THE ALPHA'S FORGOTTEN HEART

Chapter 8 — The First Wolf

The forest had gone completely silent.

Every wolf stood perfectly still, staring at Amara.

She tightened her grip around the silver pendant.

“Why are they looking at me like that?”

Kael didn't answer.

“Kael?”

He finally looked at her.

“Because they recognize your blood.”

“My blood?”

Kael nodded.

“You aren't just a member of the Black Moon bloodline. You're the last descendant of the First Wolf.”

Amara frowned.

“What exactly is the First Wolf?”

Kael glanced toward the forest.

“A creature older than every pack. Older than the laws that govern wolves. According to the legends, the First Wolf was the one who gave humans the ability to become werewolves.”

“And where is it now?”

Kael's expression darkened.

“Dead.”

Amara looked confused.

“Then why are you afraid?”

“Because that's what the legends say.”

A cold wind passed through the broken windows.

Suddenly, the silver pendant began glowing.

Amara dropped it.

The moment it hit the floor, a deep growl echoed from beneath the house.

Kael immediately drew a silver blade.

“What was that?”

“I don't know.”

The floor began shaking.

Cracks spread across the wooden boards.

Amara stepped backward.

“Kael…”

“I know.”

The floor exploded.

Kael grabbed Amara and pulled her away as a massive black claw broke through the ground.

Something was climbing out.

It was enormous.

Its body was covered in black fur, but parts of its skin looked almost human. Its eyes were completely silver.

Every wolf outside immediately bowed.

Kael stared at the creature.

“No…”

Amara whispered, “Is that the First Wolf?”

The creature slowly raised its head.

It looked directly at Amara.

Then it spoke.

“My blood.”

Amara couldn't move.

The creature crawled completely out of the ground.

Kael raised his blade.

“Stay away from her.”

The First Wolf ignored him.

It walked toward Amara.

With every step, the wolves outside lowered their heads further.

Then it stopped directly in front of her.

Amara expected it to attack.

Instead, it lowered its enormous head.

And bowed.

The forest erupted with hundreds of howls.

Amara stared in disbelief.

“Why did it bow to me?”

The First Wolf lifted its head.

“Because you are not my descendant.”

Amara's blood ran cold.

“Then what am I?”

The creature's silver eyes burned brighter.

“You are my daughter.”

Kael dropped his sword.

And somewhere in the darkness, someone began laughing.