Prologue. Long ago in the vast werewolf kingdom of Lunaris, peace and harmony reigned under

the leadership of Alpha Zephyrion. With a strong demeanor and a commanding aura,

Zephyrion was the kind of alpha whose mere presence could silence a room. His jet

black hair flowed with the breeze like the feathers of a raven, and his piercing eyes could make you cower in

fear one second, then feel the warmth of a protective embrace the next. He was

just, noble, and beloved by his people. His strength was legendary, second only

to the depths of his compassion. Beside him stood Luminara, a vision of ethereal

grace. Her mesmerizing purple eyes, like amethysts kissed by moonlight, held the

secrets of ancient wisdom. Her long, wavy chestnut hair was always neatly combed and braided, cascading down her

back in flawless beauty. She was the soul of Lunaris, the voice that calmed

tempests, the light that soothed restless wolves. Her presence alone could steal the madness in any alpha\'s

heart. She was a symbol of beauty, grace, and strength. A gentle soul with

a feminine aura that even Zephyrion, as powerful as he was, could never resist. To her, he was never Alpha, just

Zephyrion. And whenever she asked something of him, the world would pause until he fulfilled it. She was his

devoted mate, his moon in the darkest skies, his tether to everything that mattered. Their love was a beacon, a

tale sung by minstrels from valley to mountain. They were wed beneath a glowing full moon in a sacred union of

spirit and soul. Before a sea of werewolves, they shifted into their majestic forms. Two radiant white

wolves, royalty in every sense, their bond illuminating the night sky. The

sacred moon elders blessed their union and the heavens themselves thundered with approval. Luminara would become

pregnant with their first child. The entire land of Lunaris erupted in celebration. Bonfires lit every

village. Chants echoed in the hills. Dances continued till dawn. The skies shimmered with

enchanted stars and wolves howled in unity. It was a moment of divine joy

for the child carrying not only the bloodline of Alpha Zephyrion, but the prophecy of the crescent moon. The

forests whispered lullabies, and even the stars inched closer, eager to

witness the birth of destiny. Little did they know that child would grow to be more than a prince. He would be a storm,

a healer, a warrior, a king, the heir to the crescent moon. And this is his

story. Welcome back. This is an audio book for Escape from the Ruthless Alpha, a tale of werewolf

shifters, love, cruelty, betrayal, and redemption set in a world where light

and shadow collide.

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werewolf shifters. So, become a member and become part of the shifter family. Let the story continue. Chapter 1. The

Golden Rain. The kingdom of Lunaris basked in sunlight and serenity. A land

where meadows stretched endlessly and silver rivers cut through the valleys like threads of moonlight. The scent of

wild flowers perfumed the air and laughter echoed from village to village. Farmers toiled joyfully. Children played

freely and the woods whispered peace. All this was thanks to one man, Alpha

Zephyrion. His name was spoken with reverence across the lands. Towering in

presence with a commanding yet kind gaze, Zephyrion led not by fear but by

honor. He was a warrior and a peacemaker, a leader and a father to his

people. No dispute was left unresolved. No plea ignored. Even the elder wolves,

hardened by past wars, spoke with admiration of the golden era he had ushered in. At dawn, Zephyrion often

shifted into his massive wolf form and roamed the villages, acknowledging every bow and smile. Children ran beside

him, laughing as he tossed them polished stones from the river, gifts he collected during his moonlit walks. His

presence ignited hope and strength among all who beheld him. Yet Zephyrion never ruled alone. Luna Seraphine, his queen and

fated mate, matched his every step with poise and fire. With flowing chestnut

hair and violet eyes that seemed to see into the soul, Seraphine was more than beautiful. She was wise, nurturing, and

deeply devoted to the people of Lunaris. Where Zephyrion enforced justice, Seraphine inspired hope. It was said that her

presence alone could calm the wildest of hearts, and her words were often sought

in the palace courtyard by young she-wolves seeking guidance. Each morning, Seraphine visited the village

healers, offering herbal knowledge passed down through the moonline.

She held the hands of the ill, prayed beneath the sacred oak, and taught the young about honor and compassion. Her

soft laughter was often heard beneath the great willow tree at the palace gates, where she read stories to the

orphaned cubs. The palace itself reflected their reign, a grand yet open

fortress built from silverstone and carved with runes of protection. In its

highest tower, lanterns of moonlight flickered softly each night, a symbol of

their undying love. Zephyrion and Seraphine spent their evenings walking the moonlit terraces, laughing, whispering, wrapped

in each other\'s arms. On festival nights, they danced in the marble courtyard as bards played lutes and

lyres, and golden butterflies fluttered through the glowing arches. The people

watched from below, believing them not just rulers, but legends. One such evening, a surprise that would change

the fate of Lunaris forever unfolded. Seraphine waited for him on the terrace,

dressed in a flowing blue gown that shimmered like water beneath the stars. Her heart thudded with excitement as she

held a small bundle in her hands, a carved wooden wolf pup, symbol of new

life. When Zephyrion arrived, weary from a day of counsel, together with his beta

Tharok, a handsome young man devoted and disciplined, loyal to Zephyrion, she

greeted him with a soft kiss and handed him the bundle. He raised an eyebrow, curious, and gently unwrapped the cloth.

At first, confusion flickered in his intelligent eyes, but then realization struck. \'Seraphine,\' he breathed. She smiled,

tears pooling. \'Yes, my alpha, you are to be a father.\' Zephyrion fell to his

knees, overcome with emotion. He embraced her tightly, burying his face in her belly as he laughed and wept all

at once. \'Our child,\' he said, looking up into her eyes, \'will be great, born of

love, raised in peace, and destined for greatness. I swear on it all my life.\'

Beta Tharok congratulated them and left to share the news with the pack. The next morning, Seraphine\'s pregnancy was announced

to the kingdom, and Lunaris exploded in joyous celebration. For seven days and

seven nights, the kingdom danced. Feasts were held in every corner. Fires lit on

every hill. Fiddlers and drummers filled the streets. Elders sang songs of

prophecy. And young wolves performed moonlight rituals to bless the unborn

heir. Wolfpacks from across distant lands arrived with gifts and well-wishes. The

palace hosted grand balls where nobles and commoners danced side by side beneath enchanted stars. Children

dressed in silver robes reenacted the love story of Zephyrion and Seraphine on makeshift stages. Paintings of the royal

pair were hung in every home. Merchants gave out moonstones believing them to

bring luck to those who celebrated the royal heir. Even the moon goddess was said to have blessed the skies. For each

night a brilliant crescent moon hung above Lunaris, bathing the kingdom in ethereal light. On the final night of

celebration, Alpha Zephyrion and Lunar Seraphine stood on the highest balcony of the palace, looking down upon their people.

