The ancient howl echoed across the Shadowlands.
It was unlike any wolf’s cry.
It carried authority.
Power.
A command that reached into the souls of every wolf who heard it.
Every Lycan warrior instinctively dropped to one knee.
Even Varkor lowered his massive head.
Only Malakar remained standing.
His confident smile disappeared.
“No…” He whispered.
“It can’t be.” — The earth trembled.
The mountainside behind Kael split apart with a deafening roar.
Silver light burst from the crack, driving back the darkness pouring from the Shadow Gate.
A colossal wolf slowly emerged.
Its fur was pure white, shimmering like fresh snow beneath the moon.
Silver markings flowed across its body like rivers of light.
Its eyes…
They were the same brilliant silver as Aria’s.
The wolf was larger than any creature Aria had ever seen.
Larger even than Varkor.
It stepped into the clearing.
The forest itself seemed to breathe again.
Flowers bloomed where its paws touched the ground.
The dead trees began to grow fresh green leaves.
Life returned with every step.
Rowan stared in awe.
“The Guardian…” An elder warrior beside him finished the sentence.
“…of the Moon Goddess.” — The giant wolf looked directly at Aria.
Not with the gaze of a stranger.
But with the affection of an old friend.
It walked toward her slowly.
The black chains binding her wrist and ankle began to crack.
Malakar shouted, “Stop it!” He thrust both hands forward, feeding more dark magic into the chains.
They tightened painfully around Aria.
She cried out.
The white wolf growled.
The sound rolled across the battlefield like thunder.
Every chain shattered instantly.
Aria stumbled free.
The Moonblade blazed brighter than ever before.
— Kael slowly rose to his feet.
His ribs ached.
Blood stained his armor.
Yet when he saw Aria safe…
He smiled.
“You came.” Rowan blinked.
“My King…” “You’re talking to the wolf?” Kael nodded.
“I’ve never met him.” “But every Lycan king knows his legend.” He lowered his sword respectfully.
“The First Alpha.” The great white wolf inclined its head.
Then…
To everyone’s astonishment…
It began to change.
Its massive body shimmered.
Light swirled around it.
Moments later, an elderly man stood where the wolf had been.
He wore white robes trimmed in silver.
His long white hair reached his waist.
His silver eyes held countless centuries of wisdom.
He looked at Kael.
“You have protected her well.” Kael bowed deeply.
“I have done my best.” The old man smiled.
“And that is why she still lives.” — Malakar’s laughter echoed through the clearing.
“So the old guardian finally awakens.” The First Alpha turned toward him.
His expression hardened.
“You were once a noble prince.” “You could have ruled beside your brother.” Malakar’s crimson eyes flashed.
“My brother was weak!” “He chose mercy over victory.” “He chose peace over power.” “And look where it led him.” The old man sighed.
“It led him to becoming a king.” “It led you…” He looked at the darkness pouring from the Shadow Gate.
“…to becoming a slave.” Malakar’s smile vanished.
“I serve no one.” “No?” The First Alpha raised his staff.
“Then tell me…” “Who whispers to you from beyond the Gate?” Silence.
For the first time…
A flicker of uncertainty crossed Malakar’s face.
— Aria stepped closer.
“You know my parents.” The old guardian turned to her.
“I do.” “Then tell me where they are.” He smiled sadly.
“I cannot.” “Why?” “Because your father gave his life to protect the final secret.” Aria’s heart stopped.
“You said…” “My mother said he was alive.” The old man nodded.
“He is.” “But not in the way you believe.” Before Aria could ask another question…
The Shadow Gate exploded with black lightning.
A voice boomed from the darkness.
“ENOUGH!” The forest shook violently.
Even the First Alpha looked toward the Gate.
Something enormous moved within the swirling black mist.
Much larger than Varkor.
Much older.
Two crimson eyes slowly opened inside the darkness.
The First Alpha whispered words that made every Lycan’s blood run cold.
“The Shadow Emperor…” “…has awakened.”