---- check." He quickly left the stone house, shifting into his wolf form and disappearing into the trees. A sense of unease spread through me. I held Orion close, warily watching the doorway. About half an hour later, Kaelen returned, his expression grave. "Bad news. They're searching this area. Though they haven't found the exact location yet, they're using some kind of tracking magic, targeting the scent of a newborn cub." "How could they possibly know...?" "Blood Moon power," he explained briefly. " Tonight is a Blood Moon. When a newborn Alpha bloodline is born, it releases special energy fluctuations. Ordinary werewolves can't feel it, but those using specific rituals..." "What should we do?" I asked nervously. "We have to split up," he decided. "I'll create a ---- false trail to lead them away. You take Orion and leave through the secret passage behind the mountain." "Where to?" "There's a small village to the east, where humans and werewolves live together. A distant relative of mine is there; she'll help you. Take this. " He handed mea sealed letter. "When you get there, give this toa woman named Rhea." I took the letter, my fingers unconsciously trembling. "And you?" "T'll hold them off as long as I can, then meet up with you when it's safe." We both knew it was a lie. If he led Lyra and her followers away, they wouldn't let him go easily. Especially Lyra, whose resentment had surpassed all reason. "Kaelen..." I began, but didn't know what to say. ---- He knelt on one knee, looking at me earnestly. " Sera, no matter what happened in the past, no matter how many mistakes I made, please believe this: I love you and Orion more than life itself. I will do anything to keep you safe." "Even if it costs you your own life?" "There's nothing more worthy," he said firmly. I looked at this once-proud Alpha, now willing to sacrifice everything for us. An indescribable emotion caught in my throat. Daylight was breaking; we had to move. Kaelen helped me pack all the necessities and carefully explained the route to the village. I strapped Orion to my chest, securing him with a special carrier. Before I left, Kaelen gently stroked Orion's small face. "Goodbye, my son. May the Moon Goddess bless you to grow into a strong and kind wolf."