The wind howled through the ancient forest like a mourning spirit.
Every tree they passed was warped—twisted into grotesque shapes as if clawing at the sky in agony. The land beyond the border was no longer part of their world. It belonged to the Hollow Moon now.
And Lillian ruled here.
Aria led the charge, flanked by the triplets, Elder Kael, and a dozen elite wolves. Her armor shimmered silver under the rising moon, and at her back flowed a cloak of white flame—the first visible sign of her awakening bloodline.
"Stay close," she ordered. Her voice carried weight now. Not just strength, but authority.
Luna-born authority.
—
Inside the Hollow Forest
They found the first trap not long after crossing the veil.
A wolf, one of their own, bound to a tree with black vines wrapped around
