《Shadow of the crescent Moon》 The slave without name Chapter One: The Slave with No Name The stone corridors of Astravel¡¯s palace were cold, just like the people who ruled it. Ashley walked barefoot through the dimly lit halls, carrying a heavy bucket of water. The rough edges of the metal bit into her palms, but she kept moving. Servants weren¡¯t allowed to rest. She passed a massive tapestry woven with gold threads. It depicted the royal bloodline of Astravel, standing tall in their werewolf forms. Only royals could shift. That was the law of the kingdom. Ashley had no wolf. No noble blood. At least, that¡¯s what she had always been told. But the dreams¡­ Every night, she saw a kingdom in flames, wolves slaughtered in the streets, and a woman¡¯s voice calling her name. And always, there was the crescent moon, glowing over a battlefield soaked in blood. Ashley shook the thoughts away. It didn¡¯t matter. The past was nothing but ashes now.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. A Harsh Reality "Ashley!" She turned just as a sharp slap cracked across her cheek. Pain stung her face, but she refused to cry out. Lady Marion, one of the palace nobles, stood before her, eyes cold with cruelty. "You clumsy rat," Marion sneered. "You spilled water on my gown yesterday. Do you know what that means?" Ashley kept her gaze lowered. She knew what it meant. "Punishment." The guards grabbed Ashley¡¯s arms. Fear clawed at her chest, but she bit her lip, refusing to beg. Marion smirked, stepping closer. "You don¡¯t belong here, orphan. You¡¯re nothing. No family, no bloodline¡­ nothing but a stray dog pretending to be human." The words should have meant nothing. But they struck something inside her. A spark¡ªan anger she didn¡¯t understand. She clenched her fists. The air around her felt¡­ strange. The torches on the walls flickered as if responding to something unseen. Marion noticed it too. She frowned. "What the¡ª" A loud boom echoed outside the palace walls. The ground trembled beneath them. The guards released Ashley, staggering to keep their balance. Shouts erupted from the corridors. Something was happening. Marion turned away from Ashley, suddenly more interested in the commotion. "Find out what¡¯s going on," she ordered the guards. Ashley didn¡¯t wait to be dismissed. She grabbed the bucket and hurried away, heart pounding. Whatever was happening outside, she had a feeling it was just the beginning. ¡ª Chapter two: The cold prince --- Chapter Two: The Cold Prince The palace was in chaos. Ashley ducked into the shadows, pressing herself against the stone wall as guards rushed past her. Their armor clanked loudly, their voices sharp with urgency. An attack? She strained to listen, but the words were a jumble of orders and curses. Marion had forgotten about her, too busy with the disturbance. Taking the chance, Ashley slipped away, moving through the servant¡¯s corridors toward the courtyard. She had lived in the palace long enough to know that whatever was happening, the nobles would be safe behind their golden walls. But for the servants? No one cared if they lived or died. The moment she stepped outside, a cold gust of wind hit her. The sky was heavy with dark clouds, swirling unnaturally over the kingdom. A storm was coming, but the air felt wrong. Heavy. Unsettling. At the center of the courtyard stood him. Coleen. The soon-to-be king. He stood with his back to her, tall and unmoving, dressed in black armor. His silver hair caught the faint moonlight, making him look more like a ghost than a man.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. The guards surrounded him, tense, waiting for his command. A prisoner knelt before him¡ªa man with torn clothes and blood dripping from his temple. "You were seen near the border," Coleen said, his voice smooth but ice-cold. "Who sent you?" The prisoner spat blood onto the ground. "Go to hell." Coleen didn¡¯t react. He simply lifted his hand¡ªand the ground beneath the man trembled. Ashley¡¯s breath hitched. It was subtle, but she saw it. Coleen wasn¡¯t just a shifter. He had power over the earth. The ground cracked beneath the prisoner¡¯s knees, and a vine shot out, wrapping around his neck. The man gasped, struggling, but Coleen remained still, his face unreadable. Ashley had seen plenty of nobles act cruelly, but this was different. Coleen wasn¡¯t cruel. He was empty. "Last chance," he said quietly. "Who sent you?" The prisoner choked, but before