Dawn broke over Shadowfang territory, painting the forest in pale gold. The battle from the night before had left its scars — broken branches, scorched earth, and the lingering scent of blood and smoke.
Nyra stood at the edge of the western ridge, her silver veins dimming but still visible beneath her skin. The surge of power from last night had left her drained, yet her mind raced with questions. Who had sent the shadow wolf? And why did it target her so deliberately?
Kael appeared beside her silently, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder. "You're overthinking," he said gently, though the tension in his jaw betrayed him. "It was a test, nothing more."
Nyra shook her head, her gaze never leaving the ridge where the shadow had disappeared. "It wasn't just a test. It knew about me. About my power. It… it wanted me."
Kael sighed and pulled her into a protective embrace. "Then we'll make sure it never gets another chance. You're stronger than you think. And I'm not letting anything harm you."
The bond between them pulsed, warm and grounding. Nyra leaned into him, finding comfort in his presence, yet the edge of unease remained. Something about last night had unsettled her in a way no battle had before.
From the clearing below, the pack gathered — murmuring, tense, wary. Some glanced at Nyra with admiration, others with subtle fear. Her power was impressive, undeniable, but it also reminded them of the prophecy that hung over her head like a shadow.
Ralen, the senior wolf who had challenged her before, stepped forward. "That display last night… it saved lives. But it also frightened many of us. What happens when your power consumes you?"
Nyra's chest tightened. "Then I'll learn to control it. I'm not here to harm anyone. I fight for all of you — for this pack."
Kael's hand brushed against her wrist, just above the glowing prophecy mark. "And we'll face that together," he murmured. "No matter what comes."
The pack seemed to absorb her words, though uncertainty lingered. Nyra knew trust wasn't given; it had to be earned, and tonight, she would need every ounce of strategy and skill to solidify it.
Later, Nyra and Kael moved toward the edge of the ridge to investigate the shadow wolf's path. The ground bore strange claw marks, deeper and darker than any ordinary wolf could leave.
"It's not natural," Kael said, scanning the tracks. "This was more than a rogue wolf. Someone — or something — wants you, Nyra. And it's willing to destroy anything in its way."
Nyra's silver glow flared faintly. "I can feel it, Kael. It's like… a hunger. Not for territory… for power. My power."
Kael's golden eyes darkened. "Then we find it first. Before it finds us."
Nyra nodded, determination coiling in her chest. "We'll need allies," she said. "If this shadow wolf is connected to Lucien… we can't fight alone."
Kael gave her a small, reassuring smile. "I'll gather the strongest pack members. And you… you'll focus on mastering your power. Together, we'll make sure nothing threatens Shadowfang — or each other."
As they turned to descend, Nyra caught Kael's hand, holding it just a moment longer than necessary. "Kael… thank you," she whispered.
"For what?" he asked, though the warmth in his eyes said he already knew.
"For not letting me face this alone," she said softly.
Kael's thumb brushed against her knuckles, his gaze locking with hers. "Never," he replied. "You're my mate. That means facing everything — together."
And as the sun rose higher, casting golden light over the forest, Nyra felt a spark of hope amid the uncertainty. The shadow wolf, the prophecy, the pack's doubt — none of it would stop her.
Not with Kael at her side.
Not with the Blood Moon guiding her power.
The war had only just begun, but for the first time, Nyra felt ready.