\'They are happy,\' Seraphine said. \'Because they are loved,\' Zephyrion replied,

placing his hand over her growing belly. \'And soon they will have a reason to hope even more.\' The crowd below

cheered as fireworks lit the sky, and for a moment time itself seemed to hold its breath. Peace reigned. Love

blossomed. Destiny waited. But far in the shadows, envy stirred, and a

darkness began to awaken. Unseen, unheard, yet drawing closer with each

heartbeat. A lone figure cloaked in black stood atop the cliffs of Narath, watching the flickering palace lights

from afar. In his hand, a vial of poison. He whispered to the wind. \'Soon

the light will fall and from its ashes, I shall rise.\' And the wind carried his

words to the forgotten corners of the world where ancient beings stirred in their slumber, listening. The first

crack in the perfect mirror of Lunaris had formed. Chapter 2. The Fall of

Light. Peace is a beautiful and powerful thing, but peace does not last forever. Far

from the celebrations and the glowing hearts of the people, in the shadowed halls of envy and ambition, an old

hatred brewed. Alpha Kraelix, an experienced man with desires that could rot fresh fruits and flowers around, was

tall and intimidating, a coward and cunning, power-hungry werewolf, watched

the golden reign of Alpha Zephyrion with loathing. He loved Lunar Seraphine and admired her beauty so much. He was often advised

to stay away from what didn\'t belong to him. But Kraelix never listened. He was a warrior with no love for the people, no

heart for justice, only a thirst for power and a bitter jealousy for the love Lunaris had for its leaders. In the

depths of his fortress, Kraelix devised a wicked plan. He knew he could never

defeat Zephyrion in a fair challenge. No one could. In Lunaris, to challenge an

alpha for the throne was a sacred right that could not be denied by the alpha, a

duel that almost always ended in death for the challenger. Because alphas became ten times stronger than mere

wolves after being crowned. But Kraelix was not interested in fairness. He was

interested in winning, getting Lunaris and its beautiful violet queen. Kraelix

spent weeks forging alliances in secret, gathering mercenaries and corrupted wolves who hated Zephyrion\'s just rule. He

bribed old nobles and whispered false promises to those hungry for power. Hidden by shadows and secrets, his

treachery grew roots. Late one moonless night, Kraelix sneaked into the palace

through the balcony. He managed to get hold of a palace maid\'s attention by seducing her. After making love to her,

he bribed her with a pouch of coin. Scared, desperate, and unaware of the

full consequences of her actions, she slipped a rare and slow-acting poison, Nefarious, into Alpha Zephyrion\'s night

tea as he and Luminara were going to bed. It had no taste, no scent, and

worked subtly. Zephyrion began to grow weaker by the day, falling over a table

in a council meeting, losing his grip on a sword, being beaten during training,

which had never happened except if the trainee was young and weak, his strength quietly fading as his body withered in

confusion. That alarmed Luminara. She changed his meals, his court maids, his

surrounding wolf guards. She did everything, but to no avail. Zephyrion\'s

frustration grew. The sickness was robbing him not only of his strength but of his ability to serve. He struggled to

lift his ceremonial sword. Often found himself breathless after walking short distances. He hated showing weakness,

especially to his people. Beta Tharok helped him in every way he could. He

assisted Zephyrion with everything, but the alpha was not getting any better. Tharok began investigating the palace

staff in secret. Sensing something was wrong but couldn\'t find anything. Luminara became more worried, she begged

him to rest, spoke words of comfort to him, to see the palace healers, and then

go to every corner of Cra to find a cure. But Zephyrion brushed off the illness as fatigue, and still tried to

look strong. But the pain kept eating him away, and the poison Nefarious was

getting to Zephyrion\'s heart slowly until the morning of the tragedy.

Just before sunrise, a loud knock echoed through the grand hall. Alpha Kraelix, clad

in dark ceremonial armor, his eyes gleaming with arrogance, arrived at the palace gates with his warriors. He

issued a sacred challenge before the council of elders. \'Good morning, Alpha Zephyrion,\' he said, bowing and grinning

mischievously. He turned to the elders. \'I\'m Kraelix, a good citizen of Lunaris.

Alpha Zephyrion must step down from the throne and allow a new protector to rise. One who will not only lead Lunaris

into strength, but also claim the hand of the beautiful Lunar Seraphine and raise

the unborn heir as his own. I challenge Alpha Zephyrion for the throne.\' Gasps

filled the hall. Seraphine clutched her stomach in horror. Zephyrion stood slowly

from his throne, visibly pale and weak. The room trembled with tension. No one

could understand Kraelix\'s audacity until the truth slowly began to settle in.

Zephyrion was too sick to fight. He had been weakened intentionally. When Seraphine

realized this, she wept and pleaded with him not to accept the duel. \'Please, my love,\' she whispered. \'Let the council

delay it. Let us uncover the truth of what\'s going on.\' \'Zephyrion, don\'t do this,\' Tharok intervened. \'You\'re not in a

good condition to fight,\' he added. Zephyrion glared at him. \'If I don\'t fight

for my people, who will?\' But Zephyrion, bound by honor and love, gently took her

hand. \'If I don\'t fight him, he wins everything. You, my love, my life

partner, and my best friend. Our child, my blood and air. Our kingdom, my

beloved people. I must protect what we built. Even if it costs me everything,\' Zephyrion said shaking. Seraphine couldn\'t

stop sobbing, so she gathered herself and her court maids and began leaving. When she was close to the door, she

heard Zephyrion agreeing to the challenge. She ran crying, begging the moon goddess

to save her husband, her child, and her people from this man. And so the duel

was set for that evening. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the entire kingdom gathered in the stone-built

Challenge Stadium, an ancient arena, Blood Arena, carved into the side of Moonfall Hill. It stood high and mighty.

It had been present even before the birth of Lunaris. Even before the Great Division of Cra, its towering walls

echoed with history, blood, and sacrifice. The crowd filled every seat,

confused as to who would want to fight Alpha Zephyrion, the peaceful and most loved alpha of his time. As they sat,

they started chanting Zephyrion\'s name, hoping their alpha could once again prove his unmatched strength and

continue his era of peace. Zephyrion entered the ring, draped in his ceremonial armor. Seraphine was seated at the

royal enclave, where she was surrounded by court maids, never taking her sight off of him. But even from afar, it was

clear he was barely standing. His steps were slow, his eyes tired and drowsy.

