Did you honestly believe you could beat me?— "Cassandra's icy, contemptuous voice cut like a razor across the night. Emerging from the twisting shadows, evil power flowing from the rune engraved into her flesh, her emerald-green eyes sparkled with merciless glee.Dax stepped protectively towards me, his amber eyes ablaze with fierce wrath and his claws outstretched. Besides him, Sebastian's sword shone, his icy-blue eyes fixed."Whatever game you're playing," I hissed, flames flickering at my fingers, "it ends here."Cassandra grinned, her voice like silk and poisonous. But we have just now started.Dark tendrils burst before we could respond, slithering like living chains and separating Dax and Sebastian. Burning into the earth, rues created a lethal circle around me.Fire blazing, I raced forward, but Cassandra's twisted power struck, cutting my flames midway in air.Her icy chuckle sent chills down my spine. "You're already mine; you've fought well."My arm's cursed mark erupted,
"Get up, Zaia. We still have work to do.Dax's voice sliced through Cassandra's stifling hold of black magic, harsh and raspy with desperation and anger. Enchanting chains clinking about him as he battled the rune-forged bindings could be heard.I opened my eyes, struggling to breathe as cold steel bit my wrists, burning with black rune suppression of my strength.Sebastian struggled at his restraints, blood running down his wrists from jagged cuffs, his icy-blue eyes blazing with hardly contained wrath."She won't win. His voice was dead calm, vicious and definite."The room doors creaked open, and Cassandra's warped enforcer entered—the Chain Master, a huge man wearing heavy metal armor, his face covered beneath a nasty, rune-marked helmet.His battered gauntlets set off the runic chains burning hotter across our flesh."Struggles all you want," he growled, voice like ground stone. Now you are part of the Shadow Mother.Pain tore over my cursed mark, its strength quelled but yet bla
"This is all my fault."Sebastian said in a low, harsh, regretful, bitter tone. Standing stiff at the brink of the broken clearing, his icy-blue eyes fixed on the barren wreckage where Cassandra's army had gained yet another terrible triumph.My arm throbbed with a cursed mark that echoed in sync with the weight of his words. Its burning agony. Reminding me we were not free yet, I could feel the evil power blazing under my flesh.Dax came closer, voice cutting like steel, his claws curled, amber eyes blazing with hardly controlled wrath."You ought to have started her with the truth right away."Though agony flashed momentarily across his typically stone-cold demeanour, Sebastian did not react.With barely held back by pure will, I tightened my fists and felt heat bubbling under my fingers."You knew about the prophecy... about me." My voice shook, equal parts indignation and loss. You let them define me as a threat—exile me.Though Sebastian tried to seem unaffected, his shoulders te
Show you are deserving of survival.Cassandra swung her cursed hand, sending twisted strands of darkness spiraling towards us. Her voice crackled with terrible power, her emerald-green eyes glowed.Dax screamed, lunging forward, claws blazing with terrible fury slicing across the closest shadow-forged fighters.Sebastian's sword shone, cutting lethal arcs across the magical cords, his icy-blue eyes ablaze with deliberate intent.I flung my palms forward, silver-crimson flames blazing through the darkness just long enough to drive Cassandra back.But her laughter rang, frigid and uncompromising."Is that everything? “She grimaced. "You will need far more than regret and anger to stop me."With every rush of black power, the cursed mark on my arm blazed, its twisted energy dragging at my soul scorching brighter.Dax hissed, black ichor flowing from his claws sharp, his amber eyes ferocious. You are stronger than her. "Do not give in."Sebastian's voice piercing and forceful sliced throu
"You cannot flee me, Zaia."Cassandra's speech spun around me like invisible chains, frigid and poisonous. Her black power throbbed, sending shadow tendrils coiling over the cursed arena under increasing grip.I battled the bonds, fire flashing faintly under my skin as suffering tore across the cursed mark on my arm. Glowing dark runes fed on my magic's opposition.Fight it, please! Dax's voice resonated, far yet strong, raw with desperation. "You are more powerful than her!”But Cassandra laughed again, mocking and victorious.Power flickering, "you don't fight the dark, little Luna," she said. "You get it."The air changed, and chilly darkness swept over me drawing me into a distorted recollection.Bound and wounded, Dax and Sebastian stood before me with vacant eyes, bodies broken."You did this," Cassandra's voice screamed, murmurs like poisoned promises repeating. "They will fall off thanks to you."The terrible mark flashed, hot and unrelenting, pushing me to kneelt. Visions war
Sebastian's sword pierced through the charmed guards with accuracy, steel meeting magic under his icy-blue eye."We end this—now." His voice sounded like steel, cold and firm.Cassandra chuckled, black power vibrating across the cursed battleground as more lethal, limitless warriors emerged.She moved closer, black power throbbing in time with the cursed mark on my arm, you squandering your might."We both know how this ends," Her voice softened and became really subtly seductive."Surrender," her eyes blazed with twisted fervent fury. Come with me and rescue them.Though my chest clenched, I kept her eye and refused to allow uncertainty seep in."You don't know what mercy is; you cannot offer it."Her grin became twisted, harsh and nasty. "Mercy is not free."Dark tendrils burst before I could reply, tying my wrists with scorching symbols and pushing me backwards.Sebastian yelled, pushing forward, but Cassandra snapped her fingers, sending one terrible wave of shadow energy straight
