The storm broke at dawn, tearing across the stronghold like a living beast.
Rain pelted the stone walls, turning the courtyard into a river of mud and debris.
Yet Maria stood on the battlements, unmoving, silver light faintly flickering along her skin as her cloak whipped around her.
The weight of command pressed down on her like never before.
Wolves had been injured, loyal Alphas were shaken, and every plan she had made seemed to ripple under the uncertainty of war. Yet she could not falter not now. Not ever.
Kael joined her quietly, wrapping his cloak around her shoulders, the warmth of his presence grounding her amidst the chaos.
Despite his lingering injuries, his eyes burned with unwavering strength.
"You did what had to be done," he said softly.
Maria's hands clenched the railing. "I hated it," she admitted, voice barely more than a whisper.
"Exiling Rowan ,making these decisionssending wolves into danger"
Kael turned her to face him, his hands firm on her waist, eyes locking with hers.
"That is why you are worthy of the crown.
Strength is not the absence of fear, Maria it is acting despite it."
Her chest tightened, and for a moment she let herself tremble.
The exhaustion, the grief, the responsibility it all pressed down, heavy as stone.
What if he takes everything from us? she asked, voice raw.
"What if the Ashen King comes for the stronghold next?"
Kael leaned down, forehead to hers. "Then we rebuild. Together. Every battle, every loss, every victory together. You do not face this alone."
Her pulse quickened, warmth spreading through her as his words settled deep into her bones.
She could feel the power of the Moon responding to her resolve, coiling through her like liquid fire.
The storm above seemed to bow to her will, lightning flashing briefly as if acknowledging her strength.
Below the battlements, the wolves watched in awe, their faith in their Luna unshakable.
She was no longer just a leader they saw her as their anchor, their guide through the chaos the Ashen King brought.
Far beyond the stronghold, hidden in shadowed lands tainted by death, the Ashen King stirred.
He watched through the veil of distance as Maria's light flared brighter than ever, silver fire burning in defiance of the darkness he commanded.
"She grows stronger," he murmured, his skeletal crown glinting in the faint moonlight that pierced the storm clouds. "Perfect.
Soon, the hunt begins in earnest."
Maria straightened, the wind and rain whipping around her like a battle hymn.
Moonlight flared along her arms, and her wolf surged inside her, massive, radiant, and fearless.
"No," she whispered to the storm, to the darkness, to the Ashen King himself.
"I will not be broken. I will end you."
The Moon shone through the clouds, witness to her vow. Above her, the world waited.
The war had only just begun.