Crowned by Fate

Chapter 3: Escape

Night fell, and the pack settled into silence. The usual sounds of movement and distant voices faded, leaving only the whisper of wind through the trees. Lunaris stirred within her chest, restless and alert, drawn to the shadows like they were calling her name.

She slipped quietly from her place, careful not to make a sound. Every step was measured, every breath controlled. The last thing she needed was to be caught now—not when she was so close.

The woods welcomed her like an old friend. Familiar. Safe. Hidden.

Her feet carried her along the narrow path until she reached their secret spot, tucked away where no one ever thought to look. The hidden car waited there, just as she had left it—silent, untouched, invisible to the rest of the pack.

For a moment, she just stood there, staring at it.

This was it.

Every turn of the engine sent a sharp thrill through her, her pulse quickening as it came to life beneath her hands. Freedom was no longer just a dream—it was real, and it was right in front of her.

But fear lingered just beneath the surface.

As the pack slept, unaware, she drove away. The familiar territory slipped behind her, swallowed by darkness. Her grip tightened on the wheel as her heart pounded, thoughts racing faster than the road ahead.

What if they noticed she was gone?

What if they came after her?

She pushed the thoughts aside, forcing herself to focus forward.

The open road stretched endlessly before her, a path she had never been allowed to take—a path toward something unknown, something dangerous… something hers.

For the first time, she was choosing her own fate.

“Three days to the palace,” she whispered into the quiet night, her voice barely audible over the hum of the engine.

Three days to a new beginning.