All Chapters of Moon-Scarred Vow: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

"The entrance is just around that bend," the guide said, pointing to a nearly invisible crack in the mountainside. "Moonshadow Sanctuary welcomes all souls truly in need of refuge."We’d been traveling for a full seven days. The cub in my belly was getting more active, while my own strength was starting to fail me.The sanctuary's entrance was more hidden than I’d imagined. The narrow crack in the mountain looked impossible to pass through, but as I followed the guide into it, the view suddenly opened up – a hidden valley ringed by mountains, with buildings scattered around, their styles a mix from many different wolf packs."Moonshadow Sanctuary," the guide announced proudly. "A neutral zone, unchanged for a thousand years. No Alpha feuds, no pack disputes. Only peace and healing."I took a deep breath. The fresh air carried the scent of herbs and incense. It felt completely different here – no threat, no fear, only calm.An elderly woman walked towards us, her silver hair falling to

The alarm shrieked through the Sanctuary.I stood by the window, watching the chaos outside. Guards were running to assemble, Eira and the other Keepers were casting protection spells in the central square, a silver aura gradually expanding to cover the entire Sanctuary.Something was wrong. Such a massive defense for just one Lyra?Low wolf howls echoed from all directions, answering my question. It wasn't just Lyra; it was an entire pack.A sudden, urgent knock hammered on the door."Sera! Open up!" Lina's voice was filled with fear.I quickly opened the door, and Lina rushed in, her face terrified. "The Northern Pack! At least thirty warriors! They… they broke through the outer defenses!""How is that possible?" I asked, shocked. "The Sanctuary's wards shouldn't be breakable by outside force.""There's a traitor inside," she said breathlessly. "Someone weakened the defenses from within."A traitor? Who would—"We have to leave," she cut off my thoughts. "Eira told me to take you to

Three months passed.Life in the village was peaceful and simple. The small garden in front of the cabin was now full of herbs I’d planted myself, and Orion's room was adorned with charms I’d made. Every day followed a similar rhythm – caring for Orion, helping Rhea gather herbs, telling stories to the village children at night.No pack politics, no Alpha responsibilities, no fear.It was an almost perfect life.Almost."He's having that dream again," Rhea said softly one morning, noticing my tired expression. "About Kaelen?"I nodded, gently rocking Orion in my arms. "He's been calling for his father in his dreams more and more often. The blood connection is too strong.""Three months and no word," Rhea sighed. "My contacts can't find any trace of Kaelen or Lyra either."No news could be good news – that's what I kept telling myself. But deep down, I knew it wasn't true. If Kaelen were alive, he would have found a way to send a message. His silence meant one of two things: either he c

"Sera, everything's ready." Lina handed me a bowl of herbal tea. "This will help strengthen Orion's antibodies."I took the tea, but my gaze remained fixed on the world outside the window. Three months. Three months of peace, as if danger had never existed. But my intuition told me the calm before the storm was about to end."You're thinking about him again, aren't you?" she asked softly.I didn't answer. The name Kaelen had become taboo, even in my own thoughts."The whole village is preparing for the New Moon Festival today," Lina changed the subject. "You should take Orion to see it. He's still too young, but feeling the festive atmosphere will be good for him."I nodded, my gaze shifting to the sleeping Orion. At three months old, he was developing faster than ordinary babies – his dark hair was already thick, his small face showing angular features, clearly Kaelen's. Every time I saw these similarities, my heart ached.A series of urgent knocks broke my thoughts.Rhea pushed the d

I looked up towards the summit – still some way to go. And behind us, countless glowing eyes were moving through the forest, gradually closing in."We might not make it to the altar," Rhea said worriedly.Kaelen looked at the summit, then at the approaching enemies, a look of grim determination in his eyes. "You go on ahead, I'll cover our retreat.""No!" I protested. "The last time you said that, we were separated for three months!""This time is different," he said firmly, taking a pendant from around his neck and handing it to me. "This is the Nightfang family amulet; it can enhance the altar's power. Whatever happens, protect Orion and complete the Moon Goddess prayer."His tone sent a chill down my spine. It sounded like… a final goodbye."Kaelen..." I grasped his hand.He gently touched Orion's small face, his eyes full of reluctance. "Tell him his father is proud of him."Then, he turned towards the forest, shifted into his black wolf form, and let out a valley-shaking howl – a