Seraphine watched with trembling hands, held upright by several court maids. Kraelix

entered like a conquering wolf. His armor was black as night, and his eyes burned with cruel triumph. He raised his

arms, basking in the cheers of a few corrupted nobles and his own soldiers. The duel began. Zephyrion fought with

valor, but his strength betrayed him. His swings were heavy, his defense crumbling, each blow from Kraelix echoed

like thunder. The crowd\'s excitement turned to horror as they realized their alpha was not well. This was not the

Zephyrion they knew, and they couldn\'t tell what happened. Blow after blow, Kraelix mocked him. Beta Tharok and the other

pack loyal to Zephyrion wanted to intervene but couldn\'t because it was sacred. \'This is your king?\' he laughed,

slamming Zephyrion to the ground. \'This is who you thought could protect you?\' He grabbed Zephyrion by the hair, lifting his

bloodied head to the silent crowd. \'If danger comes to Lunaris, will this broken body save you?\' The people were

frozen. Some sobbed, others looked away. None could understand the depth of the

treachery. A citizen stood up and said, \'You\'re a traitor. May the moon goddess

curse you.\' But before he could finish, a very sharp, fast arrow pierced his

neck, killing him instantly. The crowd was shocked to their bones as no one could defy the ruthless person

terrorizing them. Zephyrion turned his eyes toward Seraphine, his fading eyes filled

with sorrow and love. \'Thank you for being a part of my life. Take care of our little one.\' And then Kraelix, grinning

wickedly, ripped off his head of his shoulders. A collective scream pierced the stadium. Seraphine collapsed instantly,

unconscious. The maids shielded her, trying to revive her. Her body gave out

from grief and shock. The people surged forward, rage overtaking fear, but Kraelix

was already surrounded by elite pack soldiers. According to sacred law, he was now the alpha of Lunaris. No matter

how he won, as long as he killed the former alpha, still holding Zephyrion\'s

head aloft, Kraelix sneered at the mob and laughed maniacally. \'Bow to your new

alpha.\' Chaos erupted. The most loyal of Zephyrion\'s warriors, realizing the danger

to the unborn heir, seized the unconscious Seraphine, and through blood and tears, carved a path out of the

arena. Smoke, screams, and shattered oaths filled the night. Before Kraelix

could reach them, they disappeared into the shadows, fleeing into the wilderness with hope clutched tightly in their

arms. Thus ended the golden reign, and the kingdom of Lunaris, once radiant

with peace and unity, descended into darkness under the cruel rule of Alpha

Kraelix. The name Zephyrion became a whisper of mourning. The whereabouts of Seraphine and

the unborn heir became a mystery, and the people waited for a day of return,

for a spark of hope, for vengeance, for redemption. Chapter 3. The Air in

Hiding. The golden age of Lunaris was no more. A shadow had fallen, stretching

long and cold across the land. Where laughter once rang, and flowers bloomed freely along cobbled paths. Now silence

and fear reigned. The air was heavy, not with mist, but with dread, the kind that

seeps into bones and never lets go. The cruel Alpha Kraelix ruled from the Obsidian

throne in the Moonfang Palace. His power absolute and cruel. His first decree was

one of blood. Every banner that bore Zephyrion\'s crest was torn down and burned. All of his court maids and

palace guards were flogged mercilessly to near death and imprisoned in the dungeon. Statues of the noble alpha were

destroyed. Small ones were shattered in the streets, and those caught mourning him were dragged into the square and

executed in broad daylight. He sought not only to rule Lunaris, but to erase

its memory of light. The people feared him from the sound of the boots of his

soldiers. People ran and hid because they knew how merciless they could be.

Children were forbidden from playing in the streets because they were taken and sold as slaves, some raped. Songs were

no longer sung. Only screams could be heard coming from different corners of Lunaris. Either the loud sound of whips

hitting the backs of all the old men and young boys taken into slavery to serve Kraelix. Fear ruled where love once lived.

Still, whispers survived. Small communities were formed to keep hope in

the hearts of the people. They whispered in the quiet corners of bakeries, behind

crumbling school walls, and in the deep woods by the old river. They spoke of a

prophecy that a savior would come, one who would end the tyranny. Zephyrion\'s

true heir would return, that he would rise bearing the sacred crescent moon birthmark between his shoulder blades,

that he would restore balance and bring light back to the kingdom. When the ruthless Kraelix heard of these rumors, his

paranoia grew. He couldn\'t imagine how people still thought that Zephyrion\'s blood would save them. He called out his

most trusted generals, Varkis, Draven, and Torin. He ordered them and his wolf

soldiers to root out anyone who dared speak of such hope. They intruded

houses, interrogating people, instigating fear. They would shift into

their large wolf forms, destroying and burning homes for clues, hitting old

people, and terrorizing the young. Whole families vanished overnight. And then in

a move so monstrous it chilled even his own advisers, Kraelix issued his most heinous command. Slaughter all newborn

male pups. Any boy child born in the next moon shall be put to death. The

kingdom froze in horror. The generals were as deranged and delirious as Kraelix.

No one in the council dared stop him, so they watched. Torin, one of his

generals, started noticing and realizing that this was too much. One evening, when they were attacking a village, he

saw a little child burning. He tried to save the kid, but couldn\'t. The child was trapped. After witnessing that

horror, Torin couldn\'t stay and do any harm again. So, he left and swore to find Seraphine and beg for forgiveness.

Mothers wept silently as their male babes were taken from them. Some weaned, some newborns. Fathers cursed the sky,

unable to defend their families. Midwives trembled at every knock. The

land that once rejoiced at the sound of babies crying now shivered with every birth. Meanwhile, far from the once

glorious capital, in a sleepy, quiet village nestled at the edge of the Silverwood, a miracle occurred. Seraphine

had survived. Her loyal protectors, consisting of court maids and loyal pack warriors, including Zephyrion\'s Beta Tharok,

had carried her through wild rivers, over frozen peaks, and deep into the heart of the wilderness. For months she

lay hidden, weakened, grieving, shocked, her heart broken by the loss of her

beloved. With no palace and no title, she lived humbly under a false name,

watched over by a few loyal guardians who refused to abandon her. And one

bitter winter night, under an unusual full moon\'s glow that was brighter than

any other night, she started labor. The maids panicked, but were trained and

experienced. So, they took care of her, and she had a smooth birth. She gave

birth to a boy. He was strong and healthy, with hair as dark as Zephyrion\'s and blue eyes that burned with quiet

intensity. She bathed him in warm spring water, humming sadly, thinking of how

wonderful it would have been if Zephyrion were here. Tears filled her eyes as she held him close as Tharok and the other

maidens gathered around and rejoiced. \'You are his legacy,\' she whispered.

\'The blood and air of Zephyrion the Just.\' She named him Kaelen. Years passed. Kaelen

grew into a strong and curious boy. Seraphine taught him kindness and wisdom in

secret, always reminding him that true power came not from strength, but from

love. She never told him who he truly was, only that his father had been a

great man who loved him more than the stars. But Kraelix\'s darkness crept closer.

His soldiers expanded their search. Villages were raided, male babes were

slaughtered, and young boys were taken for slavery. The fear that once lived only in the hearts of the capital now

reached the farthest corners of Lunaris. Still, the whispers did not die. They

grew. They became hope. They became legend. And hidden deep in the woods,

beneath the careful eye of the last true Luna, the heir of Lunaris waited. A boy

destined to rise. A boy named Kaelen. Chapter 4. The Whispering Woods.

Kaelen was 12 when he first noticed the whispers. They came not from people, but from the world itself. The wind in the

trees, the wolves in the distance, the river as it lapped gently at the rocks. It wasn\'t speech. Not really. It was

feeling. A pull. A strange sense that the world knew him, watched him, waited

for him. By then he was tall and fast with the quiet strength of a boy raised

by both love and fear. Seraphine kept him close to the woods. Beta Tharok taught him

how to track, how to gather herbs, and how to remain unseen when danger came too close. They lived in a thatched

cottage near the forest edge, surrounded by ancient trees and shadowed mountains.

