The tension within the pack was a living, breathing thing—tightening with each passing hour. With Alpha Karl's challenge looming and whispers of betrayal still lingering, Damon ordered a complete security sweep of the camp.
It wasn't long before something snapped.
Jace stormed into the war chamber, his face thunderous. "We found something—no, someone."
The guards dragged in a trembling figure. It was Tala, one of the pack's younger warriors. Loyal… or so they'd thought. Her eyes darted between the Alphas and the furious pack members gathering like a tide.
"She was passing information," jace spat. "Maps, schedules, names. All slipped out through coded messages. Caught her red-handed."
Gasps filled the room. Tala dropped to her knees, her voice cracking. "I didn't have a choice—Karl promised me power, freedom. I didn't think he'd actually attack—please…"
Damon's voice was ice. "You betrayed your pack. Your Alpha. And your Luna."
But it was Nyla who stepped forward, calm yet commanding. The room quieted.
"Tala, power gained through treachery doesn't last. You endangered families, pups, warriors." Her voice didn't waver. "You'll be punished, but let this be a message: no betrayal goes unseen."
Tala was sentenced to exile under full guard. A message sent, trust reaffirmed.
Later, in the strategy hall, Nyla stood before the map with jace, Damon, and the other captains. For the first time, she wasn't just present—she was leading.
"We'll split the defense," she said, marking areas with precise movements. "If Karl thinks we're weakened, we'll use that. Set traps along the eastern ridge. Make it look like we're pulling back, but surround them on three sides."
Jace raised a brow, impressed. Damon watched her with a mix of pride and fierce love.
"She's right," Damon said, placing a firm hand on her back. "We fight smart. We fight together."
Nyla looked around the room, her voice steady. "This pack has survived war, betrayal, and loss. We are stronger now. And if Karl thinks he can break us from the inside out, he's about to learn what real unity looks like."
Outside, warriors began to move. Weapons sharpened, lines drawn.
And under the moonlight, the Luna stood—flawless, fierce, and ready to protect her own