he could answer, his body convulsed. His veins darkened. His lips turned blue. Poison. Ashley¡¯s stomach twisted. He had been poisoned before he could talk. Coleen¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Take the body to the dungeons," he ordered. "I want to know what killed him." The guards obeyed, dragging the lifeless man away. Coleen turned as if sensing someone watching. Ashley barely had time to look away before his gaze locked onto hers. Her breath caught. His eyes¡ªicy silver, cold as the night¡ªpinned her in place. For a moment, neither of them moved. Then, with a sharp tilt of his head, he dismissed her. As if she were nothing. Ashley clenched her fists, heat rising in her chest. She didn¡¯t know what angered her more¡ªthe way he killed without hesitation or the fact that he looked right through her. She turned away, not knowing that this was only the beginning. Because soon, Coleen would have no choice but to see her. --- Chapter three:whispers in the dark The palace halls were quieter now, but the tension still lingered. Ashley hurried back to the servant quarters, her mind racing with everything she had just seen. Coleen¡¯s power. The poisoned prisoner. The storm that felt unnatural. Something was coming, and she had a terrible feeling she was caught in the middle of it. She entered the small, cramped room where the lower servants slept. A single candle flickered on the wooden table, casting shadows along the stone walls. Most of the others were already asleep, exhausted from the day¡¯s work. Ashley sat on her straw mattress, pressing her palm against her chest, trying to steady her heartbeat. But no matter how much she tried to push it away, the memory of Coleen¡¯s silver eyes staring through her wouldn¡¯t leave her mind. "Why do you look like you''ve seen a ghost?" a voice whispered. Ashley turned to see her only friend in this place¡ªLena, a kitchen servant. She was a girl with fiery red curls and sharp green eyes, always full of mischief. "You wouldn¡¯t believe me if I told you," Ashley muttered. Lena plopped down beside her, pulling her thin blanket tighter around her shoulders. "Try me." Ashley hesitated, then whispered, "I saw Coleen use magic today." Lena stiffened. "Magic? You mean shifting?" "No," Ashley said. "Not shifting. It was something else. He controlled the earth. Like the ground listened to him." Lena¡¯s face paled. "That¡¯s not possible. Only the ancient royals had abilities beyond shifting, and that bloodline was¡ª" She stopped. Ashley swallowed. "Wiped out," she finished. Just like the kingdom in her dreams. Lena glanced around, lowering her voice. "Listen, Ash. Whatever you saw, you need to forget about it. If the nobles hear you talking about this, they¡¯ll¡ª"Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. A loud knock at the door cut her off. Ashley and Lena froze. The door creaked open, and a tall figure stepped inside. Marion. She wore a dark blue gown embroidered with silver moons, her golden hair braided into an elaborate crown. Her piercing blue eyes locked onto Ashley with barely hidden contempt. "You," she said sharply. "Come with me." Ashley didn¡¯t move. Servants were never summoned by nobles at this hour. Lena grabbed her arm, her grip tight with warning. But refusing wasn¡¯t an option. Ashley stood, forcing her expression to remain neutral. "Yes, my lady." Marion turned without another word, leading her through the winding corridors of the palace. Ashley¡¯s mind raced. Why is she calling me? Did she see me spying on Coleen? She was so lost in thought that she almost didn¡¯t notice where they were headed. The royal gardens.
A Warning and a Threat The gardens of Astravel were beautiful by day¡ªfull of silver roses, enchanted fountains, and glowing fireflies. But at night, they felt different. The moonlight cast eerie shadows across the trimmed hedges, and the silence was deafening. Marion stopped beneath a marble archway, crossing her arms as she turned to face Ashley. "I saw you earlier," she said, her voice smooth but sharp. "Watching the prince." Ashley¡¯s heart pounded. "I was only passing by." Marion smirked. "Liar. You think I don¡¯t see how you look at him? Like you¡¯re trying to figure him out." Ashley stayed silent. Marion took a step closer, her perfume sickly sweet. "Let me give you a piece of advice, little servant." Her voice dropped lower, her tone dangerous. "Stay away from Coleen. He¡¯s going to be king, and you? You¡¯re