The air was always scented with pine and moss, and the ground beneath their feet hummed with life. Birds sang songs that

seemed older than memory, and Kaelen listened to them all. Every week, a kindly old healer named Eldrin would

visit, bringing supplies and sharing the secret news of Lunaris to Beta Tharok,

updating him on how to go around with a Luna and her heir. Eldrin was bent with age, but his eyes were sharp and kind.

His voice always soft when he greeted Kaelen. He never stayed long. Kraelix\'s

patrols were everywhere. And Eldrin had lost his own family to the alpha\'s wrath. Still, he smiled hopefully when

he looked at Kaelen. \'You have his fire,\' he would whisper. \'One day you will

understand.\' Then he would bid the Luna farewell and disappear into the woods, his cloak fluttering like smoke. Kaelen

didn\'t understand. Not yet. But he felt it. He felt it in the way animals never

feared him. In the way light broke through clouds and warmed his skin like a blessing. In the way his back burned

faintly beneath his tunic on certain nights as if something beneath the skin was trying to awaken.

One evening while helping his mother and the court maids prepared wild root stew. He asked, \'Mama, who was my father?\' Seraphine

froze. The ladle slipped from her fingers, clattering into the pot. She looked at him with pain in her eyes. \'He

was the strongest man I ever knew. Brave, just. He loved his people more

than himself.\' \'Was he a warrior?\' Kaelen asked, leaning forward with wide eyes.

\'He was more than a warrior,\' she said softly, her voice trembling. She looked away. \'But he died before you were born.\'

\'Did he fight for something?\' She turned back to him, tears brimming. \'He fought

for everyone.\' That night, Kaelen went to bed with his thoughts swirling like storm clouds. The

wind outside howled, rattling the windows. And in his dreams, he saw a vision, a silver crescent moon glowing

on a black sky, a palace in flames, and a man\'s voice whispering,

\'You are my heir.\' The next morning, everything changed. A rider came,

bloodied and breathless, a friend of Eldrin\'s. He had barely escaped a massacre

in a nearby village. Kraelix\'s soldiers had found a babe born under the moon and slaughtered the entire household.

\'They\'re searching again,\' the rider gasped. \'Closer. Your cottage may not be

safe.\' Seraphine turned pale, her hands trembling. Beta Tharok became alarmed. He

gathered their belongings in silence, his mind already racing with routes and contingency plans. But Kaelen stood at

the edge of the woods, staring into the trees. The whispers were louder now,

urgent. They circled him like wind through the branches, like old spirits breathing truths into his soul. \'Mama,\'

he said. \'They\'re calling me.\' Seraphine looked at her son, the way his back straightened, the glow in his eyes, and

in her heart she knew the time was near. The air could not hide forever. The moon

had begun to rise. Chapter 5. The Awakening of the Wolf. Stormhaven was a

palace lost to the mapmakers of Lunaris, tucked between towering red-leafed everwoods and hidden behind misty

mountains. It was a land of forgotten peace, untouched by Kraelix\'s soldiers and

nourished by springs older than memory. It was also the birthplace of Alpha Zephyrion, a land he had once loved, where

legends still whispered among the winds and wolves howled ancient songs to the moon. Here, Kaelen was raised in secrecy

beneath the warmth of the sun and the gentle hand of his mother, Lunar Seraphine.

She taught him the stories of honor, of loyalty, and the meaning of sacrifice.

She never spoke his true legacy, but he knew in his soul that something greater stirred within him. He could feel it in

the way the forest parted for him, in the way every path led him to light, and how every elder paused when he entered

the room, as if sensing something sacred. Kaelen\'s presence lit Stormhaven

like a second sun. By the time he was 10, he could lift weights twice his size. This impressed Beta Tharok, who

grinned like a proud uncle, and kept encouraging the young lad. By 12, he could outrun the fastest men, leaping

over brooks and scaling cliffs with a wild grace. His eyes, blue like

Zephyrion\'s, were deep with understanding far beyond his years. The inhabitants of Stormhaven whispered reverently, calling

him Moonborn, even though none knew why. They left tokens at his door, moon-shaped carvings, small braids of

silverweed, as silent offerings to the promise they believed he carried. But at

16, everything changed. The night of the blood moon, Kaelen had been restless. His

body fevered, his spirit stirred. He wandered the woods that evening, pacing

beneath a canopy as if waiting for something he couldn\'t name. Seraphine, knowing this day would come, told Tharok

to prepare the sacred fire outside in the glade. The villagers gathered around in hushed awe, not entirely

understanding what was to come, but drawn by ancient instinct. She draped his shoulders in a cloak woven with

sigils of protection and guided him through the ancient rite. The stars burned brighter than usual, and the moon

hung low and red, casting everything in a haunting glow. \'It\'s time,\' she

whispered, her hand against his chest. \'Let the wolf within you rise. Don\'t

fear it, embrace it.\' Under the silver gaze of the full moon, Kaelen fell to his

knees. Pain surged through his bones like lightning. His screams echoed into

the forest. The villagers watched in terror and awe as the air rippled around him. Then came the crack of

transformation, a sound like splintering trees as his bones cracked and reformed,

and the boy was gone. In his place stood a wolf beast, majestic and terrifying, a

massive white wolf, larger than any the land had seen in centuries, with fur that shimmered like frost and eyes that

glowed like twin moons. Seraphine fell to her knees, tears of awe streaming down

her face. \'Zephyrion,\' she breathed. \'Your spirit lives in

him.\' From that night, the people of Stormhaven knew their protector had risen.

Kaelen trained with Tharok, who became like a father to him, guiding him with a quiet pride and a fierce sense of duty.

They trained in the forest, tracking, hunting, meditating under waterfalls.

Seraphine taught him in secret, shaping his mind as the world shaped his body. But

the land had begun to change. The air grew colder, the wind carried danger,

and something dark crept from the north. At 20 it came. A wild beast, massive,

malformed, and hungry for blood, descended from the wild hills. A terror, perhaps something ancient, corrupted by

dark magic. It tore through the village gates, clawing homes, devouring

livestock, and dragging a child into the woods. Kaelen did not hesitate. He

shifted before the eyes of the people. Tharok didn\'t stop him. He only whispered a prayer. Kaelen\'s white wolf form was a

blur of might and fury. With a roar that shook the trees, he lunged into the forest. The people could only hear

snarls, roars, and the ripping of flesh. Blood soaked the soil. Trees crashed to

the ground. Even the birds fell silent. And then silence. Minutes later, Kaelen

emerged, dragging the broken corpse of the beast. His white fur was matted with blood. His flanks slashed, but his eyes

burned with fire. The child was cradled in his arms, frightened, but safe. The

people fell to their knees. \'Alpha,\' one elder whispered. \'Protector,\' said

another. They bowed, \'All except one.\' Seraphine stood tall, her hands clasped

before her heart, her beautiful violet eyes shining with pride and sorrow. She

knew Kraelix would hear of this. The power that Kaelen displayed could not stay hidden much longer. That night, she

stood beside his bed, brushing a bloodied strand of hair from his brow. The moonlight streamed through the

window, soft and silver. \'You are no longer a child,\' she said softly. \'And

the world is no longer safe.\' Kaelen stirred. \'Then let me face it.\' At

25, Kaelen stood taller and more handsome than any man in Stormhaven. His strength

was unmatched, but his heart was kind. He helped rebuild homes, carried water

for the elderly, and taught the young how to defend themselves. He was a prince without a crown, a king in the

hearts of the forgotten. One morning, as dew clung to the grass and birds sang gently from the Everwoods, Kaelen

approached his mother with quiet resolve. \'I want to go to the city.\' Seraphine froze. Her eyes searched his.

