The morning sun rose over the Lycan Kingdom.
But its warmth did little to ease the heaviness in the castle.
The vision of Aria’s father lingered in everyone’s mind.
He was alive.
Somewhere.
Alone.
Still holding back a darkness that threatened the entire world.
Aria stood in the royal library, surrounded by ancient maps.
Scroll after scroll lay open across the long wooden table.
“There has to be something,” she whispered.
“The vision showed a waterfall…
a temple…
and a giant tree.” She searched every map she could find.
Nothing.
Frustration tightened her chest.
“Why can’t I find it?” A familiar voice answered from the doorway.
“Because someone erased it.” Kael stepped inside.
He carried a worn leather journal bound with silver thread.
“The oldest mapmaker in Lycan history kept a private record.” He placed the journal gently before her.
“It was hidden beneath the throne.” Aria looked up.
“You searched all night?” Kael smiled.
“If there’s even the smallest chance it leads to your father…” “It was worth missing sleep.” Their eyes met.
Aria felt warmth spread through her chest.
No one had ever fought so hard for her before.
Meanwhile…
Miles away in Blackwood Pack…
Damon stood outside the packhouse.
He stared at the rising sun, exhaustion etched across his face.
He hadn’t slept.
He couldn’t.
Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Aria standing before him in her simple white dress.
He heard his own cruel words.
“I reject you.” His wolf growled in anguish.
Find her.
“I know.” Protect her.
Damon clenched his fists.
“I failed.” A shadow moved behind him.
Alpha Victor.
“I’ve watched you punish yourself for days.” Damon didn’t answer.
Victor continued.
“You can regret your choice for the rest of your life…” “Or you can make sure it wasn’t for nothing.” Damon finally turned.
His father held out a small wooden box.
“I’ve kept this hidden for eighteen years.” Damon frowned.
“What is it?” “It was delivered to your mother the night Aria was born.” His heart skipped.
“From who?” Victor’s expression grew grave.
“I never learned.” “But the messenger died before sunrise.” Slowly…
Damon opened the box.
Inside rested a silver coin engraved with a crescent moon.
Wrapped around it was a faded piece of parchment.
Only six words were written on it.
Protect the child.
Trust no one.
Damon’s blood ran cold.
Back in the Lycan Kingdom…
Aria carefully opened Kael’s journal.
Most of its pages had faded with time.
But one map remained untouched.
At its center stood a massive silver tree.
Below it, in elegant handwriting, were the words: The World Tree Aria’s eyes widened.
“My vision…” Kael leaned over the map.
“It exists.” Rowan entered the library at that moment.
“My King.” Kael looked up.
“What is it?” “Our scouts have returned.” “They’ve found something.” “What?” Rowan’s normally calm expression was tense.
“A hidden valley.” “Hidden by ancient magic.” He placed another map on the table.
“The entrance lies beyond the Frostfang Mountains.” Aria’s heart began to race.
“The temple…” “It has to be.” Far away…
In Malakar’s fortress…
One of his spies knelt before the throne.
“My Lord.” “The Moonborn has discovered the World Tree.” Malakar slowly stood.
His crimson eyes gleamed with anticipation.
“So…” “The final journey begins.” He walked to a massive window overlooking the valley below.
Thousands of Shadowborn soldiers trained in silence.
Dark beasts prowled behind iron gates.
The Shadow Gate pulsed faintly in the distance.
Malakar smiled.
“Prepare the armies.” The spy looked up in surprise.
“All of them?” “Yes.” He looked toward the moon, though it was hidden by daylight.
“Because if Aria reaches her father…” “Everything I’ve built for a thousand years…” “…will crumble.” That evening…
The castle courtyard buzzed with activity.
Warriors saddled horses.
Supplies were loaded into wagons.
Healers packed medicines and enchanted herbs.
The rescue mission was about to begin.
Aria stood beside Kael at the top of the castle steps.
She looked at the army gathering below.
“You don’t have to do this.” Kael turned to her.
“I know.” She searched his golden eyes.
“Then why are you risking your kingdom?” Kael gently took her hand.
“Because the day I found you in that forest…” “I made you a promise.” His voice was quiet.
“But I intend to keep it.” “No matter who stands in our way…” “I will help you bring your family home.” Before Aria could reply…
A horn sounded from the watchtower.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Every warrior froze.
A scout galloped through the castle gates, his horse covered in sweat.
He slid from the saddle and dropped to one knee.
“My King!” “What happened?” Kael demanded.
The scout struggled to catch his breath.
“We weren’t the only ones searching for the World Tree…” He looked directly at Aria.
“…Alpha Damon and a company of Blackwood warriors have already crossed the Frostfang Mountains.”