---- Chapter 3 The sacred tree was ancient, reaching high into the sky, a thousand years strong. I walked along the winding path, a bunch of wildflowers in my hand - the traditional offering. Ineeded strength, the Moon Goddess's protection. Rounding a bend, I stopped dead. Lyra stood under the sacred tree, her red hair like fire, blowing in the breeze. Her back was to me, her hands stroking the tree's bark with a disturbing intimacy. This was Luna territory. She had no right to be here! "What are you doing here? Enjoying the view?" I said, my voice colder than ice. She turned, surprise flashing in her eyes before being replaced by a sly little smile. ---- "Sera." Her voice was almost a purr. "I was just praying. For my little one." "You, in the Luna's sacred space?" I took a step forward. "That's... bold." Astrange scent filled the air - not the soft scent of anormal Omega, but something more aggressive. Achallenge, a seduction, mixed with a threat. "The Alpha invited me," she said, stroking her belly. ''He said the tree's power could stabilize the bloodline. After all, this child is important to the pack." "Ts that so?" I smiled, but my eyes were ice. "Then you must know the consequences of touching the sacred tree without the Luna's permission." Her eyes widened for a split second, but she quickly recovered. "Of course... but I have the Alpha's permission. Besides, you're not Luna yet, are you? Tomorrow's ceremony might be... postponed." ---- The air between us crackled. She was challenging me, in the nastiest way. "Sera! Lyra!" Kaelen's voice came from the woods. He strode towards us, his gaze landing first on Lyra with concern, then shifting to me, his eyes filled with a complicated emotion. Just then, Lyra suddenly went pale and stumbled. "Ah!" She clutched her stomach, doubling over. Kaelen rushed to her side. "What's wrong?" "T feel... darkness," Lyra trembled. "Like I'm surrounded by shadows... The cub is scared..." She looked up, her eyes fixing on me. "Someone here has hostile feelings... The cub senses a threat. " I couldn't believe her audacity! "Sera," Kaelen's voice was low, a warning in it. "