\'It\'s calling to me,\' he said. \'I feel something waiting, something I must

face.\' She saw the yearning in him, the fire she had seen long ago in Zephyrion\'s eyes.

A storm of fear and pride wrestled in her chest. She knew she couldn\'t protect him from Kraelix forever. But she nodded

slowly. \'You may go,\' she said, her voice barely a whisper. \'But only if

Tharok goes with you and promise me, Kaelen, stay in the light.\' He embraced

her. \'You are my light mother.\' Later that night, Seraphine and Tharok spoke

beneath the old willow by the river. The stars shimmered above them. \'Promise me,\' she said, her voice breaking, that

you\'ll protect him. He is the only piece of Zephyrion I have left.\' Tharok placed a

hand over his heart \'With my life.\' And so, the heir of Lunaris, unaware of the

destiny that waited, prepared to walk into a world that had long forgotten hope. But hope was coming. Hope was

named Kaelen. Chapter 6. The Maiden and the Mask. The city of Lunaris was no

longer the shining jewel it once had been. Its cobbled streets, once humming with music and joy, now lay cracked

beneath the weight of fear and tyranny. Tall buildings loomed with watchtowers,

and wolf guards clad in black armor patrolled in groups, hungry for blood.

Still within its cold heart, life persisted. Markets bustled under strained laughter.

Lanterns lit alleyways where shadows whispered secrets. And it was in one of these crooked alleys that fate began to

stir. Kaelen and Tharok had entered Lunaris with awe and unease. It was the city of

legends, the seat of power his mother had fled. Now a man of 25, Kaelen moved

through the crowd, cloaked and hooded, his presence commanding attention without revealing his identity. The

city\'s heartbeat was foreign yet familiar. Each street corner whispered fragments of stories he had only heard

in hushed tones growing up. They wandered the streets for days, marveling at the

ruins of Zephyrion\'s legacy and the iron grip that now ruled. Tharok kept a

vigilant eye while Kaelen absorbed everything, the faces of the oppressed, the empty eyes of merchants, and the

constant buzz of fear. On the fifth day, under the silvery veil

of dusk, they heard hurried footsteps. A young, beautiful maiden darted through the alley ahead, her blue and lavender

colored cloak billowing like smoke. Behind her, a maid struggled to keep up.

Shouts followed. Palace guards calling for them to stop. Without hesitation, Kaelen stepped into their path, Tharok

calling him to stop. But Kaelen moved quickly. The girls kept running with the maid behind tirelessly, and Kaelen

followed. The maiden turned and gasped, blue eyes wide with fear. She was breathtaking, long flowing chestnut hair

tumbling over her shoulders, lips slightly parted, and eyes like an ocean struck by lightning. \'Please,\' she

whispered. Kaelen didn\'t need more. He turned, blocked the guards with a lemon

cart, and misled them down a different route. When he returned, the girl and her maid were hidden behind crates,

catching their breath. \'Thank you,\' the maid said. \'We owe you our lives.\' The

girl suddenly burst into laughter, the sound delicate and wild. Her maid gave

her an unbelievable look, but Kaelen couldn\'t stop staring. He stared at her eyes and her lips and perhaps he could

see the pain she was trying to hide beneath the bravado. \'Why were they chasing you?\' Kaelen asked. The girl

remained silent. Then she simply said, \'I needed air. Real air.\' She wouldn\'t give

her name, but Kaelen called her Lyria for her eyes. And she did not object because

he was right. They spent hours walking the back streets, exchanging little stories, learning each other\'s hearts

without speaking truths. The maid introduced herself as Elara, kind and a

bit older than Lyria, protective like an elder sister. On their way, they bumped

into Tharok, who playfully scolded Kaelen for running off. Kaelen apologized. Lyria

admired their relationship and asked if Tharok was his father. They both went silent. \'His father is late, my lady,\'

Tharok replied. Lyria was graceful, wise, and kind beneath her mystery. Then, just

as suddenly as she\'d appeared, she slipped away with her maid. Three days passed. Kaelen thought of her often. Then

came the day of an execution. Crowds filled the square before the tower, the grim place where Alpha Kraelix displayed

his power. Kaelen and Tharok stood among them, the stench of sweat and fear

hanging heavy. A wooden platform had been erected. Upon it, trembling

prisoners knelt. Villagers accused of speaking against Kraelix. The crowd hushed

as the royal procession emerged. First came the black-cloaked guards. Then the

advisers, and then, like a thundercloud parting the sun, Alpha Kraelix appeared. He

wore a long dark robe lined with silver, his cold eyes scanning the masses like a predator. On his left sat a young woman

flanked by court maids. Kaelen\'s heart froze. It was her, Lyria.

She sat beside the tyrant. She wore noble robes, her hair pinned with silver moons. But her eyes, those same ocean

blue eyes, were turned away from the spectacle below. As the executioner\'s axe fell, she flinched. Her hands

trembled slightly in her lap. The maid beside her, Elara, Kaelen now recognized,

whispered something, and Lyria nodded solemnly. \'Do you know who that is?\'

Kaelen asked Tharok. \'Tharok spit into the dust.\' \'That\'s Alpha Kraelix,\' he said.

\'The wolf who murdered the heart of this land, killed Alpha Zephyrion in cold blood, then slaughtered the council who

opposed him.\' \'One of them was his own brother, and Lyria has to be his niece.

That explains why they were running from palace guards the other day.\' Kaelen\'s brows drew together. \'His niece, I’ve

heard her parents, Kraelix\'s brother, were loyal to Alpha Zephyrion. They refused to bow to Kraelix after the challenge. He

killed them both right there in the throne hall, then took the girl as his ward, raised her in his court like a

trophy.\' Tharok\'s voice lowered. \'Some say she\'s just a hostage. Others say she\'s

his tool. But me? I see it in her eyes. She\'s no tyrant. She hates this as much

as we do.\' Kaelen stared at the girl beside Kraelix, Lyria. The air seemed to

still. The people waited for the next head to fall. But Kaelen could not look away from her. He saw the sorrow in her

eyes. The way she flinched with every cry. She was not just Kraelix\'s ward. She

was a prisoner. And though he did not yet know why, Kaelen made a silent vow.

