The morning sun was pale, barely cutting through the heavy mist that clung to the Shadowlands. Aria woke in a cold sweat, her dream still clinging to her like a second skin.
A woman cloaked in silver flame had whispered her name.
"The Bloodstone must be found, or all shall fall."
She didn't know what it meant—but she knew it wasn't just a dream.
Before she could gather her thoughts, the door slammed open. Kane, the alpha's second-in-command, strode in, eyes blazing.
"You need to come. Now."
Aria followed him through the winding halls of the keep, her pulse rising. They stepped into the war chamber where the alpha stood, jaw tight, hands clenched on the table. Maps were sprawled out, marked with red ink.
"They've crossed the border," Kane said grimly. "Whoever attacked us last time wasn't just testing us—they were looking for her."
Aria froze. "Me?"
The alpha's gaze burned into her. "They know who you are now. The Lunaris bloodline was never fully erased. And your power just exposed you to every dark pack, every broken clan, every cursed alpha who wants the throne that no longer exists."
Aria swallowed hard. "Then what do we do?"
The alpha looked at her, voice low. "We find the Bloodstone before they do."
Aria blinked. "What is the Bloodstone?"
Nira stepped forward, her face pale. "A relic created by the first of the Lunaris. It holds the power to either break your bond with him—or make it irreversible."
The room fell silent.
"And if they get it first?" Aria asked.
"They can control you," Nira whispered. "Turn you into a weapon that could wipe out every pack—including this one."