The skies had turned restless. Storms stirred even when the moon was full, and whispers crawled through the winds like warnings. The pack could sense it—something ancient had awakened.
But they didn’t know it had a name.
Aiden.
He didn’t return to the pack lands.
He didn’t need to.
His presence now echoed like a chill in every wolf’s bones.
Powerful.
Foreign.
Wrong.
---
Inside the Luna Temple
Aria stood in the sacred chamber with Axel, the flames of the moonfire candles trembling as if the elements sensed her unrest.
“He’s drawing from the cursed Alpha,” she whispered, her hands clasped around the ancient prayer stones. “He made a pact.”
Axel stood at her side, arms folded, golden eyes grim. “If he’s unlocked that tomb, then we don’t have much time. The spirit doesn’t grant po