He would find her again and free her from the mask she wore. The heir of Zephyrion had entered the lion\'s den, and

fate had begun to stir. Chapter 7. The Mark of the Moon.

Kaelen\'s days in Lunaris became a rhythm of sweat and toil. He worked among the

common folk, lifting barrels, repairing stone, finding wood, using his strength to

earn coins he often sent back to Stormhaven. His large frame and quiet

intensity made him a fixture in the market district. But while his intentions were pure, his prowess drew

envy. The city was no place for heroes, Tharok told him to stay low. But Kaelen\'s

presence was easily noticed given his physique. He had conversed with several citizens of Lunaris, and he had always

heard them praying for the coming savior, one who would save them from Kraelix. He heard about how that individual

would have a crescent moon-shaped figure behind his back, Alpha Zephyrion\'s heir.

He never thought much of it, but he didn\'t stop them from hoping. He had heard stories of the former Alpha

Zephyrion, and knows that the Alpha was a good man. One afternoon, after moving a

fallen beam single-handedly during a market accident, a group of palace guards took notice. Among them was

General Varkis, a man of thick beard and darker ambition. Resentful of Kaelen\'s

rising fame, the general plotted to bring him low. That night, as the markets closed, guards seized Kaelen at a

tavern, accusing him of stealing gold from the palace tax wagon. The evidence

was false, the claim absurd. But in a city ruled by tyranny, truth had little

weight. Kaelen resisted arrest, but did not strike. Still, they beat him,

dragged him through alleys, and prepared to throw him into the dungeons beneath Moonfang Courtyard. As fate would have

it, it was Lyria who appeared in that moment of darkness. Cloaked and veiled,

she stepped from the shadows of the alley, her voice calm but commanding. \'He\'s with me,\' she told the guards,

showing them a moon pendant of authority. The guards hesitated, uncertain. \'I am Ward of the Alpha,\' she

said, her voice stronger now. \'Do you wish to explain to Kraelix why you injured

his guest?\' That name froze their blood. The guards released Kaelen, muttering

apologies. She waited until they vanished, then turned to him. \'You look

worse than the last time I saw you.\' Kaelen managed a smile through the blood.

\'Still better than those guards will if they come near me again.\' \'Come,\' she whispered, helping him up. \'There\'s a

place I want to show you.\' They stole into the night, moving through narrow alleys and broken courtyards until they

reached the edge of the outer wall. Behind a thick bramble of ivy lay an

opening, leading to a hidden path Kaelen had never noticed. They climbed a narrow trail that twisted into the cliffs

beyond the city. After an hour, they arrived at a grove, a circular clearing cradled by ancient trees. Their silver

leaves glowing beneath the full moon. \'The air was different here, alive, sacred.\' \'This place was once blessed by

the moon goddess,\' Lyria said. \'My mother brought me here when I was little, before everything changed.\'

Kaelen gazed around in wonder. The moonlight felt heavy on his skin, like a promise unspoken. \'You saved me,\' he

said. She turned, brushing his bruised cheek gently. \'You saved me first,

remember?\' They sat beneath the moon tree, roots rising like fingers from the earth. Time stilled. Neither of them

spoke for a while, the bond between them deepening in silence. Suddenly, the moonlight flared. \'Kaelen groaned,

clutching his back. Fire raced through his veins. He collapsed to his knees.\' \'Kaelen?\' Lyria asked, rushing to him.

The pain intensified. His back burned as if carved by stars. He roared and

collapsed in her arms. Lyria gasped. \'Kaelen, are you okay?\' she asked,

holding his face close to hers. Kaelen panted, heart racing. The pain subsided

slowly, leaving a strange peace in its wake. The crescent moon mark had already

appeared. \'I\'ll be all right,\' he replied. Lyria reached out, fingertips

brushing his forehead. \'I wish we could be like this forever.\' \'Me too,\' Kaelen

replied. \'I would love for you to meet my mother. She\'ll like you,\' he said, smiling. \'What is she like?\' Lyria asked.

\'She\'s everything to me. She\'s fierce, kind, and loving at the same time.\' \'You

must be lucky then,\' she said quietly. \'I didn\'t grow up with mine, Kraelix took them away from me.\' \'I\'m so sorry,\' he said,

cupping her little face in his large hands. \'Evil will meet its end,\' he said with an assuring look. They sat in awe

beneath the ancient tree, moonlight wrapping around them like prophecy as he held her closely and their lips inches

away. Far below the city of Lunaris lay still. But storm clouds gathered in its

heart, and in that sacred grove, Kaelen had become more than a man. He was

marked now by destiny, by blood, and by the moon. And the world would soon learn

what that meant. Chapter 8. The Air Revealed. The next morning dawned bright and

sweltering. The city of Lunaris pulsed with heat, its stones baking under the

relentless sun. Kaelen and Tharok wandered through the market quarter. Kaelen\'s mind a storm of thoughts. The crescent moon

mark on his back still faintly tingled under his shirt, a quiet whisper of a fate he was unaware of and hadn\'t

chosen. Vendors cried their wares. Children weaved through crowds, and the

scent of fried herbs and roasted meats filled the air. But for Kaelen, every

sound seemed distant. His steps were heavy with thoughts of the grove, of Lyria, and of the burning symbol that now

marked him forever. Their path led them past Moonfang Square, where a towering

statue of Alpha Kraelix was being erected. A dozen weary old men strained under the

ropes and pulleys, their backs bent and skins scorched from the sun. Overseers

stood nearby, cracking long whips of animal hide whenever one of the elders faltered. Kaelen frowned, jaw tightening

at the cruel sight. The statue was grotesquely grand, a symbol of tyranny

carved from marble, a monstrous likeness of Kraelix with cold, glaring eyes. As he

slowed to observe, the worker\'s grip slipped. A sharp cry rang out. The thick

large rope gave way. The statue, half-hoisted, teetered dangerously

toward the market, and the entire crowd beneath it. Panic erupted. People

screamed and scattered as the massive stone effigy began its descent. The workers cowered beneath, knowing they

could not outrun the crushing weight. Without thinking, Kaelen surged forward.

\'Get back,\' he shouted. \'Kaelen, no!\' Tharok roared. But Kaelen couldn\'t listen. He

leapt into the fray, grabbing both main ropes, muscles straining, teeth clenched. He planted his feet and

heaved. The cords burned into his palms, the sheer force of the falling statue

tearing at his limbs. For a moment, it seemed the weight would crush him, too.

But then, with a primal roar, Kaelen pulled. Then rip. His shirt tore clean

across the back, the fabric giving way to reveal the glowing crescent moon etched onto his skin. It shimmered

under the sun like silver fire. Veins bulged, bones groaned, and with an

earthshaking thud, the statue rose back to a standing position, trembling upright as rubble rolled away.

Silence fell across the square. The symbol glowed as he stood bravely catching his breath. He felt a burning

sensation on his back and saw the glow. He realized he was the son of Zephyrion, the lost heir, and his mother, Seraphine, was

actually the former Luna of Lunaris. Gasps broke out. People fell to their knees. \'By the moon,\' an elder whispered.

