The night carried her howl far beyond the Dark Forest.
Across valleys and mountains, through rivers and ancient borders, wolves froze mid-step as power rolled through the land like a living wave. Hearts pounded. Kneels weakened. Even the strongest Alphas lifted their heads, eyes widening as the sky itself seemed to hum.
Something had awakened.
In the Blackclaw Pack, chaos erupted.
Wolves spilled from their dens, drawn into the open by an overwhelming presence pressing down on them. Many dropped to their knees without understanding why, their wolves trembling in instinctive submission.
Alpha Marcus staggered out into the courtyard, breath ragged, his chest burning violently.
Her presence slammed into him like a blade.
Maria.
He fell to one knee, fury and terror twisting his features as his wolf whimpered in awe.
"This can't be happening," he growled.
"She's just an omega."
But the Moon answered him with silence.
Miles away, Maria slept fitfully in Kael's cave, her body resting but her power very much awake. Silver light pulsed faintly beneath her skin, each breath sending gentle ripples of energy into the air.
Kael sat beside her, watchful and still.
The land responded to her unconsciously fires burned brighter, the forest settled into reverent quiet. This was no longer just his territory.
It was hers, too.
When Maria stirred, Kael was instantly alert.
Her lashes fluttered open slowly, confusion crossing her face as she became aware of his presence how close he was, how his warmth surrounded her.
"I felt… everything," she whispered. "Like the world was listening."
Kael nodded. "It was."
She pushed herself upright, wrapping the cloak tighter around her shoulders. "What happens now?"
"Now," he said, meeting her gaze, "every pack knows the Moon has chosen again."
Her breath hitched. "And Marcus?"
Kael's jaw tightened. "He felt it. So did every Alpha."
Fear flickered in her eyes. "Then they'll come."
"Yes," Kael said calmly. "They will."
She looked away, fingers tightening in the fabric. "I don't want another war because of me."
Kael reached out, hesitating only a moment before gently lifting her chin so she had to meet his eyes.
"Wars don't begin because of chosen ones," he said quietly. "They begin because of men who refuse to bow."
The intensity of his gaze sent warmth curling low in her stomach. She swallowed, heart racing as the pull between them grew heavier, more undeniable.
"Kael," she whispered, unsure of what she was asking.
He leaned closer just enough that she could feel his breath, his restraint.
"This bond," he said softly, "will only grow stronger. And I will not lie to you about what that means."
Her pulse thundered.
"What does it mean?"
"It means," he said, voice dropping, "that one day, you will have to choose."
Before she could ask what he meant, a
sharp howl echoed from the forest deep, urgent, and unmistakably hostile.
Kael straightened instantly, his expression hardening.
"They're already testing the borders," he said.
Maria rose to her feet, moonlight flaring faintly around her.
"Then let them," she said quietly.
Kael studied her for a long moment, then nodded once approval clear.
"The world felt you rise tonight," he said.
"Now it will learn what that means."
And somewhere in the distance, forces began to move drawn toward the reborn Luna and the Lycan King who stood beside her.