The alliance between Damon and Aria's rogues held like a rope pulled taut—useful, but fraying at the edges.
Days turned into weeks. Training sessions grew harsher. Wolves from both sides sparred together, their claws flashing, tempers sparking. Though none dared outright rebellion under Damon's watchful gaze, Selene could feel the distrust simmering just beneath the surface.
It wasn't only between Blackthorn and rogues. Even within Damon's own pack, whispers carried like smoke through the camp.
The Alpha is blinded by her.
Humans don't belong in war.
He risks all of us for one bond.
Selene tried to ignore the murmurs, but each word lodged in her chest like a thorn. She had endured the Trial of Fire, yet still, they doubted her.
One evening, as Selene carried water from the stream, she overheard two wolves—one Blackthorn, one rogue—arguing in hushed tones.
"The Council will crush us before winter," the Blackthorn wolf muttered. "We should have bent the knee."
The rogue snorted. "Better to die free than crawl like dogs."
"And what about her?" the first spat, glancing toward Selene. "A human leading us into ruin?"
Before Selene could slip away, Damon's presence filled the air like a storm. He stepped out from the shadows, golden eyes blazing.
"You doubt me?" His voice was calm, but lethal.
Both wolves dropped their gazes instantly, submitting. "No, Alpha."
Damon's growl rumbled low. "Then remember who leads you. And remember who stands at my side."
The wolves retreated quickly, but the damage was done. Selene's hands trembled on the water bucket. Damon turned to her, his expression softening.
"They don't matter," he said.
"But they do," Selene whispered. "Because if your pack doesn't believe in me, how will they ever believe in us?"
That night, Selene lay awake in Damon's arms, staring at the canopy above. The bond pulsed between them, steady and warm, but fear gnawed at her. Was love enough to hold against the tide of war?
Damon brushed his lips against her temple. "What are you thinking?"
"That I don't want to be the reason your world burns," she admitted.
His arms tightened around her. "Selene… my world was already burning. You're the only reason it hasn't turned to ash."
Tears stung her eyes, but she pressed closer, clinging to his certainty when her own wavered.
The next day, Aria called a council. Damon, Selene, and a handful of their wolves joined her in the clearing. A crude map was spread on the ground, marked with stones and claw-scratches.
"The Council has moved north," Aria said, her finger tracing the path. "Their patrols grow bolder. Soon they will strike."
Damon's jaw clenched. "Then we strike first."
Aria smirked. "Always so eager for blood. But battles are not won on strength alone. We need strategy. We need patience."
"Patience?" Damon snapped. "Every day we wait, they close in."
"Every day we wait," Aria countered smoothly, "they underestimate us. Let them. Then we bleed them where they least expect."
The rogues murmured their approval, but Damon's wolves bristled, uncomfortable with her authority. Selene could feel the rift widening like a crack through glass.
Finally, Damon growled, "We'll move when I say. Not before."
Aria's smile was razor-sharp. "Of course, Alpha. This is your war… for now."
After the council, Selene lingered by the map, tracing the lines with her eyes. Damon approached, his frustration rolling off him in waves.
"She's testing me," he muttered.
"She's testing us," Selene corrected softly. "Every choice you make, every word you speak—it's all measured. Not just by her, but by everyone."
Damon's hand covered hers on the map, his golden eyes burning into hers. "Then let them measure. Let them see that nothing breaks us."
Selene wanted to believe it. But as the first cold winds of winter swept through the forest, she couldn't shake the feeling that the whispers were only growing louder.
And whispers, she knew, had a way of turning into war cries.
Author's Note:
⚔️🔥 The fragile alliance is beginning to crack. Aria plays her games, Damon fights to keep control, and Selene struggles to prove her place. Do you think Damon should strike the Council first, or wait for Aria's strategy? Comment below and vote with Power Stones if you feel the tension building! ❤️