Chapter 5: The Alpha's Enemy

The glowing image of the woman shimmered above the crystal pedestal.

"My little moon..."

Lyra stood frozen.

Tears blurred her vision as she stared at the face she had imagined countless times throughout her childhood. The woman looked kind, with long silver hair that flowed like moonlight and gentle blue eyes that reminded Lyra of her own.

"M-Mother?" Lyra whispered.

The image smiled sadly.

"If you are seeing this, it means fate has led you to the Shadow Moon Pack."

Kael remained silent, giving Lyra the space to listen.

"I wish I could hold you one more time," the woman continued. "But this message was left many years ago. I cannot answer your questions, only guide you."

Lyra's hands trembled.

"Why did you leave me?"

The image closed her eyes for a moment.

"I never wanted to leave you."

"You were in terrible danger."

"The moment you were born, an ancient prophecy awakened. There were those who believed your life would bring hope... and others who believed your death would bring them unlimited power."

Kael's expression darkened.

"The prophecy..."

The woman nodded.

"You must never let the Crimson Fang Alpha claim the Moon Crown."

"The day he controls both the Crown and the Moon Mark, every pack will bow before darkness."

The chamber suddenly shook.

Cracks spread across the glowing image.

"My time is ending."

She looked at Lyra one final time.

"You are stronger than you believe."

"Trust your heart."

"And trust Alpha Kael."

The light shattered into thousands of tiny silver sparks.

The chamber fell silent.

Lyra sank to her knees.

For years she had dreamed of meeting her mother.

Now she had...

Only to lose her again.

Kael knelt beside her without speaking.

He didn't offer empty promises.

Instead, he simply rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

After a long moment, Lyra wiped away her tears.

"I'll find the truth."

"I'll find out what happened to my parents."

Kael nodded.

"And I will help you."

Before either of them could say another word, the heavy wooden doors burst open.

Rowan rushed inside, breathing hard.

"Alpha!"

Kael stood immediately.

"What happened?"

"A patrol near the western border has been attacked."

"How many?"

"Five warriors injured."

"One missing."

Kael's eyes hardened.

"Who attacked them?"

Rowan hesitated.

"We found this."

He held out a torn piece of dark red cloth embroidered with the symbol of a wolf surrounded by flames.

Kael recognized it instantly.

"The Crimson Fang Pack."

Lyra noticed the tension in the room.

"They're the ones my mother warned us about."

"Yes."

Kael's voice was calm but grim.

"They've been our enemies for generations."

"They don't start battles without a reason."

A horn suddenly echoed throughout the valley.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

Every wolf in the pack knew what it meant.

Enemy at the gate.

Kael sprinted toward the courtyard with Rowan close behind.

Lyra followed as quickly as she could.

Outside, dozens of warriors had already formed defensive lines.

Women hurried children into the safety of the Alpha House while guards climbed the watchtowers.

Beyond the massive wooden gates stood nearly fifty armored wolves.

At their front rode a man on a black horse.

He wore crimson armor and smiled as though he had already won.

"Alpha Kael!" he called.

"It has been far too long."

Kael stepped forward.

"Lucien."

"So, you've finally shown yourself."

Lucien laughed.

"I came to offer you a simple choice."

"Hand over the Moon Mark."

"And no blood needs to be spilled."

The entire courtyard fell silent.

Lyra's stomach tightened.

He was talking about her.

Kael didn't even glance in her direction.

Instead, he took one step forward.

"My answer is no."

Lucien's smile slowly disappeared.

"I was hoping you'd say that."

With a wave of his hand, the Crimson Fang warriors drew their weapons.

The wolves of Shadow Moon did the same.

For one tense moment, no one moved.

Then Lucien pointed directly at Lyra.

"Capture the girl."

"Alive."

The gates exploded inward with a deafening crash.

The battle for the Shadow Moon Pack had begun.

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