The forest went completely still.
Even the leaves stopped moving.
In the clearing, every wolf stood tense, their eyes fixed on the dark trees ahead.
Something powerful was approaching.
Standing near the center, Aria clutched her glowing wrist as the crescent mark continued to burn like silver fire.
Her breathing grew uneven.
"Why does my arm feel like it's about to explode?"
Beside her, Alpha Kael stepped slightly in front of her, instinctively shielding her with his body.
"That's because he's close."
Another howl echoed through the forest.
This time it was deeper.
Stronger.
It carried a presence that made even Lucien's warriors uneasy.
Across the clearing, Alpha Lucien slowly drew a blade from his belt.
"So the rumors were true."
Behind them, the human hunter Daniel lifted his rifle.
"I was hoping we'd get more time."
Aria blinked.
"More time for what?"
Daniel answered calmly.
"To prepare."
The trees ahead rustled suddenly.
A large shadow moved between them.
Then another.
And another.
More wolves.
Their eyes glowed red in the darkness.
Aria swallowed slowly.
"That's… a lot of wolves."
At least thirty dark shapes emerged from the forest.
They moved with discipline.
Like soldiers.
The warriors behind Lucien immediately shifted into defensive positions.
A deep growl rolled through the clearing.
Then the wolves parted.
And someone stepped forward.
Tall.
Dark coat.
Red eyes that glowed faintly like embers.
The moment he appeared, the forest itself seemed to hold its breath.
Aria felt the crescent mark flare again.
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"Please tell me that's not him."
Kael's jaw tightened.
"It is."
Standing at the edge of the clearing, Magnus slowly surveyed the scene.
His gaze passed over Lucien's wolves.
Over Kael.
Over the hunter.
And finally—
It landed on Aria.
His smile appeared slowly.
"Well… this is unexpected."
The wolves behind him remained silent and perfectly still.
Magnus stepped forward a few paces.
"I leave for a few hours…"
He glanced at Lucien.
"…and suddenly there's a gathering of Alphas."
Lucien's voice was cold.
"You should leave."
Magnus chuckled softly.
"That's not happening."
Kael growled low in his chest.
"You're outnumbered."
Magnus tilted his head slightly.
"Am I?"
Behind him, more wolves emerged from the forest shadows.
Aria groaned.
"Of course there are more."
Magnus's red eyes returned to her glowing wrist.
For a moment, his calm mask slipped.
Something darker appeared in his expression.
Something hungry.
"So it's true."
He spoke quietly now.
"The Moon Vessel has awakened."
Aria crossed her arms despite the burning in her wrist.
"People keep saying that like it's a good thing."
Magnus smiled again.
"Oh, it's a wonderful thing."
Kael stepped forward slightly.
"You're not taking her."
Magnus looked amused.
"You still think this is a negotiation."
Lucien moved beside Kael.
"Leave while you still can."
Magnus laughed softly.
"You misunderstand me."
His gaze remained locked on Aria.
"I didn't come here to fight."
Aria frowned.
"That's suspicious."
Magnus lifted one hand slowly.
The wolves behind him immediately stopped growling.
"I came…"
His voice grew quieter.
"…to introduce myself properly."
Aria blinked.
"You already did that yesterday."
Magnus's smile widened slightly.
"Yes."
His red eyes gleamed as he looked at her glowing wrist.
"But yesterday…"
He took another slow step forward.
"…you weren't fully awakened yet."
The crescent mark on Aria's wrist pulsed violently again.
The light spread across her arm like moonlight.
Magnus watched the glow with fascination.
"There it is."
Kael's voice turned deadly.
"One more step."
Magnus ignored him.
Instead, he spoke directly to Aria.
"You feel it, don't you?"
Aria's heart pounded.
"Feel what?"
Magnus's voice became almost gentle.
"The bond."
The word sent a cold shiver through the clearing.
Lucien's grip tightened on his blade.
Daniel raised his rifle slightly.
Aria's eyes narrowed.
"There is no bond."
Magnus chuckled softly.
"Oh…"
He tilted his head slightly.
"…but there will be."
Then he looked at the full moon rising above the forest.
His smile grew darker.
"And very soon."