Selene stood among the twisted roots of an ancient oak.
Purple fire flickered in the air around her hands.
The witches gathered quietly in the shadows behind her.
"They defended her well," one witch said.
Selene smiled slightly.
"Of course they did."
Her violet eyes glowed faintly.
"The Alpha already sees her as his responsibility."
Another witch frowned.
"Then attacking again will fail."
Selene shook her head.
"We don't need another attack."
She raised her hand.
A small silver object floated upward.
An old pendant.
The symbol etched into the metal glowed faintly in the darkness.
"The Moonborn's power comes from balance," Selene said softly.
"So we remove the balance."
One witch stepped forward.
"You mean the Alpha."
Selene's smile widened.
"Yes."
She closed her fingers around the pendant.
"If Kael falls, the girl will lose control of her power."
The witches exchanged uneasy glances.
"And when that happens?"
Selene's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"The Moonborn will destroy everything she is trying to protect."