جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 20

The morning after Leon's defeat should have felt like the beginning of peace.Instead, it felt like the calm before another storm.A blanket of mist clung to the mountains surrounding the Silver Moon Pack, swallowing the pine trees in ghostly white. Warriors patrolled the compound in pairs, their hands never far from their weapons. The victory celebrations had faded into memory, replaced by whispers that drifted through the camp like an unwelcome wind.Beauty stood alone on the balcony outside the council hall, her fingers resting on the cold wooden railing. Below her, wolves from six different packs moved across the courtyard, preparing for the first official gathering of the newly formed Council.She should have been proud.Instead, she felt the crushing weight of responsibility settle across her shoulders."You're trying to carry everyone," a familiar voice said behind her.Beauty turned to find Alex walking toward her, two steaming mugs balanced in his hands."You'll make yourself

Beauty did not sleep.The image of the silver-haired woman disappearing into the mist replayed in her mind every time she closed her eyes. It wasn't just what the woman had said—it was how she had vanished. No werewolf could move that fast, and no human could disappear without leaving a trail.By dawn, the entire compound was on high alert.Extra patrols circled the perimeter, while Gabriel ordered every entrance to remain guarded until further notice. Rumors spread quickly among the allied packs. Some believed Leon had formed a new alliance. Others whispered that an ancient enemy had finally resurfaced.Beauty stood outside the infirmary, watching the sun climb above the mountain peaks."You should eat."She turned to find Elena carrying two wooden bowls filled with hot porridge."I don't think I can."Elena handed her one anyway."You've said that every time you've been worried since we were pups."Beauty managed a small smile."And you always ignored me.""Someone had to."They sat

The prison tower shook violently as another explosion ripped through the compound. Dust rained from the ceiling. The torches lining the corridor flickered wildly before one by one they went out, plunging the prison into darkness. "Beauty!" Alex's voice echoed from outside the cell. "I'm here!" she shouted. The iron door swung open, revealing Alex, Gabriel, and two Silver Moon warriors. Blood streaked Alex's forehead, and his white shirt was torn at the shoulder. He rushed to her without hesitation. "Are you hurt?" She shook her head. "What happened?" Gabriel answered instead. "They breached the eastern wall." Marcus appeared behind them, gripping a bloodstained sword. "They're not ordinary wolves." His usually calm voice carried an edge of disbelief. "They fight like they don't feel pain." A distant howl split the night. It wasn't a werewolf's howl. It was something darker. Something that sent a shiver down Beauty's spine. Leon stepped toward the cell door. "You

The monastery trembled violently. Stone cracked beneath their feet as a deafening roar echoed from somewhere deep underground. Dust filled the hidden chamber. Beauty instinctively grabbed Alex's arm to steady herself. "What is that?" she shouted. Aldric's face had gone ashen. "It isn't a beast." His voice shook. "It's the seal." Another violent tremor threw everyone off balance. The crimson light surrounding the pedestal intensified until the chamber glowed like it was bathed in blood. The silver dagger rose slowly into the air. Beauty stared. "No one is touching it..." "It responds to your blood," Aldric said. Marcus immediately stepped between Beauty and the floating dagger. "Nobody goes near it." The old guardian shook his head. "It doesn't matter." "If she refuses it..." "It will choose her anyway." Outside the monastery... Dark clouds swallowed the afternoon sky. The wind howled through the mountains. Birds burst from the forest in frightened flocks. Eve

The crack echoed through the cavern like thunder. A jagged fracture split the black crystal throne from its seat to its crown. The Blood Moon Heart shuddered. Its crimson glow flickered once... Twice... Then steadied again. No one spoke. Every face turned toward Beauty. Alex was the first to break the silence. "What did you see?" Beauty struggled to answer. "It wasn't a dream." "It felt..." She placed a trembling hand over her chest. "...real." Marcus frowned. "Start from the beginning." Beauty inhaled slowly. "I saw a little girl." Aldric's expression changed instantly. "No..." "She called herself Luna Ashbourne." The old guardian staggered backward. Gabriel caught him before he fell. "You know that name?" Aldric closed his eyes. "I know the story." The old man sat heavily on a broken stone. For several moments, he simply stared at the Blood Moon Heart. Finally... He spoke. "Before the werewolf packs..." "Before Alphas..." "Before the Moon Goddess be