Kael's blood soaked through Arielle's hands as she guided him back toward the heart of the territory.
Every step felt heavier than the last.
Wolves gathered as they emerged from the trees, eyes wide with alarm at the sight of their King injured. Murmurs rippled through the crowd, fear threatening to fracture the calm Kael had always commanded so effortlessly.
Maria felt it immediately.
The pull of panic.
She straightened.
"Clear the path," she said firmly.
The words carried power stronger than she expected. The wolves obeyed at once, stepping aside as she led Kael into the sanctuary cavern beneath the mountain.
He collapsed onto the stone bed, breath shallow, skin pale.
Dark energy pulsed faintly around the wound at his side, resisting the Moon's healing touch.
Her hands trembled.
"You are not allowed to die," she whispered, pressing her palm to his chest.
Kael managed a weak chuckle. "Bossy, aren't you?"
She laughed shakily, tears blurring her vision. "Stay with me."
She closed her eyes and reached inward, past fear, past desperation into the calm she had learned to hold.
Moonlight flowed from her hands, wrapping Kael in silver warmth. The dark energy hissed and recoiled, slowly burning away beneath her steady focus.
Hours passed.
When Kael finally stirred, the cavern erupted with relieved murmurs.
Maria sagged back, exhaustion crashing over her.
Kael caught her wrist weakly. "You did this."
She nodded, too tired to speak.
"You led them," he said softly. I felt it. Even unconscious.
Her voice shook. "They were afraid."
"And you steadied them."
He squeezed her hand. "That is what a ruler does."
A horn echoed from above urgent.
A scout entered quickly, bowing deeply to Maria before even acknowledging Kael.
"My Luna," he said. "The packs are restless. Some fear the Ashen King will strike again while our defenses are weakened."
Arielle inhaled slowly.
This was the moment the crown truly settled on her head.
"Summon the Alphas," she said. "Tonight."
The scout hesitated only a second before nodding and rushing off.
Kael studied her, pride unmistakable despite his weakness. "You don't need my permission."
"I know," she said quietly. But I want your counsel.
He smiled faintly. You'll always have it.
That night, Maria stood before the gathered leaders, Kael seated behind her watchful, supportive, but silent.
"The Ashen King believes injury makes us weak," she said evenly.
He is wrong.
Silver light flickered across the cavern walls as her power responded to her resolve.
We fortify the borders. We train together. And we do not wait to be hunted.
One by one, the Alphas bowed.
As the council dispersed, Maria returned to Kael's side, finally allowing herself to rest her head against his shoulder.
I was terrified,she admitted softly.
Kael kissed her hair. And you were magnificent.
She closed her eyes, feeling the truth of it settle deep within her bones.
The Luna had not faltered.
She had risen.
And somewhere in the darkness beyond the mountains, a skeletal crown tilted in amusement.
The Ashen King had noticed.