The wolves circled slowly. Their paws moved silently across the forest floor, forming a tightening ring around Lyra and Sienna. The cold moonlight reflected in their eyes, turning them into glowing predators in the dark.
Lyra could feel the energy inside her rising again. Hot. Restless. Alive. It pulsed beneath her skin like a second heartbeat, whispering to her to stop holding back.
Sienna stepped slightly in front of her, her fur bristling. "Lyra… we don't need to fight them," she murmured. "We can leave."
The scarred leader chuckled, a low dangerous sound. "Leave?" he repeated. "No one leaves once the hunt begins."
The other wolves growled in agreement.
Lyra stepped forward. "No," she said quietly.
Sienna glanced at her.
"They didn't come here for you," Lyra said softly. They came for me.
The leader's eyes gleamed with approval.
He shifted slightly, muscles rippling beneath his dark fur. "The whispers said you were awakening," he continued. "That the rejected wolf carries the blood of something… ancient.
Lyra's heart pounded harder. "How do you know that?" she demanded.The wolf only smiled. "We have been watching you."
The words sent a chill through her spine.
Before she could ask more, the leader suddenly lunged. The attack was fast—faster than any wolf she had ever fought before.
But something inside Lyra reacted even faster.The power erupted.A shockwave burst from her body, throwing the attacking wolf backward like a leaf caught in a storm. The entire forest seemed to tremble. Even the other wolves stumbled in surprise.
Lyra stared at her paws. "What… did I just do?"The leader slowly stood again, shaking off the impact. But instead of anger, excitement burned in his eyes."So it's true," he said.The wolves around them stopped circling. They were no longer hunting. They were watching."You carry the Moonborn power," he said, voice low with awe. "A power that was supposed to disappear centuries ago."Sienna stared at Lyra in shock. Lyra… what is he talking about?Lyra didn't know.
Her chest rose and fell as the strange energy continued to surge through her veins.
Before anyone could speak again, a new scent filled the air. Strong. Commanding. Alpha.A deep voice cut through the forest like thunder. "That's enough."
Every wolf froze.
From the darkness between the trees, a tall figure stepped forward. Silver eyes. Black hair. Power radiating from every movement.
Kael Nightfang.The Alpha who rejected her.
His gaze landed on Lyra, and for a brief moment something flashed in his eyes—regret.The hunter wolves lowered their heads slightly. Even their leader seemed cautious now."Alpha Nightfang," he said slowly. "This does not concern your pack."Kael's expression hardened. "Anything involving Lyra Moonborn concerns me."Lyra felt anger surge through her chest.Now he cared? After humiliating her before the entire pack?
She stepped forward, eyes blazing. You lost the right to say my name.
The words hit harder than any claw.
Kael flinched slightly.
But before he could respond, the forest wind shifted again. Another powerful presence approached.A familiar voice spoke from the shadows.
"Well… this just became interesting."
Darius Bloodmoon stepped into the moonlight, his golden eyes glinting with amusement.Now three Alphas stood in the forest.And every wolf present could feel it.
The balance of power was about to break.
Lyra swallowed.
Something told her this night was about to change everything.