The next afternoon, the atmosphere in the pack territory was tense.
Every warrior stood alert.
News about the Northern Fang Pack had spread quickly.
Ariana stood near the pack house, feeling nervous.
"Why are they coming here?" she asked.
Jayden stood beside her, his expression serious.
"They want you."
Ariana frowned.
"But I don't even know them."
Kayden leaned against a nearby tree.
"That doesn't matter."
"If the elder is right and you're the Moon Heir… every pack will want you."
Suddenly, a loud howl echoed through the forest.
The pack warriors immediately turned toward the sound.
"They're here," one of them whispered.
Moments later, a group of wolves emerged from the trees.
At their front walked a tall man with silver hair and cold gray eyes.
His presence was powerful.
Even the air seemed heavy around him.
"The Northern Alpha…" one elder muttered.
Jayden stepped forward.
"Why are you here, Alpha Victor?"
The man smiled slightly.
"So the rumors were true."
His eyes moved directly toward Ariana.
"Interesting."
Ariana felt uncomfortable under his gaze.
Victor spoke calmly.
"We heard that the Moon Heir has awakened in your pack."
Jayden's voice turned cold.
"And?"
Victor stepped closer.
"I came to take her with me."
The entire pack reacted instantly.
Growls filled the air.
Jayden's Alpha aura spread through the clearing.
"That's not happening."
Victor laughed softly.
"You misunderstand, Jayden."
He looked at Ariana again.
"She belongs with the strongest pack."
Kayden stepped forward beside his brother.
"Oh please," he said sarcastically.
"If you think we're handing her over, you're even more stupid than you look."
Victor's smile disappeared.
"So you refuse?"
Jayden's answer was simple.
"Yes."
The Northern pack warriors stepped forward immediately.
The tension in the clearing exploded.
Victor's eyes turned cold.
"Then we will settle this the old way."
Jayden frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Victor's voice echoed across the territory.
"A challenge."
"If I defeat you in battle…"
"The Moon Heir comes with me."
Silence fell over the entire pack.
Because everyone knew what that meant.
A battle between two Alphas.
And the result would decide Ariana's fate.