The first light of dawn crept through the holes Solareth had torn in the roof of the training hall. Dust motes swirled in the air, glowing faintly in the pale morning sun. Luna stood in the wreckage, sword still in her grip, her chest rising and falling with steady breaths. Everything felt different.
Not just because a dragon was curled in the corner of the ruined hall, his massive body somehow folded into the space. Not just because she finally understood what kind of war they were truly fighting.
No, she felt different. Stronger. Like something inside her had shifted when she'd chosen to face Solareth instead of running.
"They're here." Thomas pressed a hand to his communicator, his voice hushed but heavy. "All three Alphas. Waiting at the territorial boundary. They'll approach at sunrise."
Luna nodded. Twelve hours ago, the idea of facing one hostile Alpha would have terrified her. Now, after seeing Void Walker corruption and hearing what they planned for the supernatural world, three angry werewolf leaders seemed almost manageable.
"What's the protocol?" she asked.
Solareth lifted his massive head from his claws. His golden eyes glowed faintly in the morning light. "Ancient law demands witnesses at formal challenges, pack leadership, and neutral observers if possible. My presence changes everything."
"How?" Luna asked.
"Dragons haven't served as witnesses in werewolf trials for over three centuries," Kieran said, stepping up beside her. His voice carried both tension and pride. "With Solareth here, this trial becomes history. Whatever happens will set a precedent for all supernatural law."
Magnus joined them, his dark eyes troubled. "That also means they can't simply kill you and claim victory. With a dragon witness, they must prove their case under the oldest laws."
"And what do those laws say about challengers to a Crimson Bloodline heir?" Luna asked.
Solareth's low chuckle rumbled like stone grinding on stone. "That anyone foolish enough to try should prepare for consequences they did not expect."
Through the shattered doorway, Luna caught the sound of movement in the forest. Heavy footsteps. Voices low with authority. The scent that carried to her sharpened senses was layered: three distinct wolves, each radiating dominance and violence.
"Remember," Kieran murmured, his voice meant for her alone. "You don't need to prove anything to them. You've already proven yourself to everyone who matters."
"Actually, she does," Magnus corrected softly. His golden-flecked eyes found hers. "Every supernatural leader in the Northwest will hear of this. If you want them to follow you against the Void Walkers, you need them to know you aren't just powerful, you're unstoppable."
The quiet conviction in his voice sent a strange flutter through her chest. It wasn't just attraction, though that was there too. It was trust. Magnus truly believed she could do this.
"What exactly am I walking into?" she asked, forcing her focus back on the fight ahead.
Thomas glanced at the notes scribbled on his palm. "Garrett Stone. Alpha of the Iron Pack. Traditionalist. Obsessed with werewolf purity and dominance. He'll want a combat challenge."
"Victoria Blackwood," Sage added from the far corner, where she was checking the wards that still flickered weakly in the broken walls. "Shadow Pack dissenter. Believes bloodline mixing corrupts abilities. She'll test your magical purity."
"And Dmitri Volkov?" Luna asked, though she already suspected.
Kieran's jaw tightened. "Leader of the rogue coalition. He doesn't care about purity. He only wants power, and he'll see you as his best chance to grab it."
Luna let the information sink in. Three trials, three enemies, three possible allies. This wasn't just about surviving, it was about proving that unity mattered more than fear.
"They're moving," Sage warned, eyes narrowing as her senses caught the approach.
Through the ruined doorway, Luna saw them emerge. Three figures stepping from the trees, each carrying an aura of danger. Even at a distance, their movements screamed Alpha.
Garrett was massive, broad-shouldered, his arms scarred from countless battles. His gray-streaked hair was tied back, his presence like a wall of stone.
Victoria was slender but sharp-edged, pale hair gleaming, her body poised like a predator about to strike.
Dmitri looked the most civilized. Well-dressed, dark hair neat, his smile almost charming, except Luna's instincts whispered that he was the most dangerous of all.
"Kieran Frost," Garrett called, his voice carrying across the clearing. "We've come to discuss the Crimson Bloodline."
"There's nothing to discuss," Kieran answered, stepping into the open with Luna beside him. "Luna Blackthorne is under Frost Pack protection."
"Protection she doesn't need," Victoria said coldly. "If she's truly Crimson, let her prove it."
"And if she's not," Dmitri added with that serpent's smile, "then she's of no use to anyone."
Anger burned cold in Luna's chest. They were speaking about her as if she were a prize to be claimed. Property.
"I can speak for myself." Her voice rang clear across the clearing.
The Alphas turned their full attention on her. The weight of it pressed like a storm, but instead of bowing under it, Luna straightened her spine.
"Luna Blackthorne," Garrett said with a tilt of his head that might have been respect, or mockery. "We've come to test your worth."
"I don't claim a bloodline," she answered evenly. "I am what I am. The question is whether you're worth my time."
The silence that followed was sharp enough to cut. Victoria's eyes narrowed. Dmitri's smile thinned. Garrett's fists clenched at his sides.
Before any of them could speak, Solareth unfolded from the shadows of the ruined hall. His wings spread wide, blotting out a swath of morning sky. Light slid off his scales in blinding patterns.
All three Alphas froze.
"Solareth the Ancient," Magnus declared, voice formal. "Witness to the trials of Luna Blackthorne, heir of the Crimson Bloodline."
Solareth's voice rolled across the clearing, heavy with centuries. "These trials will be judged by the oldest laws. With consequences understood by all."
Dmitri's voice was tight. "What consequences?"
The dragon's teeth flashed like swords. "The same as when your ancestors challenged Lydia Crimson. Victory earns alliance with power beyond measure. Defeat…" He let the word linger, his smile sharp. "…reminds mortals why dragons do not meddle in lesser politics."
A chill crawled down Luna's spine. Solareth hadn't said it outright, but his meaning was clear: if they failed, it might cost their lives.
"The trials stand," Garrett said finally, his voice less sure than before. "Combat, purity, and power. Let's see what the last Crimson can do."
"Yes," Luna replied, stepping into the sunlight with her sword still in hand. "Let's."
The sun crested the trees, bathing the clearing in gold. Luna felt anticipation rise inside her. Not fear, not anxiety, anticipation. They thought they were facing a confused girl fumbling with new powers.
They were about to learn how wrong they were.