The courtyard of the Moon Lord's residence was ablaze with tension.
Two opposing groups faced each other beneath the pale glow of the moon.
On one side stood Alec with barely a dozen warriors at his back.
On the other — more than two hundred and fifty men, the bulk of the Moon Tribe's hunting force.
"Alec, stand aside!" the Grand Elder barked, his face black with anger. "Don't forget who raised you to the rank of captain!"
He had never imagined that, on the eve of his greatest success, Alec — the very man he'd groomed — would defy him.
Alec gripped his shield and longblade, planting his feet between the mob and the gates. His voice was calm but resolute.
"Grand Elder, what you're doing is treason. I swore loyalty to the Moon Lord — and to no one else."
"Foolish boy," the Elder snapped, lifting his arms as though addressing an assembly. "I only seek a new life for our tribe! Join me, and you'll never fear thirst again!"
