Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 345

The moon hung low in the night sky as Elyra led her forces toward the Riverstone Territory. Every step deeper into the darkened forest felt heavier, the air thick with an oppressive energy that made her heart race. The trees stood like ominous sentinels, their gnarled branches stretching toward her like claws. Riding beside her, Selene's expression was grim. The silver-haired Luna scanned their surroundings with sharp, wary eyes. "This isn't right," she muttered. "The shadows are alive here, moving with purpose."

Elyra tightened her grip on her horse's reins, her voice steady but low. "I know. He's here. He's waiting for us."

Selene slowed her mount, reaching out to place a hand on Elyra's arm. "You're walking into his trap. Dain knows you'll come for Riverstone-it's exactly what he wants. You still have time to pull back."

Elyra shook her head, determination etched into her face. "I can't abandon Riverstone. If he takes it, he'll have control over the eastern border. That gives him access to the heart of our territory. I won't let him isolate us pack by pack."

Selene sighed, her fingers tightening on Elyra's arm. "You're thinking like a Luna, but this is personal for him. He's not just taking territory-he's making a statement. You need to be ready to face him, Elyra, not as your brother, but as your enemy."

The words struck like a blow, but Elyra didn't flinch. She'd felt the bond between them fray with every choice Dain made. He wasn't the same person who had stood by her side, promising to protect their packs together. Now, he was a shadow of himself, consumed by a power she barely understood.

Behind them, Cassian and Fenrir marched at the head of their warriors. The sound of armor shifting and swords clinking provided a steady rhythm to the tense silence of the forest. Cassian urged his horse forward until he was riding beside Elyra.

"Scouts reported movement near Riverstone's southern border," he said, his voice low. "Shadow wolves. Dozens of them. We're heading straight into hostile territory."

Elyra nodded, her jaw tightening. "We have no choice. We need to stop him before he consolidates his hold."

Fenrir grunted from behind them, his sharp gaze fixed on the darkened woods. "If he's got shadow wolves, that means he's using the shard. He's stronger than ever, Elyra. Are you ready for that?"

She didn't answer immediately. The shard at her waist pulsed faintly, a reminder of the power she carried and the burden it brought. "I have to be," she said finally.

was replaced by an unnatural stillness. The trees seemed to close in, their twisted forms casting long shadows that danced unnervingly in the pale moonlight. Cassian

knelt, touching the frost-covered ground. "The shadow has corrupted this land. It's not just him

breath, steadying herself as she reached for the shard.

low growl broke the silence, followed by another and another. Red eyes began to appear in the shadows, dozens of them, glowing with an

wolves," Fenrir growled, unsheathing

stepped into the

dark energy. Its fur was inky black shimmering like liquid shadow, and

fury. More follow host

the darkness in a silent, coordinated

order. "Defensive formation! Protect the

warriors quickly formed a circle around Elyra and Selene, their silver-tipped weapons

didn't attack immediately. Instead, they prowled in a wide circle, their movements eerily

despite the fear clawing at her chest. "Dain! I know you're here!

moment, there was only silence. Then, a voice drifted from the shadows, low and

warm and bright, now glowed faintly black. He looked both familiar and alien, his

laced with menace. "This is my territory now. Turn back while you

him, but she stood her ground. "This isn't you, Dain. The shadow is corrupting

hollow, bitter sound. "You think I'm being controlled? No, Elyra. I've finally embraced my

voice softening. "You're stronger than