\'It\'s him,\' said another. \'The air, the true bloodline, the son of Zephyrion.\' The

workers who had once strained at the ropes now bowed before him. The overseers dropped their whips, stunned

into stillness. Whispers became shouts. Shouts became chants. \'The air has

returned.\' The sound echoed through Lunaris like thunder. High above in the

elegant quarters of the palace, Lyria stood on a vine-laced balcony of the women\'s parlor. She had been watching

the laborers below with quiet sorrow, her heart aching at the cruelty imposed by her uncle\'s rule. But when she saw

Kaelen step in, saw him stop the falling monument with his bare hands, her breath

caught. When his shirt tore and the crescent moon blazed on his back, her hand flew to her mouth. Her eyes widened

with awe. And something deeper, something like hope. Behind her, Elara

gasped. \'He\'s the one,\' Lyria whispered. In the throne hall, Alpha Kraelix was

interrupted mid-counsel. A messenger burst through the doors, breathless. \'My alpha,\' he stammered. \'There\'s been an

incident in Moonfang Square.\' Kraelix rose, his eyes narrowing. \'What incident?\' \'They

say a young man saved a statue from falling. They say he bears the moon\'s

mark.\' Kraelix\'s face darkened, his hand tightened into a fist. \'Who is he?\' \'Kaelen,

my alpha. Kaelen of Stormhaven.\' Silence fell like a sword. All knew

Zephyrion was from Stormhaven. The alpha\'s face twisted with fury. \'Seize him,\' he

growled. \'Now.\' The command echoed through the hall. Armored guards scattered. The

hunt had begun. Kaelen stood in Moonfang Square, breath still heavy. The people

bowed before him. He did not bask in their worship. His heart pounded with a

strange mix of dread and duty. This was not how he intended to reveal himself,

but fate had chosen its hour, and Kraelix would come. Kaelen turned, his ocean eyes scanning

the horizon as he sighted the large number of armored guards approaching him. He

looked and found Lyria\'s gaze from the balcony above, their eyes locked. She smiled, trembling, but sure, and Kaelen

smiled back. Then he raised his hands, surrendering as the guards closed in. He

was arrested without hesitation, unaware that far away in Stormhaven, Seraphine

felt the stirrings of something wrong, though she did not yet know what, and Lyria, watching from her balcony, felt

her heart shudder with recognition. The air had returned, and the storm was

coming. Chapter 9. Chains and Secrets. The dungeon was cold, damp, and

carved deep into the bones of Moonfang Palace. The flickering torch light barely lit the corners, casting long,

eerie shadows across the stone walls. Shackled and bruised Kaelen sat in silence. Every throb of pain from his

back reminded him of the lashes, the betrayal, and the mark that had changed everything. But above all, his heart

ached for his mother. He had no idea how she was, if she was safe, if she knew he

was alive. A soft creak stirred him. The dungeon door groaned open. He looked up,

expecting another guard, but was startled to see Lyria. \'You shouldn\'t be here. It\'s not safe for you to be

seen with me,\' he whispered. She stepped inside quietly, her eyes searching his face. \'I had to see you. I can\'t let him

harm you,\' she said. Kaelen sat forward, chains rattling. \'Please protect yourself. I need one thing from you.

Find Tharok and tell him to find and protect my mother. Tell her I\'m alive. Tell her not to worry.\' \'I will,\' Lyria

nodded solemnly, her voice barely a breath. \'I promise.\' She slipped away into

the shadows before the guards could notice. Two days later, Lyria found traces of Tharok. She told him about

Kaelen\'s instruction. They all knew what Kraelix could do and what he\'d do to Seraphine. So, Lyria, Tharok, and her

handmaid Elara rode quietly out of Lunaris toward the forest paths that led

to Stormhaven. The journey was long, and they traveled under disguise, cloaked

and hooded to avoid Kraelix\'s patrols. Stormhaven was quiet when they arrived,

mournful in its stillness, as though waiting for a miracle. At the edge of it, nestled among wild heather and

windswept trees, was Lunar Seraphine, her eyes sharp but kind. Tharok went to gather

supplies, and the girls approached her. \'May I help you?\' she asked, cautious.

Lyria removed her hood and bowed respectfully. \'Lunariah, I am Lyria. I

bring news about your son.\' The former Luna\'s breath caught. \'Kaelen.\' Lyria

nodded. \'He is alive. He saved the city. The crescent moon mark. He bears it.\'

Tears welled in Seraphine\'s eyes. Her knees weakened and Elara stepped in to support her. \'He\'s been captured by Kraelix,\' Lyria

continued. \'He\'s in the palace dungeons. I couldn\'t lie to you. I came to ask for your help.\' A fire ignited in Seraphine\'s

gaze. The thought of Kraelix killing her child was dreadful. \'Then we go at once.\'

They didn\'t wait for Tharok. Together they planned. Two strong women bound by truth

and blood. But far in Lunaris, a spy trailing Lyria since her escape had

already delivered word to Alpha Kraelix. They had barely reached the edge of Lunaris when palace guards descended on

them. Steel clanged, orders were shouted, the women fought, but the

numbers were overwhelming. Suddenly, Torin, the former general of Kraelix, who couldn\'t keep following Kraelix\'s cruel

ways after witnessing the death of a child, appeared and fought valiantly. Seraphine looked at him with familiarity

and amusement. He kept protecting the three women. But to their utmost surprise, a wild wolf beast lunged at

him, grabbing him by the neck. They all watched in shock. \'I can never repay you

for the loss I incurred on you, your family, and your people, Luna. May you

find it in your heart to forgive me,\' Torin said with his last breath. The wolf beast, Kraelix himself, snapped his

neck and tore his head in half with full force. As Kraelix fled into the forest, the

women were dragged to the palace gates. He awaited them. \'So,\' he sneered,

stepping down from his throne. \'As the women were thrown before him, my own ward, betraying her alpha. And the

former Luna still meddling in affairs above her station.\' \'I was never your ward. I was only your prisoner. You\'re

the worst alpha to have ever existed,\' Lyria said as she spat at his shoes. He

slapped her hard. She raged as guards held her. \'Is that how you repay someone

who raised you in luxury and wealth?\' he asked, coming close. \'Let me show you

how I repay disloyalty,\' he said, turning towards Elara. He approached

Elara, whose head was bowed in fear. He stroked her face gently, igniting

another fire in Lyria. Lyria screamed and fought, but the guards were too strong.

She watched helplessly as he forcefully took Elara to his chambers. They could hear her screaming from the throne room.

Lyria couldn\'t stop fighting and screaming, crying in agony as Seraphine

watched the horror unfold. His council members couldn\'t oppose him and were

already used to his madness. When he returned, adjusting his pants and grinning as if he had done something

great, two guards went in and brought out a weak and almost lifeless Elara and

threw her close to Lyria. Lyria rushed and hugged her, crying. But Elara couldn\'t

even cry from shock. \'This is what you get for defying me,\' Kraelix said before

returning to his seat. As everyone stared at him in disgust, apart from his men who were smiling, he turned to the

guards, \'Lock the girls in the east wing. As for the old wolf, flog her

until she remembers her place.\' \'No!\' Lyria screamed. \'She\'s done nothing

wrong.\' But her voice was drowned out by the cracking sound of the first lash.