nothing." Ashley clenched her fists. She was used to insults, but something about the way Marion said it¡ªso full of fear¡ªmade her pause. She¡¯s afraid of me. But why? Marion exhaled, shaking her head as if scolding a foolish child. "You don¡¯t belong here. And if you¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll keep your head down. Otherwise¡­" She trailed off, letting the unspoken threat hang between them. Ashley forced herself to meet Marion¡¯s eyes. "Otherwise what?" Marion¡¯s smile was chilling. "Otherwise, I¡¯ll make sure you disappear." Ashley¡¯s stomach twisted, but she refused to look away. She had spent years being ignored, dismissed, treated like dirt. But something in her was shifting¡ªan anger she didn¡¯t understand. She wouldn¡¯t cower anymore. Not to Marion. Not to anyone. After a long moment, Marion scoffed and turned on her heel, disappearing into the night. Ashley stood there, breathing hard. She had just made an enemy. And she had no idea how dangerous Marion would become. Chapter four:secret in the moonlight The night air in Astravel was thick with tension, carrying the scent of damp earth and blooming silver roses. The grand palace loomed in the distance, its towers cutting into the moonlit sky like jagged blades. Ashley walked through the servant corridors, her mind still replaying Marion¡¯s warning. "Stay away from Coleen, or I¡¯ll make sure you disappear." Ashley clenched her fists, frustration bubbling inside her. She had spent years being pushed around, ignored, and treated as nothing more than a nameless servant. But this¡­ this was different. Marion was afraid of her. Why? Ashley didn¡¯t have time to dwell on it. As she rounded a corner, she nearly ran straight into Lena. "There you are!" Lena whisper-shouted, grabbing Ashley¡¯s arm. "I¡¯ve been looking for you all night!" Ashley sighed, rubbing her temple. "What is it now?" Lena glanced around, making sure they were alone. Then, she pulled something from the folds of her apron¡ªa small, silver pendant. Ashley¡¯s breath hitched. It was hers. The only thing she had been found with as a child. A thin, crescent-moon pendant with strange engravings along the edges. She had lost it weeks ago, thinking it was gone forever. "Where did you¡ª" Ashley started, but Lena cut her off. "That¡¯s what I¡¯m trying to tell you! I found it in the forbidden library. Someone left it on one of the bookshelves." Ashley¡¯s blood turned cold. "The forbidden library?" "Yes!" Lena¡¯s voice was urgent. "I had to sneak in while the head librarian was away. And that¡¯s not even the strangest part." Ashley took the pendant from Lena¡¯s hands, her fingers tracing the engravings.Stolen story; please report. "There was a book open on the table when I found this," Lena continued. "It was about¡­ lost shape-shifter bloodlines." Ashley¡¯s heart pounded. She had never told anyone about her recurring dreams¡ªthe ones filled with fire, screams, and shadowed figures hunting her people. But if what Lena was saying was true¡­ was she truly the last royal of Crescent Moon? And if so¡­ who left her pendant in the library? Ashley couldn¡¯t ignore this. She had to see the book for herself. That night, after most of the palace had fallen asleep, Ashley crept through the halls, sticking to the shadows. The forbidden library was located in the eastern wing, near the older parts of the castle that few dared to visit. She slipped past the guards, her heart hammering. The door to the library was massive, carved with ancient symbols of wolves and moons. Ashley placed her hand against the wood¡ªand the door creaked open. The inside smelled of dust, old parchment, and magic. Torches flickered dimly, casting long shadows across the shelves. She moved carefully, her footsteps silent on the stone floor. Books lined the towering shelves, some covered in thick, iron chains, as if they contained secrets too dangerous to be read. Ashley¡¯s eyes landed on the table in the center of the room. A book lay open, just as Lena had said. She approached, her fingers trembling as she traced the faded ink. The title read: "The Vanished Bloodline of Crescent Moon." Ashley¡¯s stomach clenched. She turned the page¡ªand her breath caught in her throat. There, sketched in ink, was the royal sigil of Crescent Moon. The same sigil that was engraved on the back of her pendant. "This¡­ this is proof." A loud crash shattered the silence. Ashley spun around, her pulse spiking. Someone else was