Kaelan sat alone in his chambers, the flickering light of a nearby lantern casting long shadows across the walls. The events of the previous day weighed heavily on him. The deaths of the maids were a dark stain on what should have been a time of celebration, and the Moon Goddess’s continued silence gnawed at his confidence.
But something else troubled him even more—Liana.
Since their mating ceremony, Kaelan had felt a growing unease in her presence. It was a feeling he couldn’t explain, a sense that something was amiss. Liana had played her part perfectly, stepping into the role of Luna with grace and poise. Yet every time he looked at her, an invisible barrier seemed to rise between them.
His nights were plagued with nightmares—dark, chaotic visions that left him waking in a cold sweat. Though he could never remember the specifics, the feeling of dread lingered long after he opened his eyes.
Kaelan leaned forward, resting his head in his hands. “What’s happening to me?” he muttered.
A sharp knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. “Alpha!” a guard called. “Urgent news from the border!”
Kaelan straightened immediately, his instincts kicking in. “Enter,” he commanded.
The door opened, and the guard stepped inside, his face tense. “Rogues have been spotted near the eastern border. They’re advancing fast.”
Kaelan stood, his posture rigid. “How many?”
“Two dozen, at least,” the guard replied. “They’ve already taken out a few sentries. Our forces are gathering, but we’re outnumbered.”
Without hesitation, Kaelan grabbed his sword and cloak. “Prepare my horse,” he ordered.
The guard nodded and rushed off to carry out the command.
Kaelan’s heart pounded as he strode through the halls, his thoughts racing. The timing of the rogue attack was suspicious, coming so soon after the internal unrest. But he had no time to dwell on it now. His pack was in danger, and his duty was clear.
As he reached the stables, he caught sight of Liana watching from the balcony. Her gaze followed him, her expression unreadable.
Kaelan mounted his horse, the weight of responsibility settling over him like a heavy cloak. He would face the rogues and protect his pack—but the questions in his mind would not be silenced.
What was the true source of the unrest plaguing the pack? And why did the Moon Goddess remain silent when he needed her most?
With a sharp kick, Kaelan urged his horse forward, riding toward the eastern border and the battle that awaited him. The cold wind bit at his face, but he welcomed it, letting it sharpen his focus.
The rogues were coming. And Kaelan would meet them head-on.