The howls didn't stop.
They echoed across the mountains like a storm rolling through the sky.
One voice.
Then another.
Then several more.
Each howl carried power.
Authority.
Alpha dominance.
Inside the pack house, the wolves stood frozen.
Marcus slowly turned in a circle.
"…that's a lot of Alphas."
Rowan counted under his breath.
"Three…"
Another distant howl echoed.
"…four."
Marcus looked at Alder.
"Please tell me that's the end."
A fifth howl cut through the air.
Marcus sighed.
"…never mind."
Aria stepped toward the window.
Her silver eyes scanned the distant tree line.
Her wolf was restless now.
Alert.
Something deep inside her responded to the howls.
Not with fear.
But with awareness.
Alder watched her carefully.
"You feel them."
Aria nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Kael stepped beside her.
"What does it feel like?"
She thought for a moment.
"Like… being watched."
Marcus shivered.
"I hate that."
Outside, the wolves in the clearing were reacting too.
Many of them stood alert.
Some shifted into wolf form instinctively.
The forest had become tense again.
Like prey sensing predators nearby.
Varkos crossed his arms.
"They're announcing themselves."
Rowan frowned.
"Why?"
Varkos answered simply.
"To warn each other."
Marcus blinked.
"…warn each other about what?"
Varkos looked toward Aria.
"Her."
Marcus pointed.
"Of course it's about her."
Aria sighed.
"This is getting ridiculous."
Alder stepped forward.
"It's not ridiculous."
His silver eyes were serious.
"It's history repeating itself."
Lena frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Alder explained quietly.
"The last True Luna appeared centuries ago."
Everyone listened closely.
"She united several packs."
Marcus nodded slowly.
"Sounds like a good thing."
Alder's voice darkened.
"The Alphas didn't agree."
Rowan crossed his arms.
"Let me guess."
"They tried to kill her."
Alder nodded once.
"Yes."
The room went quiet again.
Aria felt a chill run down her spine.
"So this has happened before."
"Yes."
Marcus raised a hand.
"Important question."
Everyone looked at him.
"…did she survive?"
Alder didn't answer immediately.
Then he said quietly,
"No."
That single word made the room colder.
Rowan sighed.
"Well that's encouraging."
Kael's jaw tightened slightly.
"That won't happen again."
Marcus glanced at him.
"…bold statement."
Aria looked between them.
"You all keep talking like I'm helpless."
Lena shook her head.
"No."
"You're powerful."
Varkos nodded.
"Very powerful."
Marcus added,
"You beat a giant Alpha."
Rowan pointed outside.
"And recruited his army."
Aria folded her arms.
"Exactly."
"But?"
Marcus asked.
Alder answered.
"But power attracts enemies."
The distant howls slowly faded.
But the tension remained.
Something had changed.
The forest felt different now.
Like the entire region had suddenly become aware of one thing.
Her.
Aria turned toward Varkos.
"How many Alphas are in this region?"
Varkos thought for a moment.
"At least eight."
Marcus blinked.
"…eight?"
Rowan groaned.
"Fantastic."
Aria looked back toward the mountains.
"And now they all know about me."
Alder nodded.
"Yes."
Marcus walked toward the door.
"I need air."
Rowan followed him outside.
The clearing was buzzing with activity.
Wolves were talking.
Moving.
Preparing.
The news was spreading fast.
Inside the house, Aria leaned against the wall.
Her head felt full.
Too many things happening too fast.
True Luna.
Ancient bloodline.
Multiple Alphas.
Possible war.
And the strange bond forming with Kael.
She looked up at him.
"You're very quiet."
Kael met her gaze.
"I'm thinking."
"About what?"
His answer came immediately.
"How to keep you alive."
Aria smirked slightly.
"Romantic."
For the first time, Kael actually smiled.
Just a little.
But the moment was interrupted.
Because suddenly—
A loud crash echoed from outside.
Marcus shouted.
"HEY!"
Rowan yelled right after him.
"WE HAVE COMPANY!"
Everyone rushed outside.
The clearing had changed.
A massive wolf stood at the edge of the trees.
Silver fur.
Bright blue eyes.
A huge scar across his snout.
Another Alpha.
He stepped forward slowly.
His gaze locked directly onto Aria.
Then his voice echoed through the clearing.
"I came to see the True Luna."
The wolves around Aria growled uneasily.
Varkos stepped forward.
Kael stepped forward.
But the new Alpha didn't look at them.
Only at Aria.
His blue eyes burned with curiosity.
Then he said something that made everyone tense.
"I want to challenge her."
The clearing exploded with shocked voices.
Marcus shouted,
"WHAT?!"
Rowan looked horrified.
"Can they do that?!"
Varkos's voice was cold.
"Yes."
Aria frowned.
"For what?"
The new Alpha smiled slightly.
"For leadership."
Kael's eyes flashed dangerously.
But the silver wolf Alpha continued calmly.
"If the True Luna wants to lead wolves…"
His gaze sharpened.
"…she must prove it."
The wolves around the clearing waited.
Watching.
Because suddenly—
Aria had another fight waiting for her.
And this one had just begun. 🐺