here. She backed against the table, her eyes darting through the shadows. Then, from the darkness, a voice spoke. "You shouldn¡¯t be here." Ashley¡¯s blood ran cold. A figure emerged from the shadows. Tall. Cloaked in black. Silver eyes gleamed under the torchlight. Ashley¡¯s heart nearly stopped. It was Coleen For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Coleen¡¯s gaze flicked to the book, then to the pendant in Ashley¡¯s hand. His expression darkened. "Where did you get that?" His voice was low, edged with something dangerous. Ashley swallowed hard, forcing herself to stand tall. "It was mine. I¡¯ve had it since I was a child." Coleen stepped forward, his presence almost suffocating. "That symbol belongs to a bloodline that was wiped out. The royal house of Crescent Moon." Ashley tightened her grip on the pendant. "I know." Coleen¡¯s jaw clenched. His eyes locked onto hers, studying her. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice quieter now. Ashley took a shaky breath. "I don¡¯t know." But deep down, she was starting to realize the truth. She wasn¡¯t just a servant. She wasn¡¯t just a nobody. She was the lost heir of Crescent Moon. And now, Coleen knew it too Chapter five: Coleens warning The air between Ashley and Coleen crackled with tension. His silver eyes bore into hers, filled with a storm of unspoken thoughts. Ashley could barely breathe. Her heart pounded in her chest, her fingers still clenched around the crescent pendant. "He knows." She had tried to avoid him, tried to remain invisible, but fate had pushed her straight into his path. And now, the soon-to-be king of Astravel was standing before her, demanding answers she didn¡¯t have. Coleen took a slow step forward, and Ashley instinctively stepped back, pressing against the ancient table. "You have no idea what you¡¯re playing with," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "This isn¡¯t some childish mystery¡ªit¡¯s treason." Ashley¡¯s nails dug into her palm. "How is it treason to find out who I really am?" Coleen¡¯s jaw clenched. "Because the kingdom has been at peace for years. If word gets out that the last heir of Crescent Moon is alive, it could spark war. Do you understand what that means?" Ashley swallowed hard. "So what? I should just pretend I¡¯m no one? Forget that my people were massacred?" His silver eyes flickered with something unreadable. "It¡¯s not that simple." Ashley let out a bitter laugh. "It never is, is it?" Coleen exhaled sharply and turned away from her, running a hand through his dark hair. The tension in the room was suffocating. "You shouldn''t have come here," he said finally, his voice softer. "Why?" Ashley challenged. "Because I might learn the truth?" "Because others are watching." A chill ran down her spine. "What do you mean?" Coleen didn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, he strode to the library door and locked it with a heavy click. Ashley¡¯s pulse spiked. "Why is he locking the door?" Coleen turned back to her. "Tell me everything you know," he commanded. Ashley hesitated. Something about his sudden change in demeanor unnerved her.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. "You think I¡¯m stupid enough to trust you?" she shot back. "You¡¯re the prince. If I tell you the truth, what¡¯s stopping you from turning me in?" Coleen¡¯s lips curled into a humorless smirk. "If I wanted you dead, Ashley, you wouldn¡¯t be standing here right now." Her breath hitched. His words weren¡¯t a threat¡ªthey were a fact. Ashley hated that he was right. She didn¡¯t trust him, but she needed someone who knew more than she did. And right now, Coleen was her only option. Taking a deep breath, she finally whispered, "I¡¯ve been having dreams. Of Crescent Moon. Of the night it was destroyed." Coleen¡¯s expression darkened. "I see fire," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "I see my parents. I see the hunters." Coleen didn¡¯t move, but Ashley saw the way his hands subtly tensed at the mention of hunters. "And now I find out my pendant¡ªthe only thing I¡¯ve ever owned¡ªhas my family¡¯s royal symbol on it. If that¡¯s not proof, then what is?" For the first time, Coleen looked conflicted. "You think you¡¯re the last heir," he murmured. "I don¡¯t think." Ashley¡¯s grip on the pendant tightened. "I know Silence stretched between them. Coleen¡¯s face remained unreadable, but Ashley wasn¡¯t fooled¡ªshe saw the slight twitch in his jaw, the tension in his