Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 355

The tension in the Silver Hollow Pack's camp was palpable, the air thick with unease. Elyra walked through the gathered wolves, their whispers following her like ghosts. Doubt clung to them, a shadow that threatened to unravel everything she had worked to build. Cassian caught up to her, his expression hard. "You can't let their doubt shake you, Elyra," he said, his voice low but firm. "A leader must rise above fear, even when it's your own people questioning you."

Elyra sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's not just their doubt, Cassian. It's mine too. Every move I make feels like a step deeper into the unknown. And with every pack Dain turns, I feel the ground slipping beneath me."

Cassian placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. "You don't have the luxury of doubt right now. They need to see you confident, even if you're falling apart inside. If they lose faith in you, we're finished."

Elyra nodded, drawing strength from his words. She squared her shoulders and turned back toward the gathered wolves.

"We've faced shadows before," she said, her voice ringing clear through the clearing. "And every time, we've stood together. This is no different. Dain's power comes from fear-fear of what he might do, fear of standing against him. But fear does not win wars. Unity does. Trust in me, as I trust in all of you. Together, we can end this."

A few nods rippled through the crowd, but the uncertainty lingered like a fog.

As the wolves dispersed, Cassian leaned in. "That helped, but it's not enough. Dain's raiding parties are making us look weak. If we don't counter soon, more packs will question your leadership."

Elyra clenched her jaw. "Then we need to act before he tears us apart from the inside."

east, in the shadowed forests of the Nightshade territory, Dain oversaw a small group of shadow wolves preparing to launch another raid. The Warden

said, his voice dripping with approval. "Doubt is a seed that grows quickly when watered with fear. Soon,

with satisfaction. "It's not enough to turn them. I need them to believe I am

"And they will. Each raid reminds them of her inability to

Selene emerged from the shadows, her presence commanding immediate attention. The wolves parted as she approached Elyra, her silver

"The shadow grows stronger, but the light has not yet faded. You must fight fire with

her, frowning.

"There are ancient rituals-ones that can strengthen your forces, bind their loyalty, and fortify their spirits. But they come at a cost." Cassian interjected, his tone wary.

from the bonds of the pack. They will require

weight of the decision pressing down on her. "And

the shadow will consume everything," Selene said

barely understand. That's the path Dain is on, and look

need time to think. For now, we focus on stabilizing the packs we still

fell, Elyra received a report that sent a chill down her spine. One of her scouts had spotted Beta Marcus-one of her most trusted allies-meeting with Dain's emissaries