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The night deepened, and with it, the moon’s crimson stain. The silver glow that had always steadied the wolves now bled into red, heavy as blood spilled across the heavens. It was not yet full, but every breath, every heartbeat, carried the weight of what was coming.
The camp buzzed with restless energy. Wolves sparred to keep their nerves at bay. Scouts returned with grim reports: Hollow movements everywhere, always just beyond reach, as though waiting.
But beneath all that, another unease festered. The bond between Kael and Aria had never been stronger — and yet, Aria could feel something inside her slipping.
The fire.
It flared now even when she didn’t summon it, little sparks licking across her skin when she felt anger, sorrow, or even love. Twice that morning she had nearly b
