---- It was an old law: an Alpha's power would wane after losing their true mate. But for it to happen so fast... Outside, dark clouds hid the moon, plunging the territory into darkness. In a way, it mirrored Kaelen's situation. The once-mighty Alpha, now weakened because Id left. I should have felt a thrill of revenge, but there was only a deep, hollow ache. Another letter arrived the next morning, this one delivered anonymously. It was just a few short lines, but enough to send a shiver down my spine: "Lyra Thorne is not who she seems. She has ties to the northern packs. Her target isn't just Kaelen, but the entire Night-fang territory. Be careful, she knows which way you went and is tracking your scent." ---- There was no signature, but the handwriting was vaguely familiar. 1 immediately found Elder Elara and showed her the letter. "This is dangerous," the Elder said, her brow furrowed. "If Lyra really is working with the northern packs, her aims could be far more sinister. We need to bolster our defenses." "I can't hide here forever," I said firmly. "It'll bring danger to Moonridge." The Elder thought for a moment, then said gravely, ''There is one place even the northern packs wouldn't dare to invade easily - the Moonshadow Sanctuary. Neutral territory, run by the oldest werewolf elders." "But they only take in wolves who are truly homeless." "Aren't you, now?" the Elder asked gently. " ---- Besides, the cub in your womb carries a dual heritage - Night-fang's strength and Moonridge's purity. This child needs the best protection." I was silent for a moment, then finally nodded. Two days later, escorted by a small team of elite guards, I secretly left Moonridge, heading north towards the Moonshadow Sanctuary. The journey was long and hard. We avoided main roads, cutting through remote mountain forests and hidden ancient paths. On the fifth day, as dusk fell and we were nearing a human town to resupply, we suddenly heard a wolf howl in the distance - deep, mournful, yet with an unmistakable authority. Kaelen! I froze. The guards immediately went on alert. "He found us?" I whispered to the lead guard.