Chapter 99: The Blood Oath

The sun hadn’t yet risen, but the entire estate was already alive with the sounds of movement—strategic positioning, whispered orders, and the unmistakable pulse of impending war.

Serena woke with a sharp inhale, the tension of the past night still lingering in her bones. Elias lay beside her, arm draped protectively over her waist, but his breathing had shifted. He was awake too.

“Couldn’t sleep?” she whispered.

His eyes opened slowly, golden flecks reflecting the dim morning light. “Only when I know you’re safe beside me.”

Serena rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It comforted her—but couldn’t erase the darkness creeping at the edges of their reality.

“We can’t stall any longer,” Elias said, his voice low. “If we wait for them to strike again, it’ll be at a cost we can’t afford.”

Serena nodded. “Then we take the fight to them.”

Elias raised a brow. “You say that like you’re coming with me.”

“I am.”

He sat up. “Serena—”

“I’m your mate. Your Luna. My blood carries ancient power that even you don’t fully understand yet.” She rose from the bed, pulling the robe tighter around her. “I’m not staying behind while the rest of the pack fights and dies.”

Elias’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. Not really. He knew her too well to expect her silence.

“You’ll ride with me,” he finally said. “But you stay by my side.”

“Always.”

They dressed quickly, their movements efficient, and made their way to the courtyard where warriors were preparing for battle.

The sight before them was awe-inspiring: lines of armored wolves—some in human form, some already shifted—ready to lay down their lives for the future of their pack. Serena spotted Raya instructing a line of female fighters, while Theron paced before a group of scouts, his eyes scanning the horizon.

As Elias gave orders to the commanders, Serena turned to her own task.

She knelt in the center of the training circle, pulling from within herself the pulse of magic that had been steadily growing stronger since her awakening. The earth beneath her responded instantly—vibrating gently as she pressed her palms to the soil.

A whisper in the wind, soft and ancient.

“Ancestors, guide us. Guard us. Strengthen the bond of this pack. Let our enemies taste the wrath of our unity.”

A soft glow began to emit from the ground, swirling around her fingers like gold-tinged mist. It moved with intent, curling around the nearest warriors, then reaching further until the entire courtyard was lit with a warm, ethereal hue.

The warriors stilled, watching in reverence.

Serena rose slowly. “You fight not just with weapons. But with purpose. You carry our history and our hope. Go knowing you are seen—and protected.”

A chorus of growls, roars, and howls erupted in unison.

Even Theron, usually stoic, gave her a nod of silent approval.

When Elias approached her again, there was pride in his eyes—but also something else. Resolve. And fear.

“They’ll remember that,” he said quietly. “You gave them more than a speech. You gave them belief.”

Serena exhaled. “Then let’s not waste it.”

By midday, they were at the southern ridge—an overlook that bordered the Blood Fang territory. The terrain here was jagged, treacherous, and thick with shadows. Perfect for ambushes.

Elias held up a fist, halting the column.

Scouts returned moments later, confirming what they already suspected: Blood Fang warriors were camped just a mile down the ridge, preparing for their own strike.

Theron stepped forward, maps in hand. “If we circle from the east and create a false retreat, we can draw them into the basin. That’s where we hit them hardest—with the high ground on our side.”

“Split the main unit,” Elias commanded. “Theron leads the decoy. I’ll take the strike force. Serena—”

“I’ll stay with you,” she said. “And if they brought their witches, you’ll need me.”

Elias gave a small nod. Then he stepped back, raising his voice for all to hear.

“We do not fight for land,” he called. “We do not fight for pride. We fight for home. For our future. For every wolf who fell because of treachery. Today, we remind them—we do not break.”

A roar rose in response, shaking the ridge.

Just before they moved out, Elias turned to Serena and drew a dagger from his belt. Without a word, he sliced across his palm, red dripping down his fingers. He held it out.

Serena didn’t hesitate. She mirrored him, letting her blood fall to the same ground.

He clasped her hand, and their blood mingled, soaking into the earth.

“A blood oath,” he said. “For strength. For unity. For us.”

“For us,” Serena echoed.

The magic that burst between their joined hands was unlike anything Serena had felt before—wild and consuming. It surged through her veins, waking ancient power long buried.

Their bond, forged in passion and pain, had now been sealed in blood and fire.

The storm was here.

And they were ready.