Two days later, under the cover of dawn, the lieutenant Alpha Dominic had dispatched finally reached the borders of the Blood Crescent Pack. Without a word, he slipped from the shadows and tossed a scroll wrapped in dark parchment into the hands of a patrolling scout, then vanished back into the mist like a phantom.Moments later, the scout burst into the training grounds, panting and wide-eyed. Rylan stood at the far edge of the field, overseeing a group of young warriors as they sparred under the morning sun."Beta Rylan!" the scout called out, rushing toward him. "A message, from the Moon Crest Pack."Rylan turned, brows drawing together at the scout’s breathless tone. “What kind of message?”The scout held out the scroll. “It was delivered by a rogue. He didn’t speak, just dropped this and disappeared.”Rylan’s eyes narrowed as he took the scroll, noticing the black wax seal marked with the Moon Crest insignia. He broke it without hesitation, unrolling the parchment slowly. His ga
After days of travel, the rogues finally arrived at the Moon Crest Pack. Alpha Dominic had been eagerly awaiting their return, with Leo in chains. At his side stood Bayle, whom Leo and his pack had been searching for since his mysterious escape. They had no idea he had slipped free with the help of Dominic’s men. His presence remained a secret, known only to the Alpha’s inner circle. The rogues dragged Leo through the corridors. His hands were bound behind his back with silver-threaded chains that burned into his skin with every step. He could barely walk, his body weakened from the journey and the beating he had endured. Blood dripped from a gash on his brow, the result of a blow during the ambush. Dominic’s wolves didn’t speak. Their movements were sharp and merciless as they shoved Leo to his knees before a large iron door, forced it open, and dragged him into the heart of the Moon Crest Pack’s stronghold.The throne room was just as Leo remembered, cold, dark, and reeking of blo
When it was time for the coronation, Aliyah entered the Great Hall, her footsteps echoing on the polished stone.She walked alone.Her robes flowed behind her. Light streamed through the tall windows, catching on the fabric as she moved.Her hair was braided into a crown, pinned with obsidian that sparkled like stars in the light. Her makeup was soft yet striking. Dark liner made her amber eyes glow, while a touch of bronze defined her cheekbones, highlighting both strength and beauty. Her lips, painted deep red, held the quiet promise of someone bold and unshakable.Every detail was intentional. She wasn’t just beautiful. She looked powerful. She looked like a queen.Lords, nobles, elders, and respected figures of the Lycan tribes stood along both sides of the hall, silent and watchful. Behind them were werewolves from other clans. Warriors, shamans, scouts, and pack members had come from far and near to witness the crowning. Many wore ceremonial clothing marked with the signs of the
"Leo?" Aliyah’s voice was a whisper, lost in the mist. She ran barefoot through a forest that didn’t feel real. The trees leaned too close. The air was thick. Blood stained the leaves. Her feet. Her hands. Something growled behind her. She turned. Leo knelt in the dirt, bleeding, shoulders trembling.. Dark shapes circled him — rogues, monsters, shadows with eyes. His head lifted. He looked at her — pain in his eyes. And something worse. Regret. She tried to move. She couldn’t. The ground held her. Her mouth opened. No sound. The shadows dragged him into the dark. His lips moved, but she couldn’t hear. Still, she screamed. "Leo—!" --- Aliyah jolted upright in bed, breath ragged. Her chest heaved. Her palms were damp. The room was unnaturally still. The silence pressed in. Sunlight streamed through the windows, warm and golden, but it felt wrong. Too calm. Too quiet. "No..." she gasped, voice shaky. "Why am I seeing this? Why now?" She pressed a hand
A soft knock came at the door.Aliyah turned from the mirror, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Come in.”The door opened quietly, and Lady Maelis entered with calm, careful steps. Her silver hair was tied back with a scarf, and she held the ceremonial robe meant for Aliyah’s coronation.“Good morning, my child,” she greeted with a warm, familiar smile.“Good morning, Lady Maelis,” Aliyah replied softly, offering a small nod.“I trust you managed some rest last night?” Maelis asked as she approached.“A little,” Aliyah said. “Not enough to calm the nerves.”Maelis chuckled gently. “Even the strongest feel the weight of change before it arrives. You wouldn’t be human — or Lycan — if you didn’t.”She placed the robe gently on the bed. “I thought I’d bring this early. There’s something sacred about seeing it in the morning light.”Aliyah looked down at the robe. Deep blue silk shimmered with silver threads, and symbols of the moon goddess were stitched carefully into the f
At daybreak the following morning, Leo was up early, quietly getting ready for his journey to the Lycan community. He wore plain clothes, deliberately setting aside anything that marked his status or rank, his movements steady and purposeful. Moments before he left, he called Rylan aside.“Rylan,” he said, voice low. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone.”Rylan straightened, eyes locked on his Alpha.“Please look after the pack while I’m away,” Leo continued, his tone steady but edged with urgency. “I’ll make sure to return soon.”Though he nodded, a trace of unease stayed in Rylan’s eyes.Leo’s expression hardened.“And remember, until we find Bayle, security must stay tight. No risks. No gaps.Make sure the training wolves take their sessions seriously—Bayle’s escape isn’t just a failure.It’s a warning.I can feel danger coming.”“I understand,” Rylan said firmly.Leo hesitated, then added, “My sister’s coming home in a few days. You know how long she’s been away… two years is a lif