Isla and Draven stood at the edge of the pack’s territory and their silhouettes were illuminated by the pale glow of the moon. Lyra hovered nearby, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, trying to summon the strength to let them go. The news of the Vampire King’s plan to lure starving wolves had shaken them all, and the threat against Eryon loomed large.
“We have to find him,” Isla said firmly, adjusting the straps on her leather satchel. “If the King gets to Eryon first…”
“We won’t let that happen,” Draven interrupted, his tone resolute. He placed a reassuring hand on Isla’s shoulder before turning to Lyra. “You have to stay strong. The pack needs you.”
Lyra nodded, swallowing her fear. “I’ll do my best.”
“You’re more than capable,” Isla added, her voice softening. She stepped closer to her daughter, brushing a strand of silver hair from Lyra’s face. “You’re our only hope now. Our future Luna.”
The words felt heavy, a mantle Lyra wasn’t sure she was ready to bear. But she forced a small smile, gripping Isla’s hand tightly for a moment. “Come back safe,” she whispered.
Draven turned to Cassian and Adrian, both standing tense and silent. “You two,” he said, his voice sharp with authority. “No distractions. Keep Lyra safe. I don’t care what’s between you—this pack comes first.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened, and Cassian crossed his arms, his amber eyes narrowing, but neither argued.
As Isla and Draven disappeared into the forest, the weight of their absence settled heavily over the pack. The howls of wolves echoed in the distance, a chilling reminder of the danger that lurked just beyond the trees.
Lyra lingered near the meeting hall, her gaze fixed on the dark horizon. Adrian approached her cautiously, his expression soft. “They’ll be okay,” he said, his voice low. “Your parents are strong. They’ll find him.”
Lyra gave a faint nod, but her hands trembled as she hugged herself tighter. Adrian reached out, his fingers brushing her arm in an attempt to comfort her.
“Don’t you dare touch my Luna,” Cassian’s growl came from behind, his voice cutting through the quiet like a blade.
Adrian spun around, his crimson eyes flashing. “She doesn’t need you marking your territory like a feral dog.”
Cassian stepped forward, his towering frame imposing as he glared down at Adrian. “She’s mine to protect. Back off.”