Xander's POVThe border of Moonfire Pack territory looms before me, a shimmering veil marking the edge of the known and the beginning of the mystical. My heart pounds in a frantic rhythm as I approach, equal parts anticipation and dread coursing through my veins. I've rehearsed my cover story a thousand times—a diplomatic mission to discuss increased cooperation between our packs. But the real reason for my presence burns in my chest like a living flame.Lyra.As I'm escorted through the otherworldly landscape of Moonhaven, I can't help but marvel at the stark differences from Shadowmoon Pack. Here, nature and magic intertwine seamlessly, creating a realm that defies logic and ignites the imagination."Alpha Blackthorn," a melodious voice calls out. I turn to see a striking woman with silver hair approaching. "I am Selene, Beta of Moonfire Pack. Alpha Asher is expecting you."I nod, forcing a polite smile. "Thank you for your hospitality. I look forward to discussing matters of mutual
Lyra's POVThe air in Asher's office crackles with tension, thick enough to choke on. Elara – or whatever she's become – looms before us, her form shimmering with otherworldly power. Xander stands protectively before me, while Asher's presence at my back is a solid, reassuring warmth."You have no idea what you've set in motion, little sister," Elara sneers, her voice a discordant blend of familiar and alien. "Did you think you could run from your destiny? From who – what – you truly are?"I step out from behind Xander, refusing to cower. "And what exactly am I, Elara? Since you seem to know so much about me that I don't."Her laugh is cold, brittle. "Oh, the irony. The great prophesied one, clueless about her origins. Shall we enlighten her, Mother?"My heart stutters. "Mother?"To my shock, Selene steps forward from the shadows of the room. How long has she been there? Her silver eyes, usually warm and wise, now gleam with an ancient, unknowable light."It's time, my daughters," she
Lyra's POVThe great hall of Moonhaven thrums with tension, packed to the brim with members of both Moonfire and Shadowmoon packs. I stand at the center of it all, feeling like a deer caught in headlights as dozens of eyes bore into me. Xander and Asher flank me on either side, their presence both comforting and suffocating.Selene—my mother, a concept I'm still struggling to grasp—steps forward, her silver hair gleaming in the ethereal light. "Brothers and sisters," she begins, her voice effortlessly carrying through the hall. We have gathered you here today to reveal truths long hidden—truths that will shake the very foundations of our world."A murmur ripples through the crowd. I catch snippets of conversation, my enhanced hearing picking up on the speculation and fear."...the half-breed girl...""...war is coming...""...prophecy finally fulfilled..."My heart races, palms slick with sweat. This is it—the moment when everything changes.But before Selene can continue, a cold wind
Lyra's POVThe aftermath of Kieran's revelation hangs heavy in the air of Moonhaven. Wolves from both packs huddle in small groups, whispers and wary glances following me wherever I go. I feel like a creature under glass, observed and dissected by those I once called family.I find myself pacing like a caged animal in Selene's private chambers. My mother – the word still feels foreign on my tongue – watches me with ancient, sorrowful eyes."Why?" I finally ask, my voice cracking with years of secrets and lies. "Why keep this from me for so long? Why let me believe I was someone, something else entirely?"Selene sighs, the sound heavy with centuries of regret. "To protect you, Lyra. To give you a chance at a normal life, at least for a little while.""Normal?" I scoff. "I've never felt normal a day in my life. Always different, always out of place. Do you have any idea what that's like?""More than you know," she replies softly. "I've walked between worlds for millennia, Lyra. Never fu
Xander's POVThe first tremor catches me off guard. I'm in my father's study, poring over ancient pack treaties when the ground beneath my feet rumbles. At first, I dismiss it as nothing more than a passing truck or a distant storm. But then the walls start to shake, books tumbling from their shelves in a cascading avalanche of leather and paper."Earthquake!" I shout, my voice carrying the authority of the Alpha heir. "Everyone out, now!"I rush from the study, my mind racing. We've had minor quakes before, but this is the first time we've had minor quakes. The very foundations of the pack house groan in protest as I make my way through the corridors, helping elders and pups alike to safety.As I emerge into the courtyard, the full scale of the disaster becomes apparent. Cracks spiderweb across the ground, swallowing up gardens and pathways. The air is filled with a cacophony of howls, both human and wolf, as pack members scramble for safety."Form teams!" I command, my voice cutting
Xander's POVThe weight of my father's body in my arms feels impossibly heavy, a crushing reminder of the responsibility that now falls to me. As I lay him gently on the ground, my eyes scan his broken form, searching for answers. Something doesn't feel right."Xander," a soft voice breaks through my grief-stricken haze. Lyra stands at the rubble's edge, her face a mixture of sorrow and... suspicion?I straighten, forcing myself to think like an Alpha, not a grieving son. "What is it, Lyra?"She approaches cautiously, her eyes never leaving my father's body. "The way he's positioned... it's odd. And these marks..." She gestures to a series of scratches on his neck, partially hidden by his fur.I lean in for a closer look, my heart racing. The scratches are too uniform and deliberate to be from falling debris—Unbidden, a memory flashes—my father's signet ring, with its distinctive claw-like design."It can't be," I mutter, more to myself than Lyra.Her hand on my arm sends a jolt throug
Lyra's POVThe air in Shadowmoon Pack territory is thick with grief and suspicion. As I help clear debris from what was once the grand pack house, I can't shake the feeling that we're all walking on eggshells. Xander's declaration of foul play has everyone on edge, with furtive glances and hushed whispers following me wherever I go.I'm lifting a hefty beam when a flash of movement catches my eye. My heart stops. At the edge of the tree line stands the mysterious man who's been haunting my dreams and waking hours. Our eyes lock briefly, terrifyingly before he melts back into the shadows."Did you see that?" I ask the wolf working beside me, my voice trembling.He looks up, confused. "See what?"I shake my head, doubt creeping in. Am I going crazy? Or is there truly something sinister at play here?As twilight descends, I approach Xander's temporary command center. The mate bond between us thrums with tension, a constant reminder of what we could be and can never have. I'm about to ent
Xander's POVThe packed house, once a symbol of our strength and unity, now stands as a crumbling testament to the chaos that has engulfed us. I stand at the makeshift podium, facing a sea of anxious and angry faces. The air crackles with tension, whispers, and accusatory glances flying like arrows."Alpha Xander," Elder Thorne's gravelly voice cuts through the murmurs. We must address the Luna situation. Elara's performance during the crisis has raised concerns."Elara stiffens beside me, her perfectly manicured nails digging into my arm. "Performance?" she hisses, low enough for only me to hear. "I was attacked!"I struggle to keep my expression neutral, the memory of her torn clothes and bloodied cheek warring with the nagging suspicion in my gut. Something about that attack didn't sit right, but I can't understand why."Elara has been through a traumatic experience," I begin, choosing my words carefully. "We shouldn't rush to""With all due respect, Alpha," another voice interrupt