The wind howled across the castle walls.
Aria stood frozen, unable to tear her eyes away from Rowan.
“…Blood?” The word barely escaped her lips.
Rowan lowered his head.
“We found signs of a struggle, My Lady.
Furniture was overturned.
The front door had been broken down.” He hesitated.
“And there was blood.” “No…” Aria whispered.
Her knees threatened to give way.
“They’re alive.” “They have to be.” Kael stepped beside her before she could fall.
His hand rested gently on her shoulder.
“We don’t know whose blood it was.” Hope flickered in her silver eyes.
“So they could still be alive?” “They could.” It wasn’t a promise.
But it was enough.
An hour later…
The royal war room buzzed with activity.
Ancient maps covered the massive oak table.
Scouts came and went, delivering reports from every corner of the kingdom.
Kael stood at the head of the table.
“Report.” A captain stepped forward.
“We found tracks leading east.” “How many?” “At least six riders.” “And?” “They never tried to hide their trail.” Rowan frowned.
“A trap.” Kael nodded.
“They want us to follow.” Another scout entered, covered in mud.
“My King!” Kael turned.
“What is it?” “We found this near the river.” He placed a familiar object on the table.
Aria gasped.
“My aunt’s scarf…” She picked it up with trembling hands.
The soft blue fabric was stained with dirt…
And a single drop of dried blood.
Tears filled her eyes.
“They were here.” Kael watched her silently.
Then he looked at Rowan.
“Prepare a rescue party.” Rowan nodded.
“I’ll choose our best warriors.” “No.” Kael’s voice was firm.
“I’ll lead this mission myself.” “My King,” Rowan protested, “if this is a trap—” “Then let it be my trap.” Far away…
Inside a ruined fortress hidden among black cliffs…
A woman struggled against iron chains.
Her silver-streaked hair fell across her face.
Despite the years of hardship, there was still quiet strength in her eyes.
Across from her, Aria’s uncle lay unconscious against a stone wall.
Footsteps echoed through the chamber.
The crimson-eyed stranger entered.
He smiled.
“Still refusing to speak?” The woman lifted her chin.
“I’ll never help you.” “You already have.” He held up a crystal glowing with pale silver light.
“The Queen’s Heart has awakened.” “And soon…” He looked toward the night sky.
“So will the gate.” The woman’s face paled.
“No…” “You cannot open it.” “I can.” “And your daughter will help me.” Her chains rattled as she struggled.
“Stay away from Aria!” The stranger laughed.
“I’ve waited twenty years.” “I can wait a few more days.” That evening…
Aria stood in the castle stables, saddling a black mare.
Kael appeared behind her.
“You shouldn’t be here.” She tightened the saddle straps.
“I’m coming.” “No.” “I’m not asking for permission.” He sighed.
“It’s dangerous.” She turned to face him.
“So was being rejected before an entire pack.” “So was facing rogue wolves.” “So was discovering my entire life was a lie.” Her silver eyes met his golden ones.
“I’m done hiding.” For a long moment, Kael simply looked at her.
Then…
A small smile crossed his face.
“I had a feeling you’d say that.” He reached behind him and revealed a beautifully crafted sword.
Its silver blade shimmered in the moonlight, and a crescent moon was engraved on the hilt.
“It belonged to my mother.” Aria stared at it.
“I can’t take this.” “You can.” He placed it gently in her hands.
“It has been waiting for its true owner.” The moment her fingers wrapped around the hilt…
The blade burst into brilliant silver light.
A wave of ancient power swept through the stables.
Every horse neighed.
The ground trembled.
Kael’s eyes widened.
“The Moonblade…” He whispered.
“It has accepted you.” Far away, the crimson-eyed stranger felt the surge of power.
A slow smile spread across his face.
“Excellent.” “The Queen has claimed her sword.” He stepped onto the fortress balcony and looked toward the glowing moon.
“Now…” “Let the hunt truly begin.”