Kaelen, back in the dungeon, heard distant screams echoing through the stone. He clenched his fists angrily,

not wanting to imagine the horror unfolding there. That night, Lyria had put Elara to bed. She prepared some food

and escaped her confinement after bribing some guards. She crept through darkened halls, slipping past sleeping

guards and silent corridors until she reached the small bloodstained square

where Seraphine lay barely conscious. She knelt and offered water, food, and a

trembling hand. She couldn\'t stop shedding tears. \'Hold on,\' she

whispered. \'We will make this right.\' Then she descended into the lowest level

of the dungeons, torch in hand, her heart pounding. Kaelen sat against the wall, his body weary, spirit burning.

\'Lyria,\' he blinked, disbelieving. \'I couldn\'t stay away.\' \'Are you okay?\' she

said softly, kneeling before him. \'I\'m more worried about you. Did you see her? Are you okay?\' he asked, dread seeping

into his voice. She hesitated, then nodded. \'We came to the city. She was

caught.\' Kraelix ordered her flogged.\' Kaelen\'s body froze. \'No. Where\'s Tharok?

We left him at Stormhaven.\' \'She\'s alive,\' Lyria said quickly. \'But barely. I helped

her. I swear it. But you must stay strong.\' Rage boiled in Kaelen\'s chest, his fists

clenched. \'Kraelix will pay. He will answer for everything.\' His eyes burned like

twin flames in the dark. \'I promise you, Lyria, he will pay for everything he has

done to you, my mother, and the people.\' And above them. As the moon rose over

Lunaris, the mark on his back shimmered once again, brighter than ever. The air

would rise and vengeance would follow. Chapter 10. The Alpha\'s Challenge. The

morning light filtered through the iron bars of Kaelen\'s cell, but his heart was already ablaze. Pain, fury, and the

image of his mother in chains haunted him. Word had spread quickly throughout the palace. And Kraelix, drunk on the

illusion of control, could not help himself. He came to the dungeon. Flanked

by his shadowy council. Alpha Kraelix descended into the cold darkness where Kaelen sat, chained but unbroken. His

lips curled into a sneer, but there was a tremor behind his confidence. He had seen the symbol. He had seen the

people\'s response. \'Well,\' Kraelix said mockingly, \'So, this is the son of Zephyrion. You look just like him. Right

before I bested him.\' Kaelen lifted his head slowly, his eyes burning with fire.

\'You didn\'t best him. You fought him weak. And I\'m not my father. I\'m stronger.\' Kraelix bristled. His council

shifted uneasily. \'I challenge you,\' Kaelen said, voice echoing off the stone walls.

\'By blood, by the law of Cra and Lunaris. I challenge you for the alpha title.\'

Gasps rose among the council. Even Kraelix stepped back. \'You think you can fight me? You\'re still

in chains.\' \'You stood before my father once and challenged him while he was sick. Will you refuse me now in front of

your counsel?\' His words struck true. Kraelix\'s pride was a blade pressed to his

own throat. He snarled \'At dawn tomorrow on the Blood Arena.\' And with that, he

turned and stormed out, dragging his council behind him. The challenge had been accepted. That night, while silence

cloaked the palace, Lyria returned to the dungeon. Elara stood watch while she

bribed the guards with a pouch of gold and a threatening glare. They opened the door. Kaelen was barely able to lift his

head. \'Lyria,\' he murmured. She knelt beside him, hands trembling as she

brought water to his lips. \'I couldn\'t let you face tomorrow in filth and pain,\' she whispered. Gently she helped

him up and led him to a bathing chamber the guards had abandoned for coin. She stripped away the ragged shirt and

washed the blood and dirt from his back. Her fingers paused over the crescent moon mark. It pulsed faintly with

energy. \'I believe in you,\' she whispered. The moment thickened, charged. Kaelen

turned, cupping her face. Their lips met softly at first. Then, with the desperate hunger of two souls walking

into war, she clung to him as if she could hold back fate itself. \'I love

you, Lyria,\' he muttered, and she kissed him more. They spent a romantic moment

together. Elara knocked gently from the hallway. \'We have to return him before someone notices.\' Reluctantly, they

dressed him again. On the way back, Kaelen heard a commotion in the square. He paused. His blood ran cold. There,

under the moonlight, in chains for all to see, stood his mother. Her radiant purple eyes were dull. Her once proud,

beautiful hair streaked with dirt. The people were silent, cowed by fear,

watching her suffer. \'No,\' Kaelen whispered. The sight of his mother in

that condition weakened him, but also angered him deeply. \'Follow my tracks,\' he said to Lyria. Then he roared. Bones

cracked, flesh shifted. A blinding white light enveloped him and he transformed.

A massive wolf with silvery fur and glowing blue eyes like storm tore through the air. The guard screamed.

Lyria stepped back in awe. Kaelen lunged. In one leap, he crossed the square,

snapping chains with his powerful jaws. He stood protectively before Seraphine,

snarling at the stunned guards. Then, in one blur of motion, he lifted her gently

and ran into the forest. He didn\'t stop until he reached an ancient cave hidden by a waterfall, one his mother had once

shown him in childhood. He laid her down. She stirred, touched his face. \'My

son, you\'ve returned.\' Minutes later, Lyria and Elara arrived breathless. They

knelt by the weakened Luna, offering water and healing herbs. \'Lyria,\' Seraphine

said weakly. \'You helped him. It\'s the least I could do.\' \'Lunariah.\' Tears

sparkled in the older woman\'s eyes. \'He reminds me of Zephyrion. And now I know the truth.\' \'What truth?\' Kaelen asked. She

sat up weakly, grasping his hand. \'Before the challenge, your father fell ill. He

drank wine a strange maid brought. I see it clearly now. He was poisoned.\' Kaelen\'s

face darkened. \'I never had proof. But when I saw you today, I knew Kraelix feared

you just as he feared your father. That\'s why he tried to keep you hidden. That\'s why he\'s afraid of dawn.\' The fire

in Kaelen\'s heart grew. Unable to bear the weight of the moment, he shifted again. His human form running barefoot

into the woods, faster than the wind. Trees blurred past him, rage and sorrow

pounding in his chest. But he wasn\'t alone. Lyria transformed into her wolf, a

graceful white beast with blue eyes, and followed. They ran through glades past

the river until they reached the edge of a cliff overlooking the city of Lunaris.

The moonlight bathed them in silver. Kaelen stood at the edge, chest heaving. He turned towards her and hugged her

tightly. \'I\'ve never killed a man,\' he said. \'But you will for them.\' He

nodded. \'For you, for my mother, for the whole of Cra.\' They stood in silence, the

wind