Chapter 4: The Hunt Begins
653 Words
"The Moon Queen."
The words echoed through the council hall like a death sentence.
Every face turned toward me.
My pulse hammered in my ears.
"They're asking for... me?" I whispered.
The young warrior nodded, breathing hard.
"They attacked the Northern Border without warning. They've already killed several patrol wolves."
Noah's eyes flashed with rage.
"Who is leading them?"
"We don't know. Their leader is wearing a black cloak and a silver mask."
Elder Gideon's face turned pale.
"No..."
"It can't be."
Lucian noticed immediately.
"You know who it is."
The old elder closed his eyes.
"I prayed he would never return."
Before anyone could question him further, another warrior burst into the hall.
"Alpha!"
"The rogues have broken through the first defense line!"
"What?" Noah growled.
"They're heading straight for the pack house!"
A deafening horn echoed throughout the territory.
One long blast.
Then another.
The emergency signal.
Outside, wolves shifted into their beast forms.
Children cried.
Women hurried toward the underground shelters.
Warriors raced toward the gates.
The peaceful home I had known all my life had become a battlefield in minutes.
Noah turned to the five Alpha Kings.
"Whether we agree or not, innocent people are dying."
Damon nodded once.
"We fight first."
"The rest can wait."
Ryker cracked his neck.
"I was hoping you'd say that."
Kieran grinned.
"I haven't had a proper fight in months."
Lucian sighed.
"Please try not to destroy the entire village."
Zane simply walked toward the door.
He was already preparing for battle.
Noah looked at me.
"Aria."
His voice softened.
"I need you to stay inside."
"No."
Everyone looked at me.
"I'm not hiding while people die because of me."
"No," Noah repeated firmly.
"You don't understand what's happening."
"I understand enough."
I stepped forward.
"They came here looking for me."
"If I hide, more people will die."
Noah opened his mouth to argue.
Damon spoke first.
"She's right."
Noah glared at him.
"You don't get a vote."
"I do if protecting her is involved."
Ryker folded his arms.
"We'll keep her safe."
"I said no!"
The room erupted again.
"They're my responsibility!"
"And she's our mate," Ryker shot back.
Before Noah could lunge at him, Elder Gideon slammed his cane against the floor.
"Enough!"
Silence fell.
The elder looked directly at me.
"Aria."
"Have you ever wondered why your wolf has never fully awakened?"
I frowned.
"I... always thought I was a late bloomer."
"You aren't."
"The Moon Queen's blood sealed your wolf to protect you."
His words sent chills down my spine.
"But today's awakening broke part of that seal."
He pointed toward my wrist.
"The mark chose its bearer."
I looked down.
For a split second, the silver crescent moon appeared beneath my skin before fading again.
A strange warmth spread through my body.
It felt...
Comforting.
Powerful.
Alive.
Suddenly—
BOOM!
The council hall shook violently.
Dust rained from the ceiling.
A third warrior stumbled inside, covered in blood.
"Alpha Noah!"
"They've breached the inner gate!"
"What?"
"The rogues... they're not attacking the warriors anymore."
His terrified eyes met mine.
"They're coming..."
"...straight for Lady Aria."
Before anyone could react, a terrifying laugh echoed outside.
Deep.
Cold.
Inhuman.
Then a voice thundered across the entire Silver Moon Pack.
"Moon Queen!"
"You can hide behind your Alphas..."
"But destiny belongs to me."
The walls trembled as an overwhelming aura washed over the territory.
Every wolf dropped to one knee.
Even the five Alpha Kings stiffened.
Lucian's face lost all color.
"This aura..."
"It's stronger than an Alpha King's."
Elder Gideon whispered the name with horror.
"...The Lycan King."
The council hall doors exploded inward.
A powerful gust of wind swept through the room.
Standing in the shattered doorway was a tall man dressed in a black cloak, his face hidden behind a silver wolf mask.
His crimson eyes locked onto mine.
Then he smiled.
"I finally found you..."
"My Queen."
- Writer
