Chapter 55
The Werewolf Realm
Red Moon Pack
The Red Moon Pack was drowning in grief. The smell of blood still clung to the air, mixing with the scent of herbs and healing salves. Warriors cried for their fallen kin, others clutched at life as pack doctors tried desperately to stabilize them, while a few were slowly recovering. No part of the pack was untouched by loss.
King Johnson had already sent the order across the realm—every werewolf, from every pack, was to gather and remain within Red Moon territory. It was the largest pack in the Werewolf Realm, and even with the devastating losses suffered in battle, it was the only one large enough to shelter all survivors from every race.
There was no time to scatter. No time to separate. Roosevelt could strike again at any moment.
The moment the sun began to set, King Johnson called all Alphas, Betas, and council members into the main hall—the traditional meeting place. The room was filled with tension, exhaustion, and fear.
When silence settled, King Johnson began, his voice heavy and solemn.
"With a heavy heart, I must confirm that four Alphas fell during the battle. Three more are gravely wounded but still fighting to survive. That… leaves only eight active Alphas."
A long, painful sigh swept across the hall.
King Johnson continued, "Now that every pack is gathered here, it will be easier to anticipate Roosevelt's next move, if we all stay in this pack Roosevelt attacks would only happen here."
He glanced around the room, gaze resting briefly on each Alpha.
"As for the fallen Alphas, their Betas will take over temporarily. I know their heirs live, but now is not the time to place inexperienced wolves in such a critical position. The heirs must be protected, not thrown into battle. Their bloodlines matter."
The Betas present all nodded in agreement.
As King Johnson prepared to speak again, the door opened.
Levi, supported by Micha, walked into the hall with slow, uneven steps. Erin and Zaki followed behind him closely. It was clear Levi was far from healed; black veins still marked his skin from Roosevelt's attack.
King Johnson released a deep sigh. "I'm sure you all know the only reason many of us made it back alive is because of Levi's actions."
The hall murmured in agreement.
The king turned fully to Levi.
"But I must ask… how did you know all that information on the battlefield? Where did it come from?"
Levi groaned softly, clutching his ribs as he answered. "The living book."
Everyone in the entire hall froze.
King Johnson's brows shot upward. Michael, standing near the front, turned sharply toward Levi.
Michael's voice was calm, but filled with tension. "How did you open it?"
Levi explained briefly how he and Micha had managed it.
Michael breathed out slowly. "This is… extremely serious."
Erin stepped forward, frowning. "Grandpa, what's wrong? What does this mean? Is Levi in danger?"
Michael shook his head without looking at her. "It's not something you'll understand right now."
He faced King Johnson. "He's from the mixed wolf bloodline."
Levi blinked, confused. "Mixed wolf? What… what does that even mean?"
Michael didn't hesitate.
"That conversation isn't for today."
But Levi was tired—too tired for secrecy. He forced himself to his feet, though his legs wobbled.
"Look… Micha and I read something about a bloodline, a she, and… honestly, I'm confused."
Michael sighed deeply. "Whatever you saw in that book, I cannot explain. Only powerful seers can open the living book—seers strong enough to kill with their visions alone, seers that can kill races with their minds."
The hall went silent. Levi's eyes widened.
"So you're saying…"
Michael met his eyes.
"Levi—Alpha Levi—you possess a special bloodline. The book recognized your blood. That's the only reason it opened."
Levi dragged a shaky hand through his hair. "Okay, but why does that matter now? We came here to discuss Roosevelt."
King Johnson nodded. "Yes, but your bloodline complicates things."
"How?" Levi asked, bewildered.
King Johnson didn't answer immediately. Instead, he asked, "Levi… how did your parents die?"
Levi and Micha exchanged a long, pained look.
"They were assassinated," Levi said quietly. "One cold night. I never learned who did it."
Michael and King Johnson stiffened. Their eyes widened at the same time as they both whispered—
"The Dark Witches."
Levi's head snapped up. "What do you mean? What do the Dark Witches have to do with my parents?"
Michael inhaled deeply. "The witches killed them. They hunted the Alpha and Luna because of their bloodline. And if they had known you existed, Levi, they would have killed you too."
Levi swallowed hard. "I wasn't there. That's why… they didn't know about me."
"Yes," Michael confirmed.
Then a voice rose sharply behind Levi—Micha's.
"What about me?" he demanded. "My parents weren't from some powerful bloodline. Why were they killed? What did they do?"
King Johnson lifted a hand. "Calm down, young man. Tell me—who was your father to the Alpha?"
Erin answered in Micha's place. "He was the Beta."
Michael nodded slowly. "Then his family was targeted as well. Both your families were marked."
Erin frowned. "Why were both targeted?"
Michael looked at them—Levi and Micha—long and hard.
"The Alpha's family was targeted because of their bloodline. The Beta's family was targeted because the Beta's blood supports the Alpha's. A Beta of mixed blood can resurrect an Alpha. And some dark witches will stop at nothing to eliminate that possibility."
A heavy silence filled the hall.
Levi exhaled softly. "This is… really serious."
Micha lowered his head, deep in thought, the weight of truth sinking into him.
Finally, an Alpha raised his hand. "With all due respect King Johnson… can we return to the matter at hand?"
Other alpha's nodded at his words, they were all here for Roosevelt, not to know about alpha Levi's past, although some council members who had hand in the death of Levi's parent wanted to hear more.
King Johnson straightened, clearing his throat.
"Of course. Yes—let's continue. Roosevelt is our priority."