By dawn, Aria, Riven, and Nox made their way back through the forest toward the palace. Aria moved slower than usual, her wounds sore but healing. Each step sent a pulse of determination through her veins. She wasn't returning as a victim—but as a warrior who had faced the storm and survived.
The moment they crossed into palace territory, they were met by Lucien's elite guards. The warriors instantly dropped to one knee upon seeing her.
"Luna," one of them said, "His Majesty awaits."
Aria nodded. "Take us to him. Now."
Lucien stood on the steps of the throne room when Aria arrived. His silver eyes locked on her immediately—eyes that were wild with fury, then relief, then something deeper… something unspoken.
He closed the distance in two strides, cupping her face gently. "You're hurt."
"I'm fine," she said softly. "But Selena's army is growing. She has allied herself with vampires. They've already begun practicing dark magic—something strong enough to sever a bond."
Lucien's expression turned lethal. "She dares to threaten our bond?"
"She tried. But it didn't work," Aria whispered. "Because I found my power—not just through you, but through me."
Lucien's gaze softened. "You are becoming everything this kingdom needs—and more."
He turned to Riven and Nox. "You have my gratitude. Your loyalty will not be forgotten."
Later, the council gathered in the war room. Maps were laid out. The air was thick with tension and anticipation.
"Selena is no longer hiding in the shadows," Aria declared. "She's building an army at the ruins of Bloodfang. She's striking alliances with rogues and ancient creatures. She intends to destroy the royal bloodline—starting with us."
The generals exchanged worried looks.
Lucien slammed his hand onto the table. "Then we strike first."
"But we don't just fight with strength," Aria added. "We fight with strategy. We expose her lies. We show the packs what she really is—a traitor willing to sell her soul to darkness."
Isolde stepped forward, arms folded. "What are you planning?"
"A summit," Aria said. "We invite every Alpha in the kingdom—those loyal and those undecided. We show them the truth. And we draw Selena out."
Lucien raised a brow. "You want to bait her into showing herself?"
"Yes," Aria replied. "Because she can't resist attention. If she believes she can turn others against us, she'll come. And when she does… we'll be ready."
That night, Aria stood on the palace balcony, the full moon high and silver above. Lucien joined her, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"You were brave," he whispered.
"I was terrified," she admitted. "But I didn't run."
"That's what makes you strong."
They stood in silence for a moment, watching the stars.
Then Aria asked, "What if I lose myself in this war?"
Lucien turned her gently to face him, his thumb brushing her cheek. "Then I'll be there to remind you who you are."
"And if you fall?"
"Then you'll rise—for both of us."
In the forest far beyond the walls, Selena stood atop the ruins of Bloodfang, watching the stars with burning eyes.
"They think they've won," she hissed. "Let them gather their Alphas. I'll bring fire to their gates."
Beside her, the vampire noble smiled coldly. "Then let the war begin."