stance. Finally, he spoke. "If what you¡¯re saying is true¡­ then you are in more danger than you realize." Ashley¡¯s stomach twisted. "Because of the hunters?" Coleen¡¯s gaze was sharp. "Because someone inside this palace is helping them." Ashley¡¯s breath caught. "A traitor? Inside Astravel?" Coleen turned away, exhaling as if debating whether to say more. "The hunters are too well-informed. They always seem to know where to strike. Someone is feeding them information." Ashley¡¯s mind raced. Could this explain why the kingdom had been growing weaker? The rumors of wolves losing their strength? "Why are you telling me this?" she asked suspiciously. Coleen studied her for a long moment before finally saying, "Because if you¡¯re truly the lost heir¡­ they will come for you next." A chill ran down her spine. Before she could respond, a sudden knock echoed through the library door. Coleen stiffened. Ashley¡¯s heart jumped. "Prince Coleen?" A female voice called from outside. Ashley recognized it immediately. Marion. Her stomach twisted. "Why is she here?" Coleen shot Ashley a warning look before stepping toward the door. He unlocked it carefully, and the moment it swung open, Marion stepped inside. Her gaze immediately landed on Ashley, and her blue eyes flashed with hostility. "What is she doing here?" Marion¡¯s voice was sharp. Ashley straightened her shoulders. "None of your business." Marion narrowed her eyes. "Oh, but it is." She turned to Coleen. "You shouldn¡¯t trust her." Ashley¡¯s blood boiled. "And I suppose I should trust you?" Marion smirked. "At least I belong here." Ashley clenched her fists. She didn¡¯t have time for Marion¡¯s petty jealousy. But she also knew one thing¡ªMarion had always hated her. And now, she had another reason to make Ashley¡¯s life miserable. Coleen sighed, rubbing his temple. "Enough. Marion, why are you here?" Marion hesitated, then glanced at Ashley before saying, "I came to warn you. There are rumors¡­ about a rogue wolf hiding in Astravel. Some believe it''s the last survivor of Crescent Moon." Ashley¡¯s breath caught. Marion¡¯s eyes flickered toward her. "I wonder who it could be?" Ashley felt the walls closing in. The hunters were closing in. The palace had a traitor. And now, Marion was watching her every move. Ashley wasn¡¯t just in danger. She was running out of time Chapter six:whispers in the shadows Ashley barely slept that night. Her mind kept replaying Marion¡¯s words. "There are rumors¡­ about a rogue wolf hiding in Astravel. Some believe it''s the last survivor of Crescent Moon." Marion suspected her. And if Marion suspected her, then it was only a matter of time before someone else did too. The palace was no longer safe. Ashley lay on her small cot in the servants¡¯ quarters, staring at the cracked ceiling. She needed answers. Coleen had mentioned a traitor¡ªsomeone inside Astravel was helping the hunters. But who? And why? A soft knock at her door made her jolt upright. Heart pounding, she crept across the room and pressed her ear against the wood. "Ashley?" She exhaled in relief. Lena. Ashley unbolted the door and let her in. The young maid slipped inside, glancing nervously down the hall before shutting the door. "You look like you¡¯ve seen a ghost," Ashley whispered. Lena¡¯s hands trembled as she held up a folded piece of parchment. "I found this in the laundry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It was inside one of the guards¡¯ uniforms." Ashley took the parchment and unfolded it. Her blood turned to ice. The note read: "The girl is in the palace. The prince is watching her. We must move soon." Ashley¡¯s hands shook. The hunters were already here.
Ashley burned the note in the fireplace, watching as the flames devoured the message. Lena paced beside her. "Ashley, what does this mean?" "It means I¡¯m running out of time," Ashley muttered. She needed to get out of the palace¡ªtonight. But where would she go? The world outside Astravel was just as dangerous. If the hunters were watching her here, they would have spies everywhere. Lena bit her lip. "Maybe you should talk to Prince Coleen." Ashley snorted. "Oh, sure. I¡¯ll just walk up to the prince and say, ¡®Hey, can you help me escape your own palace?¡¯ That¡¯ll go well." Lena frowned. "You don¡¯t trust him?"Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Ashley hesitated. No. She didn¡¯t. Coleen was too unpredictable, too cold, too ruthless. He had let her go last night, but that didn¡¯t mean he wouldn¡¯t turn her in if it benefitted him. Still¡­ he had warned her about the traitor. And he hadn¡¯t told Marion what he knew. Ashley sighed. "I don¡¯t know." Lena sat beside her. "Then what¡¯s the plan?" Ashley exhaled slowly. "I¡¯ll go to the royal archives. If the hunters are looking for me, then I need to know why. I need to find out what they want." Lena¡¯s eyes widened. "The royal archives? Ashley, that¡¯s¡ª" "Forbidden?" Ashley smirked. "That didn¡¯t stop me last night." Lena groaned. "You¡¯re going to get yourself killed." Ashley stood, already forming a plan in her mind. "Then I better make it worth it."
