, but her gaze drifted to the mountains beyond. The place where her father once trained. Where the betrayal that defined her life had taken root. She exhaled slowly. “This place holds ghosts,” she murmured. Kael’s voice came from behind. “Then let’s exorcise them.” That night… The fire crackled low in the ruins of the old Crescent outpost. The team had taken shifts to patrol, but Serena couldn’t sleep. The bond with Caine pulsed faintly in her chest, like a heartbeat in the distance. She sat near the flames, her fingers absently tracing the ring Caine had once placed on her finger — not a symbol of marriage, but of war. Kael approached silently and handed her a flask. “Warm rootwine. It’s bitter. But it’ll keep your thoughts sharp.” She took it with a small smile. “Thanks.” He didn’t sit. Just stood beside her, watching the dark horizon. “You think he’ll take the bait?” “Yes,” Serena whispered. “But he won’t come alone. Darian’s smart. He knows I’m not the same girl I was when I ran from my past.” “You’re stronger now,” Kael said. “But strength doesn’t mean invincibility.” She looked up at him. “Is that your way of saying I should be scared?” He shook his head. “It’s my way of saying I’ll kill him before he touches you.” Their eyes locked. For a moment, Serena felt the heat of Kael’s conviction — raw, unshakable. Then a branch snapped behind them. Both turned in unison, blades drawn, but it was only Elias returning from his patrol. He paused, his eyes flicking from Serena to Kael, then back again. “You should sleep,” he said curtly to Kael. Kael didn’t move. “I’ll keep watch,” Serena said gently, defusing the tension. Reluctantly, Kael nodded and walked off into the shadows. Elias sat beside her, his silence heavy. “You don’t trust him,” Serena noted. “I don’t trust anyone when it comes to you,” he replied, voice rough. “Not even myself.” Her breath caught, but she looked away. “You’ve made your choice, Serena,” he said softly. “But don’t forget... Darian isn’t the only wolf who wants you to fall.” A chill ran down her spine. Not from fear. But from truth.
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