---- Chapter 10 The wind bit hard. I pulled my cloak tighter and looked down at the valley. The silver spires of Moonridge gleamed in the moonlight, a symbol of safety and strength. My family, my blood. My sanctuary. "Sera, everything's ready." Elder Elara stood behind me, her voice soft. ''Your room is prepared, and the healer is on standby to make sure the cub is safe." I nodded, not turning around. The hollowness in my heart still throbbed - a side effect of a broken mate bond. "Will he give up?" the Elder asked softly. "No." I gave a wry smile. ''Kaelen's pride won't let him lose anything, not even something he threw away himself." "Then we'll beef up the border patrols to keep you ---- safe." I finally turned to face the elder who'd given me refuge. "He won't find me. The Moon Eclipse severance was clean. He can't track me through the bond." The Elder nodded, but worry still clouded her eyes. "But the Night-fang pack is still one of the strongest. Kaelen won't give up his heir easily." "Let him try." I gently touched my stomach, feeling the life stirring within. "This child is mine. He gave up his right to be a father." Back in the room they'd given me, I stood by the window, looking out over Moonridge. It was so different from Night-fang territory - Moonridge was all silver-white buildings around a huge crystal lake, not hidden deep in a dark forest. Asharp pain shot through my belly. The cub was protesting, feeling my low spirits. ---- "Sorry, little one," I whispered. "Mama will be strong. For you." Aknock on the door broke my thoughts. "Come in." A young maidservant walked in, holding a letter. " Lady Moonridge, an urgent message just arrived." I took the letter, recognizing Marcus's handwriting. Tearing it open, a few short lines made my heart pound: "Sera, Nightfang territory is in chaos. After losing the Moonridge alliance, the northern packs have started testing the borders. Worse, the Alpha's power has become unstable; he can't fully shift. The pack is starting to question his leadership. Let me know you're safe. - M" I put the letter down, my feelings a mess. I'd expected it, but it still hurt.