But I was unable to move.The terrible brand flared, scorching further and lighting old symbols on my flesh. Prophetic images of blood, fire, and treachery splinters through me.Reality turned suddenly, and I was thrown backwards, sights engulfassing me.Standing at an ancient temple, moonlight filtered through broken stone, casting dim lighting on marks carved deep into the walls—prophetic symbols.The cursed Luna will emerge neither free from nor bound by destiny.An old voice with great finality resonated.Claimed by darkness; betrayed by blood; rescued by fire.Marked and shattered, I envisioned myself standing by the brink of a flaming battlefield alone.Dax lay still, blood pouring around him, dulled golden eyes.Sebastian stood far away, sword bloodied, remorse and something much deeper twisted on his face.One must fall before the other may climb.The prophetic runes scorched more brilliantly, like a lethal promise burning across my breast."Zaia!"'''Dax's words pulled me bac
But her focus never wavered; it stayed on me.The cursed brand burned hotter, silver-crimson fire raging through my veins as old run-through dirt flared alive.Memory shards tearing at my mind—names, faces, betrayals—fates long deleted—whispers of lost power rang over the cursed clearing."They tried to bury your legacy," Cassandra said in a low, menacing, dark triumphant voice. But you were supposed to climb constantly. as the last Luna among the Forgotten.Visions shot suddenly, dragging me back into a broken recollection.I came to a chilly stone-carved lost temple with faint antique writings.A fractured pack chased, decimated, then deserted.A lady stood by herself, fire and darkness defining her, her eyes flashing with wild power—my ancestor." Blood calls to blood."The prophetic words seared, carved in my head.I growled, flames blazing in rebellion against the pull of the curse not under control.Cassandra turned her back on him. "You still believe that? Her black fire burst
Dax, you shouldn't come here.The words were like a warning borne on the air, a snarl in the dark as the renegade emerged from behind-cover. His damaged face twisted with bitterness maybe in addition to anger. Tension in the air around us, the type that may explode with the smallest provocation."And yet, here I am," Dax said in a calm but somewhat forceful voice. "I came to fix things."Beginning the chapter with Dax returning to the renegade pack he once called home in order to attempt to heal the broken bonds he left behind,The rogues are unfriendly and mistrustful; they hate him for leaving them in their most difficult years.You think we would just pardon you?One of them gave a growl. You played Alpha, then left us to wither.Dax embraces their accusations, giving himself as atonement without restrain from their anger.He answered their gaze, "I can't undo the past." But I can strive for all of us a brighter future.Returning to the Crescent Moon Pack, Zaia battles Dax's desire
" If you question my rule, forward now and meet me."Every pair of eyes on me, my words floated over the crescent-shaped gathering space. Although the stubborn stillness that followed was deafening, I could feel the strain in the air—old questions, unresolved concerns, split loyalties just about to burst.Talk your mind, or stand with me; not a middle ground exists here; here is your opportunity. I mumbled, ready to let the flames run over my hands.The chapter opens with Zaia formally rising as Luna, a great celebration seen by her Crescent Moon Pack as well as the allied wolves.The moment is mixed because Zaia muses about the sacrifices that got her here and pledges to rule with compassion and might.Lyric put this crown on my head and I remarked, "This crown is not a sign of authority. It reminds us of our joint responsibilities."Rising in opposition, a group of former renegade wolves disputes Zaia's authority to rule even with a display of unity.The fighting is fierce and ends
Over, Zaia, over, or is it?The horizon promised a sun rising through the clouds, but Dax's comments reflected the question in my heart: caution as much as relief; the remains of battle still hung in the air."It's not over until we rebuild," I said softly as I turned to face the remnants of the alliance and that begins right now.Starting the chapter with Zaia and Dax tending to the survivors of the previous conflict, they inspire them to look forward despite the terrible losses they have suffered.Being able to balance her duty with the urge to motivate her team makes Zaia a remarkable leader.We have lost so much, I remarked, my voice resounding over the still assembly; yet, our power and solidarity will enable us forward.Finding her closest friends, Lyric and the Moonlit Wolves, Zaia shows thanks and strengthens her bonds.The moving reunions show the everlasting bonds created by their common struggle and the offered sacrifices.Lyric replied, his voice gentle: "You gave us a fut
