Night had fallen again over the Red Moon Pack territory.
The mansion lights glowed softly against the dark sky.
Hazel sat alone on the balcony.
The wind moved gently across her hair.
She was thinking.
About Boyd.
About Klara.
About Ryan.
About the strange feeling inside her chest whenever he stood close.
The bracelet Gloria gave her rested quietly on her wrist.
Warm.
Stable.
Then—
The air pressure shifted.
Very slightly.
Hazel's eyes narrowed.
She knew this sensation.
Devourer presence.
Slow.
Patient.
Like something watching from far away.
Then the voice entered her mind.
Low.
Dark.
"Eclipse heir."
Hazel did not panic.
She inhaled slowly.
Ryan felt the psychological intrusion immediately through the mate bond.
Venom stirred violently.
Blade sharpened.
Ralph growled low inside consciousness.
Hazel responded mentally.
You came again.
Soft laughter echoed.
"I am always here."
Pause.
Then whisper:
"Do you feel stronger?"
Hazel answered silently.
Yes.
The Devourer continued.
"Good."
"Because breaking strong souls is more satisfying."
Silence.
Hazel's heartbeat remained controlled.
The training Nick taught her helped.
Do not react emotionally.
The voice spoke again.
"Tell me, heir…"
Pause.
"Do you believe the demon wolf Alpha can protect you forever?"
Hazel did not answer immediately.
Inside the mansion—
Ryan stood slowly near the staircase.
Eyes dark.
Dangerous.
Listening.
The Devourer continued.
"Mate bonds are fragile when fear grows."
Hazel whispered mentally.
You are afraid of him.
Silence.
Then the Devourer laughed softly.
"I am afraid of nothing."
Pause.
Then darker whisper:
"But I am interested in what will happen when you awaken your Blood Alpha core fully."
Hazel frowned slightly.
Ryan spoke quietly from behind her.
"Leave her mind."
His voice carried killing intent.
Controlled.
But terrifying.
The Devourer answered.
"Patient Alpha wolf… your time will come."
Then the presence disappeared.
Like smoke.
Hazel exhaled slowly.
Ryan stood beside her.
Three steps distance.
Always respecting her space.
"You are improving," he said quietly.
Hazel nodded.
"I am not afraid anymore."
Silence.
Ryan said softly:
"Fear is not weakness."
Pause.
Then:
"Control is strength."
Hazel whispered:
"I am trying."
Ryan answered simply:
"I know."
The wind moved softly across the balcony.
Far outside territory borders—
Something watched the Red Moon Pack territory silently.
Waiting.