Aria's POV
I did not sleep.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw him.
The Shadow Alpha.
His silver eyes.
His smile.
His words.
"When the blood moon rises, I will come for you."
The sentence repeated endlessly inside my mind.
Outside my bedroom window, dawn slowly spread across Mooncrest.
The pack grounds were unusually quiet.
No children playing.
No warriors laughing.
No morning gatherings.
Fear had settled over the territory.
Because everyone knew.
The enemy was real.
And somehow—
He wanted me.
I sat at the edge of my bed and touched the silver crown beneath my skin.
The mark pulsed softly.
Warm.
Alive.
Nyra stirred inside me.
You are stronger than you think.
"I don't feel strong."
Neither did the first Luna.
Before I could answer, a knock interrupted my thoughts.
