The night was thick with silence, broken only by the faint rustling of leaves as a cold wind swept through the trees surrounding the summit camp.
Selene sat alone beneath the ancient Moon Tree, its silver bark glowing faintly under the moonlight. The tree was sacred—a symbol of the old magic that had protected their ancestors for generations.
Her thoughts churned like a storm.
The Abyssborn threat loomed ever closer, and with it, the growing shadow of betrayal within her own ranks.
Jace had been her steadfast protector, but even he had grown distant these past days, his eyes clouded with worry.
Korren and Saria busied themselves with rallying the packs, while Daemon searched the exiles. All were vital, but the weight of leadership settled heavily on Selene's shoulders.
A rustle in the underbrush made her rise, hand resting on Moonfire's hilt.
"Who's there?" she called softly.
From the shadows emerged a slender figure—clad in dark leather, moving with silent grace.
It was Mira, her trusted scout.
"Mira," Selene said, relaxing slightly. "What news?"
Mira stepped closer, her eyes sharp. "Trouble, Alpha Queen. I intercepted a message from Shadow Fang sympathizers inside Ironclaw. They plan to sabotage the northern border defenses."
Selene's jaw tightened. "How soon?"
"Within three nights."
Selene's mind raced.
"If they break through the border…"
"Damien will have free reign," Mira finished.
Selene nodded grimly.
"We need to act before then."
Back in the war tent, Selene gathered her closest allies.
Korren's face was grim. "The northern border is vast and treacherous. We'll need scouts and warriors in every pass."
Saria offered a counter. "I can call upon the Moon Priestesses to weave protective wards, but it will take time."
Jace leaned forward. "Time we don't have."
Selene's voice was calm but firm.
"We prepare a counterstrike. I want an elite team ready to move at first sign of trouble."
Korren raised an eyebrow. "A strike into Ironclaw territory? Risky."
"Necessary," Selene replied. "We cripple their sympathizers before they cripple us."
Daemon grunted. "I'll lead the team. I know the terrain—and the clans who will fight with us."
Jace nodded. "Count me in."
Saria added, "I will accompany you, for magic support."
Selene looked at each of them, pride swelling despite the tension.
"You'll all need rest. We move at dawn."
The night before the mission, Selene found herself unable to sleep.
She walked the camp, passing sleeping warriors and whispering winds.
Her thoughts drifted to Damien Thorn.
His thirst for power was a storm raging on the horizon.
She had to stop him—not just for herself, but for every pack that looked to her as their Queen.
A soft voice interrupted her.
"Selene."
She turned to find Kael standing beneath the Moon Tree, eyes glowing softly.
"I've been thinking," he said. "About the Voidfang. About how we can fight what we don't fully understand."
Selene sighed. "Every day feels like a battle against shadows."
Kael stepped closer. "Then perhaps it's time to bring more into the light."
He held out a small, intricate amulet—a silver crescent moon entwined with a wolf's fang.
"This belonged to my mother," he said. "A lost clan seer. She believed the amulet could amplify the Royal Blood's power."
Selene took the amulet, feeling warmth radiate through her fingers.
"If it works, it could be the key to turning the tide."
She smiled faintly. "Then we have no time to waste."
At dawn, Daemon, Jace, Saria, and a dozen elite warriors prepared to leave.
Selene watched as they mounted their horses, determination etched on every face.
"Be careful," she said.
Daemon nodded. "We will strike fast and hard."
As they disappeared into the forest, Selene remained beneath the Moon Tree, clutching the amulet.
Her wolf stirred inside her, whispering ancient songs.
The path ahead was perilous.
But she was no longer the rejected Luna.
She was the Alpha Queen.
And she would fight—for her people, for her legacy, and for the future.
Far from the summit, beneath the iron skies of Ironclaw territory, Damien Thorn stood atop a cliff, watching the rising sun.
A cruel smile twisted his lips.
"They think they can stop me," he murmured.
"But they've yet to see the darkness I will unleash."
Behind him, Elira approached, eyes burning with ambition.
"Tonight, the northern border falls," she promised.
Damien's eyes gleamed. "And with it, their fragile alliance will shatter."