Night fell heavy and silent over the territory, a deceptive calm after the battle.
Maria moved through the stronghold, inspecting wards and defenses, sensing every movement within her borders. But something felt wrong.
Alarms screamed before the first signs of betrayal could even be confirmed. Gates opened from the inside, fires ignited along the inner walls, and chaos erupted as wolves screamed in panic.
Maria ran toward the source, Kael struggling beside her despite his previous injuries.
They reached the courtyard to find one of their trusted Alphas, Rowan of Stonefang, standing over the fallen, blood dripping from his hands.
"I had no choice," Rowan snarled. "The Ashen King promised my pack survival!"
Maria's heart clenched, a mix of disbelief and fury tearing through her.
"You betrayed us," she said, voice low but deadly.
Rowan shifted nervously, eyes darting around.
"You don't understand he has power we cannot resist"
"You don't get to justify this," Maria snapped.
Moonlight flared around her hands, coiling like silver serpents. "You chose fear over loyalty. You will answer for this."
Kael stepped forward, his voice steady despite pain. "Sentence him."
Maria's hands trembled, but her gaze hardened. "Exile," she declared.
"Stripped of rank. Banished beyond the Moon's reach. Never to return."
Chains of silver light erupted from her palms, wrapping around Rowan and lifting him from the ground.
He screamed as he was bound, the wards cutting through his resistance until he was dragged into the shadows beyond the territory.
As the courtyard settled, Maria felt the weight of leadership heavier than ever.
Mercy, strength, strategy, trust every decision was a blade that could cut as easily as it healed.
And somewhere far away, the Ashen King's laughter echoed. He had not needed to intervene.
His plan had begun, and the Luna had taken the first bite of the trap.
Maria clenched her fists. "This war is just beginning," she whispered.
Kael placed his hand over hers, grounding her. "And we will face it together. You lead. I fight.
Always."
The Moon shone above, witness to both betrayal and rising power.
The Ashen King's shadow loomed ever closer, promising a storm they had yet to see.