The night was alive as tension grew.
Maria stood at the head of the war table carved into the ancient stone, its surface glowing faintly with lunar runes.
The maps before her pulsed softly under her fingers, showing enemy territories, corrupted lands, and the narrow passes the Ashen King's forces could use to strike.
Around her, Alphas and warriors were worried, some still unsure if the Luna who commanded the Moon's light,could command armies. But the fire in her eyes silenced hesitation.
We will not wait for the Ashen King to decide when we bleed, Maria said, her voice steady.
"He strikes at the weak, at the unprepared, and he feeds on chaos.
Tonight, we act first."
Kael stepped forward, aura flaring faintly despite his injury. "He cannot survive without the corrupted lands feeding him.
We target his supply lines destroy the bone sigils, the undead breeding grounds. Starve him, and we take the advantage."
Maria swept her gaze over the map again.
"Three squads. Silent. Fast. Strike the eastern ridge first.
Avoid engagement beyond the marked zones unless absolutely necessary."
An Alpha raised his hand hesitantly. "And if the Ashen King himself appears?"
Maria's eyes flashed silver. "We fight,but carefully.
He thrives on fear. Every strike must be controlled. Do not let him lure you into chaos.
Kael added, voice low but sharp. "If he comes, I draw his attention. You stand behind the Moon. Let your power flow, steady and pure. He cannot corrupt what is controlled.
Excitement and fear mingled inside her. For the first time, she didn't feel powerless. She felt alive. She felt ready.
Hours passed as warriors prepared.
Weapons were sharpened, spells reinforced with her Moonlight, and scouts confirmed enemy positions.
Maria moved among them, hands glowing faintly as she healed minor wounds and steadied nerves. Wolves bowed instinctively before her, acknowledging her authority.
By midnight, the first squads were in position. Maria shifted into her wolf form, radiant silver fur flashing under the Moonlight, eyes twin moons themselves.
The forest seemed to hum with anticipation, every leaf recognizing the power of the Luna.
Kael appeared beside her, fully human but emitting strength. "Remember," he said, "power is control, not destruction."
Maria inhaled, focusing on the mission ahead.
The first strike would set the tone for the war to come. Silent, fast, and precise her command would test both her strategy and her power.
The sound of battle echoed through the night. The war had begun.