The forest grew denser the deeper they traveled.
Ancient trees towered like pillars, their roots curling through the soil like sleeping serpents. Mist clung to the ground, and the air smelled faintly of iron — the scent of old blood and older magic.
Lyra's voice was a whisper. "We're being followed."
"I know," Kale replied quietly. He didn't look back — but he could feel them. Shadows moving between branches, silent and fast. Eyes glimmering gold in the dark.
Elric muttered, "Werewolves never let strangers walk their forest without permission. Either they'll show themselves…"
He glanced upward. "…or they'll kill us first."
A low growl answered from the shadows.
Kale stopped walking. "Then let's save them the trouble."
He turned, his blue eyes cutting through the mist. "I know you're there."
The forest went still — then a blur of motion.
A massive figure dropped from a branch, landing before them with predatory grace.
He was tall, muscular, his silver hair tied back, his eyes glowing like molten gold. Clawed hands. Bare feet. A faint scar running from his neck to his collarbone.
"You've got nerve, human," he said, voice like a growl. "Walking into Fenrir territory uninvited."
Kale met his gaze evenly. "I'm not here as prey."
The werewolf bared his teeth. "Then you're here as a fool."
Lyra stepped forward. "We came to speak with your Alpha. It's important."
The werewolf's expression turned amused. "You think you can request an audience with the Alpha? You're lucky I haven't ripped your throat out already."
He lunged — fast.
Kale didn't flinch. Blue mana flashed around him, forming a barrier that stopped the claw inches from his face. The air vibrated with tension.
"I don't want a fight," Kale said quietly. "But I won't be hunted anymore."
The werewolf froze — then slowly lowered his hand, curiosity flickering behind the gold. "You're not human."
Kale shook his head. "No. Not entirely."
The werewolf studied him for a moment longer, then jerked his head toward the north. "Follow me. You'll get your audience."
They emerged into a vast clearing under a crescent moon. Massive stone totems marked the edges, carved with runes of fang and moonlight. At the center stood a great fire — and around it, dozens of werewolves in both human and beast forms watched silently.
On a stone seat at the far end sat the Alpha.
He was enormous — easily seven feet tall, his black hair streaked with gray, his presence commanding. His golden eyes glowed even brighter than the others.
"You bring outsiders into my den, Ryn?" the Alpha rumbled.
The silver-haired werewolf — Ryn — bowed slightly. "They seek a parley, Alpha Varyn."
Varyn's gaze swept over the trio. His eyes lingered on Kale's mark, faintly glowing through his sleeve.
"That power," he said, his tone turning dangerous. "It reeks of the Witches' Vault."
Murmurs spread through the pack. Some growled, others snarled.
Lyra stepped forward, staff in hand. "He's not one of them—"
"Silence, witch," Varyn snapped, the flames around them flickering higher. "Your kind slaughtered my ancestors."
Lyra bit back her retort. Kale moved forward, his expression calm but steady.
"I'm Kale," he said. "The Coven calls me a curse. They're hunting me because I carry the power of someone they fear — Aurelion."
That name sent another ripple through the werewolves.
Varyn leaned forward slowly. "Aurelion. The Mad Wizard who nearly tore the veil between realms apart."
Kale's jaw tightened. "Maybe. But I'm not him."
Varyn stood, his presence immense. "Then why should I trust you?"
Kale met his gaze without flinching. "Because the Coven won't stop with me. Once they erase the Cursed Line, they'll come for everyone who doesn't obey — including your kind."
The Alpha's eyes narrowed. "Empty words."
Kale extended his hand. "Then test them."
For a long moment, no one spoke. Then, with a faint growl, Varyn gestured to one of his lieutenants — a younger werewolf with bright red eyes and a scar across his cheek.
"Prove your words in combat," Varyn said. "If you survive against Fenric, you'll have my ear."
Lyra groaned. "This is madness."
Elric muttered, "It's also politics."
Kale just nodded. "Fine."
The ring was drawn.
The pack surrounded them, howling into the night. Fenric stalked forward, cracking his neck, his form shifting — muscles expanding, claws lengthening, fur spreading across his arms.
Kale didn't draw his spectral blade yet. He just watched, breathing steady.
Fenric lunged first. Fast — impossibly fast. His claws tore through the air, but Kale sidestepped, letting the motion guide him.
Fenric grinned, impressed. "Not bad for prey."
Kale lifted his hand, blue energy flickering between his fingers. "Not prey."
He slammed his palm to the ground — mana sigils erupted in a ring, forming a temporary trap of light.
Fenric howled as his claws hit the glowing lines. Sparks flew.
Varyn's eyes widened slightly. A mana seal technique?
But Fenric broke free with a roar, tearing through the sigil. He lunged again, claws catching Kale's shoulder, drawing blood. Kale winced but used the motion — channeling his pain into focus.
He summoned the spectral blade with a flash of white-blue light, clashing against Fenric's claws in a shower of sparks.
The pack roared their approval.
Finally, Kale caught Fenric's wrist, mana flaring through the contact, and slammed him to the ground. The impact shook the ring.
Fenric blinked up at him, breathless — and then started laughing. "You fight like a beast."
Kale offered his hand. "Or maybe I fight like someone tired of running."
Fenric took it, smirking. "You've got a death wish. I like that."
Varyn's voice cut through the noise. "Enough."
The Alpha stood, his eyes thoughtful now. "You have spirit, wizard. And a cause worth dying for, it seems."
Kale lowered his blade. "I'm not here to die, Alpha. I'm here to fight for a world that doesn't have to hide anymore — wizard, witch, or wolf."
Varyn stared at him for a long time. Then, finally, he nodded once.
"Then the Moon Pact is made. For now, our claws will fight beside your flame."
The pack howled as the fire flared higher, casting blue and gold light across the clearing.
Lyra exhaled, shoulders relaxing. "That went… better than I expected."
Elric grinned faintly. "He's building a rebellion without realizing it."
Kale stared into the flames, the mark on his hand glowing in rhythm with the moonlight.
"No," he said softly. "I'm building a future."
And high above, the clouds shifted — as if something ancient watched from afar, waiting.