Night had fallen by the time Elara finally escaped the curious eyes of the pack. She stood on the balcony of the Alpha's quarters, staring at the moon. It looked different now — closer somehow, brighter, like it was watching her. Calling to her.
Behind her, Kael leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. "You were incredible today."
Elara turned, her voice low. "I didn't mean to break the staff. I wasn't even trying."
"That's the point," he said. "You're just starting to tap into what's inside you. The power's there, Elara. And it's waking up fast."
She wrapped her arms around herself. "And what if I lose control?"
Kael stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Then I'll be there to pull you back."
Just then, a howl echoed from the edge of the woods — sharp and unfamiliar. It wasn't a rogue's howl, nor one of their own. It was ceremonial.
A summons.
Minutes later, they gathered with the inner circle in the meeting hall. Ravynn burst through the doors, a parchment in her hands, sealed with dark crimson wax.
"It's from Vael," she said, her expression hard.
Kael took it, breaking the seal. He read silently, then handed it to Elara. Her eyes skimmed the elegant, vicious words:
> To the rightful Alpha and his little flame—
I offer you a chance. Parley. One moon from now, beneath the Eclipse Tree.
Come unarmed. Come alone. Or not at all.
The room erupted in argument.
"It's a trap," someone spat.
"Of course it is," Ravynn said, "but we can't ignore it. He knows about Elara now."
Kael turned to Elara. "We won't go. I'm not risking you."
But Elara's gaze stayed fixed on the parchment, her fingers brushing over her name written in ash-black ink.
"He called me little flame," she murmured. "He knows what I am."
She looked up, fire stirring behind her eyes. "I need to know how. I need to see him."
Kael clenched his fists. "Then I'm going with you."
"No," she said gently. "This is something I have to face. But I won't be alone."
She reached for his hand.
"We do this together — even in shadows."