The dawn after the Blood Moon was silent. No howls. No movement. The pack Kael's court remained eerily subdued, as though holding its breath after the storm.
Alera sat alone at the edge of the cliff, where glowing runes still pulsed faintly beneath her boots. Her fingers brushed over the stone surface, cool and ancient. She had barely slept. Her mind churned with the truths revealed during the revelation.
Moon-Blessed. Firstborn Lycan. Heir. Queen.
She wasn't ready.
How could she be?
The sound of footsteps behind her was soft but unmistakable.
"You should be resting," Kael said quietly.
"I couldn't sleep," Alera murmured, not turning around. "Not after everything."
Kael came to her side but didn't sit. He stood with arms crossed, face impassive. "I thought you might run."
She glanced at him then, her eyes dark with emotion. "I thought about it. But where would I go? This truth follows me now… like a shadow stitched to my soul."
He gave a small nod. "You're not alone, Alera."
"You should have told me."
Kael's jaw flexed. "And if I had? Would you have believed me? Or trusted me less?"
She looked away. The truth was… she didn't know.
He crouched beside her now, so they were eye level. "You were born for something greater than the walls that tried to contain you. You don't have to step into that truth today. But the world won't wait forever."
Alera's throat tightened. "Do you know what scares me the most?"
Kael stayed silent.
"That this prophecy… this power… will turn me into someone I don't recognize. Someone cold. Someone ruthless. Like the kings and queens who burned empires for thrones."
Kael reached for her hand, his touch firm and warm. "Then don't become them. Become you. Rule differently."
Alera searched his face, unsure whether to find comfort in him or question every motive.
But before she could respond, the ground beneath them rumbled a warning.
A wolf sprinted toward them in full form, then shifted mid-run. It was Thorne, Kael's second-in-command, his face pale and urgent.
"My King. My Lady. The outpost at Dareth's Gorge has fallen."
Alera's blood froze.
Kael stood immediately. "Who attacked?"
"A rogue faction bearing the crest of the Iron Fangs."
Kael's eyes darkened. "Cassian."
Alera stood too. "Who's Cassian?"
Kael hesitated, then said tightly, "A former general. Banished years ago for trying to claim the Alpha title by force."
"He has followers?"
Thorne nodded. "Dozens. Maybe more. And he's been building in the shadows. Waiting."
Alera swallowed. "He's coming for me."
"And for the throne," Kael added grimly.
War Council Room – Later That Day
The chamber buzzed with murmurs as Kael summoned his most trusted alphas, warriors, and advisors. Alera stood beside him, head high despite the storm inside her. Every gaze turned to her with a mixture of awe and fear.
The Queen of the Shadowed Bloodline.
The title carried weight. And danger.
"The Iron Fangs won't stop at one outpost," Kael said. "Cassian is testing our strength. We need to respond fast."
"Retaliation?" asked one of the alphas.
"No," Alera said, voice firm.
The room fell silent.
She continued, "Not until we know why Cassian struck first. We need information. Strategy. Not blind fury."
Some looked surprised. Others impressed.
Kael glanced at her, a glimmer of pride in his eyes.
"A wise approach," the High Seer said, entering the chamber like smoke on wind. "For your enemy knows your legacy now, and he fears it. You must be careful whom you trust, even in this room."
That sent ripples of unease through the council.
Alera stepped forward. "I want to speak to the warriors. Myself. They need to see more than a prophecy. They need to see a leader."
Kael inclined his head. "Then lead."
Training Grounds – Twilight
The air smelled of sweat, steel, and raw magic. Alera walked between rows of young wolves some in human form, others mid-shift. Their eyes followed her with a reverence she wasn't used to.
"I know I don't look like your queen," she began, standing at the center of the circle. "I haven't led armies. I haven't bled in battle. But I know what it's like to lose everything and still stand."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
"I didn't ask for this power. But it's mine. And if Cassian thinks he can scare me into silence, he's wrong."
Her voice grew stronger, steadier.
"So train harder. Sharpen your claws. Fortify our lands. Because the Shadowed Bloodline doesn't cower."
The wolves howled as one.
And for the first time… Alera felt like a queen.
Later That Night – Alera's Quarters
Kael entered her chamber without a word, finding her standing by the balcony, staring at the stars.
"I heard the speech," he said.
"And?"
"You're becoming dangerous."
She smiled faintly. "I was always dangerous. Just didn't know it yet."
Kael came closer. "There's something else you should know."
Alera turned to him.
"There's another faction rising," he said. "Not just Cassian. An alliance of old bloodlines that resent your lineage. They call themselves The Hollow Claw."
Alera frowned. "Why are you just telling me this now?"
"Because until today, I wasn't sure you were ready."
"And now?"
Kael reached out, brushing her hair behind her ear.
"Now I see the fire."
Alera didn't flinch. "Then let them come. I'm done running."
He stepped closer, their bodies almost touching.
"Then fight with me. At my side. As my equal."
Alera's breath caught.
It wasn't just about the prophecy anymore.
It was about survival. Power. Legacy.
And perhaps… something more.
"I will," she whispered. "But not as your queen. As myself."
Kael smiled, something rare and real.
"That's all I've ever wanted."