The Wolf's Secret

CHAPTER 6:THE WOLF KING

Chapter 6 — The Wolf King

Maya couldn't move.

The man standing before her looked nothing like the father she had imagined during her childhood. He was tall, powerful, and carried an authority that seemed to fill the entire room.

But his golden eyes were unmistakable.

Maya: Dad?

The man's expression softened.

Father: Yes, Maya. It's me.

Tears filled Maya's eyes.

Maya: You were alive this whole time.

Father: I was.

Maya: Then why did you leave us?

Her father looked at her mother.

Father: Because staying with you would have put you in greater danger.

Maya: Everyone keeps saying that. I want the truth.

Her father stepped closer.

Father: The Blood Moon Pack wanted my throne. They believed that if they killed me, they could control the wolves of Blackwood.

Maya: And my mother?

Father: Your mother helped me hide you.

Maya looked at her mother.

Maya: Why didn't you tell me?

Mother: Because you were safer believing we were gone.

A loud growl interrupted them.

The red-eyed man stepped forward.

Unknown Man: Enough family reunions.

Maya's father immediately moved in front of her.

Father: You have no right to be here.

Unknown Man: The Moon Guardian has awakened. The pack will claim her.

Father: She belongs to no one.

The stranger smiled.

Unknown Man: Then prove it, Wolf King.

His eyes turned completely red.

Adrian suddenly appeared beside Maya, covered in scratches from the earlier fight.

Adrian: Maya, stay back.

The stranger lunged.

Adrian transformed and attacked him before he could reach Maya.

The two wolves crashed through the doorway and disappeared into the forest.

Maya looked at her father.

Maya: Who is that man?

Father: His name is Darius. He was once my most trusted warrior.

Maya: What happened?

Father: He betrayed me.

Another howl echoed through the forest.

Her father looked at Maya's glowing palm.

Father: There's no time left.

Maya: For what?

Father: You must learn how to control your power.

Maya looked frightened.

Maya: I don't know how.

Father: You will.

He placed his hand over hers.

The mark suddenly became brighter.

Maya gasped as a strange vision entered her mind.

She saw a dark castle.

She saw her father fighting dozens of wolves.

She saw her mother carrying a baby through the forest.

And then she saw herself.

A little girl standing beneath a full moon.

Beside her stood Adrian.

Maya suddenly pulled her hand away.

Maya: Why was Adrian there?

Her father became silent.

Maya: Dad?

Father: Because Adrian made a promise to me.

Maya: What promise?

Her father looked toward the forest.

Father: To protect you until the day you discovered who you really are.

Maya's heart raced.

Maya: What else aren't you telling me?

Her father didn't answer.

Instead, he looked at the moon.

Father: There's one more secret.

Maya: What?

He looked directly at her.

Father: Adrian isn't just your protector.

Maya waited.

Father: He is the future Alpha of Blackwood.

Maya's eyes widened.

Before she could say anything, a painful howl echoed through the forest.

Adrian.

Maya immediately ran toward the sound.

Maya: Adrian!

Her father shouted after her.

Father: Maya, wait!

But she didn't stop.

She disappeared into the darkness, unaware that Darius was watching from the shadows.

And in his hand was Adrian's bloodied silver pendant.