All Chapters of Moonlit Secrets: Chapter 81 - Chapter 83

The moon hung heavy and swollen over the border watchtower, casting its pale light across the landscape with a sinister red hue. Its face, bruised and angry, painted the night sky with an unsettling glow. A wolf’s distant howl cut through the stillness, a chilling warning and a promise wrapped in one. The night outside Aria’s home was quiet, save for the restless stirring of wind, carrying with it the scent of smoke and iron. Inside, however, the tension in the air was thick with impending danger—familiar yet unwelcome.The world outside had narrowed to fear and vigilance, and inside, hope flickered like a fragile candle, threatened by the shadows that crept through the corners. Aria had barely slept. Since the courthouse assembly, her mind had been clouded with thoughts of Rowan’s betrayal, the possibility of danger from both friend and foe. She couldn’t allow herself the luxury of rest. Yet after a late night spent writing thank-you notes and updating healer records by the fire, Xan

Dawn hadn’t broken yet when the drums started. First, a low pulse from the western woods. Then, a faster answer from the border patrol. Every wolf knew that rhythm. It wasn't a message—it was a warning. War was coming.The air outside was cold. Last night’s rain clung to the earth. The red full moon still hung low, stubborn, casting the forest in a strange, uneasy glow.Xander was already at the window when the alarm reached the den. Dried blood clung to his side. His shirt hung open. His eyes were fixed on the trees. In just a few hours, he had held his daughter for the first time, whispered to Aria that the world was worth surviving—and now, he was slipping back into battle.Behind him, Aria rested. Her face was pale but calm. The baby slept curled against her, soft and warm. Mira stood nearby with a few trusted healers, but even with them close, Aria looked fragile. Her strength was there, but it flickered—a flame burned low by pain, joy, and everything in between.“Go,” she whispe