The moon hung high and full, casting an ethereal silver glow across the palace gardens. Aria wandered beneath the ancient oaks, their gnarled branches whispering secrets in the night breeze. The world felt different here—alive with magic, power, and shadow.
Lucien found her moments later, stepping silently beside her, his presence both comforting and commanding.
"You shouldn't wander alone," he said softly.
Aria met his silver gaze. "Sometimes the night is the only place where I feel free."
He nodded, understanding the ache behind her words.
"I've been thinking," she began hesitantly, "about my past. About the pack that rejected me."
Lucien's jaw tightened. "They don't deserve your thoughts."
"But I can't forget," she said, her voice trembling. "I keep wondering if there's more to why I was cast aside."
Lucien's eyes darkened with memory. "Your rejection was not random. There are forces at play that want to keep you weak, hidden."
Aria's heart quickened. "Who?"
"Enemies of the Lycan Kingdom," he said grimly. "And some who wish to usurp my throne."
She swallowed hard. The weight of her new reality settled deeper.
Suddenly, a soft growl rose from the shadows. Lucien tensed, stepping in front of Aria protectively.
From the darkness emerged a sleek black wolf, eyes glowing like embers.
Aria gasped. "Your wolf?"
Lucien nodded. "Meet Shade. My personal guardian. Fierce and loyal."
Shade's amber gaze softened as he sniffed Aria before settling at her feet.
The moment felt sacred—bonding them all under the moon's watchful eye.
Lucien reached out, fingers tracing the crescent mark on Aria's wrist.
"This mark," he said, "is the key. It links you to the Moon Goddess's power. It will protect you… if you learn to wield it."
Aria clenched her fist, determination burning in her eyes. "Teach me."
Lucien smiled, a rare softness breaking through his stern facade.
"I will."
Back at the Bloodfang Pack, Selena seethed with rage.
"They're growing stronger by the day," she spat. "The King and his Luna are unstoppable."
Caleb paced, frustration gnawing at him.
"We need a plan," he growled. "Something to weaken her—before she destroys everything."
Selena's smile was cruel. "Leave that to me."
That night, Aria dreamt of ancient battles, silver wolves howling beneath a blood-red moon. Shadows danced and whispered secrets only she could hear.
She awoke with a start, her heart pounding.
Lucien was beside her, calm and steady.
"Your dreams are messages," he said. "The past reaching out to guide you."
Aria nodded, feeling the bond between them deepen.
Together, under the moonlight, they began to prepare for the battles ahead—facing enemies without and fears within.