"Look up to the heavens, Zaia!{{{\{Dax's remarks ripped me out of my fantasy. I stopped and gazed up above. The moon hung strangely low in the sky, its silvery brightness bathing the woodland in dreamy light. Figures created by shadows on its surface were very realistic.Over the treeline Lyric whispered, "It's a warning." The moon is communicating to us.The chapter starts with the alliance seeing an inexplicable sight in the night sky as the moon looks closer than ever with its light throbbing like humanly.Zaia is very close to the moon; her mark responds with considerable power as if commanding her to back off.Whispering, clinging to my arm while the mark burned, "It's not just a warning." "It's a summons."Lyric tells the revered army of fighters selected by the moon goddess to guard her will the famous tale of the Wolves of the Moonlight.Zaia understands that the alliance must hunt these wolves—said to be the key to toppled the shadow leader.I continued, resolve stiffening m
The following are "they."Lyric hardly whispered the terrible words as the darkness descended over the camp; their technique caused the earth to tremble and the terrible cries of creatures not meant for life to fill the air.Nobody crosses this line; I shouted, flames pouring from my palms as I turned to face the anarchy.The chapter opens in a brutal conflict as the shadow forces attack the camp of the alliance with quite great force.Zaia commands straight right now; her flames light the darkness as she lines the group.We have faced worse than this; my voice sliced over the din, "Together, we are capable of anything!""Zaia leads front; Dax utilises his strategic knowledge to outmanoeuvre the opponent on the defend.Their harmony is clear as every choice accentuates the aspects of the other."Guide them towards the northern peak! Dax roared, his voice loud among the commotion! Zaia, just now we need your fire right now!«Zaia notices her arm blazing hotter than before as the fight
"Zaia, this is spreading!""My pulse pounding as Dax's terrified scream broke the quiet of the evening, I jerked awake staring down my arm and saw the brilliant mark that had been a faint crescent now blazing over my flesh, twisted light spiral patterns like vines."What does this imply?" My voice shook as the heat of the mark flowed through me."Your fate is calling from the shadow."By the beginning of the chapter, Zaia finds her Luna's mark is shifting and glowing more brilliantly all over her body.Zaia has unresolved concerns regarding its relevance, yet the change produces a tremendous boost in strength."This isn't simply a mark anymore," I remarked, raising my arm, "it is... alive."According to trustworthy friend Elder Cassius, Zaia's ascent to a power Luna has never experienced marks a change in the mark.But he advises Zaia to be ready for challenges that would test her will as such power has a cost."The mark will guide you," Cassius murmured, eyes still full of both wonde
"Zaia, they have taken hers!"Dax's voice rocked the peace of the evening and made me shiver no flame could warm. The words sunk like daggers; my heart stopped.I said, "Who?" in a whisper, knowing immediately. The only response that would really terrify me this much.His voice shaky, he responded to Amara. "No one picks my child," I yelled, flames hotter than they have ever been. Not at all.As Zaia's single-minded protection of her daughter causes other members to doubt if they should give their resources to one kid, conflict ensues within the alliance.Dax is totally supporting Zaia and will not allow anybody undercut her will.Dax continued on, his voice dangerously low, "then you don't know what we're fighting for. If you think this refers only to her."Setting out to pursue the evil forces who kidnapped Amara across dangerous area and multiple assaults along the road were Zaia, Dax, and a few reliable companions.Even when the road tries Zaia's limitations, her will encourage
Fall backwards immediately; or lost everything!My voice emerged across the battlefield, demanding, persistent, even as the darkness surged towards us. The alliance was thinly stretched, its power towards the brink pushed. Their eyes turned to me, however, and I felt the flutter of hope I resisted let fly."We will not fall today." I sobbed, and flames sprang out of my palms. 'We stand!'"The chapter starts in the thick of conflict, the alliance pushed to its breaking point by continual shadow troops.Leading, Zaia once again inspires the groups' courage and determination by means of an emotive speech.I shed tears, my voice cutting through the anarchy: "They want us split". Still, they will come to recognise that group is our strongest suit.Dax strikes a clever counterattack; his strategic ideas and relentless presence inspire the men to hold their position.Working in perfect time, Zaia and Dax obviously exhibit their bond in every decision they both make." COVER THE Eastern flank
Zaia, never tell me to stay behind.Dax spoke gently, however his eyes clearly showed a lot of feeling. The air thick with ash and the quiet sound of wind through the trees under the modest light of the sacred grounds.Words catching in my throat, I said, "I can't lose you." Not now—not when we are so close to the conclusion.Then don't push me away," he murmured, walking over. Either none at all or we call off jointly.As the coalition gets ready for the final fight, Zaia has to make a tough decision: should she lead the assault or remain behind to protect Dax and the pack?Her dual positions as Luna and partner push her to weigh her own wants against her responsibilities.My voice faltering, I said Dax, "They need me to lead," but I need you to be safe.Whispering, "I don't want safe," his fingers caressing mine "I wished you."Gathering the flock, Zaia uses a poignant speech to motivate them to remain strong in front of the coming fight.She wonders about their development and the