Chapter 26– "When Shadows Gather"
The Aftermath in Hollowfen
Hollowfen was unusually quiet.
Blue sat on the infirmary porch with bandages wrapped around his ribs, staring out at the village lights. His face was still bruised, but he was awake—just tired. Rito and Kin were inside resting. Gus leaned beside him, arms wrapped around himself.
"You think that wolf's coming back?" Gus muttered, voice shaky.
Blue didn't answer immediately.
He tightened the grip on the cup of herbal tea Selene had forced on him.
"He will," Blue finally said.
"And next time… we need to be ready."
Selene approached them, brushing hair behind her ear, her expression soft but firm.
"You boys need rest," she said. "No training today."
Gus nearly cried with relief.
Blue pushed himself to stand.
"I'm fine. I can still—"
"No," Selene said. "You're alive because you're stubborn… but you're not invincible."
Before Blue could argue, X stepped out of the estate behind her. His expression was unreadable.
"Selene," he said quietly, "we need to talk."
She nodded, giving Blue one last look.
"Stay put. That's an order."
The War Council of Monsters
Location: The Ruins of the Old Moon Temple
Moonlight spilled across the ancient cracked floor.
Three powers met for the first time.
Selene's Twin Sister — Queen Mirae
Beautiful. Cruel. Her crimson gown shimmered like fresh blood.
The Moon Witch — Seraphyne
Stars swirled inside her eyes, her magic humming like the night sky.
The Alpha Werewolf
Massive, feral, sitting like a king among predators.
Four vampire assassins and two direwolves guarded the room in tense silence.
Mirae smirked first.
"Look at us. The most dangerous creatures on this continent… gathered in ruins."
Seraphyne's voice drifted like silk.
"X and Selene have grown too powerful. The hybrid child's potential is unpredictable."
The Alpha stretched, claws scraping stone.
"So that's why we're here? Because you leeches and witches are scared of two little lovers?"
A vampire hissed.
Mirae silenced him with a gesture.
"You've met the hybrid child now, haven't you?"
The Alpha grinned widely.
"Oh yes. He tastes like fear and stubbornness. And he bleeds beautifully."
"Then why didn't you kill him?" Seraphyne asked.
The Alpha leaned back.
"Because killing children is boring.
Killing their parents… now that's satisfying."
He suddenly stood, towering over them, voice echoing:
"When I kill X… I'll kill all of you next."
Tension spiked—until Mirae raised her hand.
"You may think you're above us, wolf… but you need us. Alone, you lose."
Seraphyne stepped forward, voice cold.
"Together, however… we can tear their legacy apart."
The Alpha laughed.
"Fine. I'll pretend to work with you."
His eyes gleamed.
"But when this is over… I'm eating whoever survives."
Back in Hollowfen
X & Selene's Plan
Selene led X into the scrying room, shutting the door behind them.
He could tell by her posture—shoulders tight, eyes sharp—that something was wrong.
"What did you find?" X asked.
Selene exhaled slowly.
"My sister. Mirae. She's here… somewhere in Hollowfen or close enough to touch my magic."
X's jaw clenched.
"And the Alpha?"
Selene nodded.
"And the Moon Witch."
X stared at her, processing.
"All three?
At once?"
Selene placed her hand over his heart.
"They want our blood, X. Our power. They want Blue. They want everything we've built."
X stepped closer, voice low.
"We're not losing anyone."
Selene looked him dead in the eyes.
"Then we prepare. Train Blue harder. Expand the pack patrols. Reinforce the borders. Every villager, every hybrid, every stray human who lives here now—they rely on us."
X nodded.
"What about you?"
Selene's expression turned sharp and dangerous.
"I'm going to flush my sister out of hiding."
X raised an eyebrow.
"And how exactly?"
Selene smiled—one only X knew meant trouble.
"By reminding everyone that Hollowfen belongs to us."
ENDING SCENE — A New Arrival
A hooded figure moved quietly toward the village edge.
Wolf fang necklace.
Crimson court brand burned into one palm.
Their voice was a whisper carried by the wind—
"X… Selene…
The hunt is about to begin."