Slipping into the forbidden library had been easy. Getting into the royal archives? Not so much. Ashley pressed herself against a stone pillar, her breath steady as she watched the guards patrolling the entrance. Unlike the library, the archives were heavily guarded. Only royal scholars and high-ranking officials were allowed inside. Ashley clenched her fists. How was she supposed to sneak in? Then, an idea struck. She turned to Lena. "How much do you like causing distractions?" Lena groaned. "I knew you were going to say that." Ashley grinned. A few minutes later, chaos erupted. A stack of silver plates crashed to the floor as Lena ran through the hall, screaming about a rat. The guards turned immediately, rushing to calm the commotion. Ashley didn¡¯t hesitate. She darted through the entrance and into the darkness of the archives.
Lost History The archives were massive, rows of ancient texts stretching into the shadows. Ashley¡¯s fingers skimmed the shelves as she searched. There had to be something here¡ªsome record of Crescent Moon. Finally, she found it. A dusty, leather-bound book with the title: "The Fall of Crescent Moon." Ashley¡¯s heart pounded as she flipped through the pages. Then, she saw her parents¡¯ names. King Alaric. Queen Seraphina. And beneath their portraits, a single chilling sentence: "The royal bloodline was wiped out. No survivors." Ashley¡¯s breath hitched. That was a lie. She was standing right here. Her hands shook as she turned another page. And then, she found something even worse. A list of names. The people who had helped betray Crescent Moon. Her eyes scanned the list until she saw a name she never expected. Ashley felt the world tilt around her. She whispered the name, barely able to believe it. "Marion. "Ashley stumbled back, her mind racing. Marion¡¯s family had helped destroy Crescent Moon. That¡¯s why Marion hated her. That¡¯s why she was trying to turn Coleen against her. She wasn¡¯t just jealous¡ªshe was part of the enemy¡¯s bloodline. A sudden creak behind her made Ashley freeze. She whipped around, her pulse spiking. Coleen stood in the doorway. Ashley snapped the book shut, holding it close to her chest. "What are you doing here?" she demanded. Coleen¡¯s gaze flickered to the book. "I could ask you the same thing." Ashley¡¯s grip tightened. "You already know, don¡¯t you?" Coleen¡¯s silver eyes darkened. "Yes." Silence stretched between them. Ashley¡¯s thoughts spun wildly. If Coleen knew about Marion¡­ why hadn¡¯t he done anything? Ashley took a step forward, her voice low. "Are you protecting her?" Coleen¡¯s expression hardened. "This is bigger than you think, Ashley." She let out a bitter laugh. "Then tell me. Tell me why the girl who¡¯s been making my life hell is from the same bloodline that helped slaughter my people." Coleen didn¡¯t flinch, but Ashley saw the faint flicker of guilt in his eyes. "Because Marion isn¡¯t just an enemy¡¯s daughter," he finally said. "She¡¯s¡­ my cousin." Ashley stilled. She stared at him, the weight of his words crashing down like thunder. Marion was his family. Everything suddenly made sense. Ashley felt the fire inside her burn brighter. "Then I guess you¡¯ll have to choose, won¡¯t you?" she whispered. "Your kingdom¡­ or your blood." Coleen¡¯s expression remained unreadable. But Ashley already knew the truth. Marion would never stop hunting her. And if Coleen couldn¡¯t stand against his own family, then Ashley was truly on her own Chapter seven:the web of lies Ashley barely spoke for the rest of the day. Her mind was tangled in the revelation that Marion¡ªColeen¡¯s own cousin¡ªwas from the same bloodline that had betrayed Crescent Moon. Did Coleen know all along? Or had he just found out? The thought of Marion working with the hunters made Ashley¡¯s stomach churn. She had believed Marion was just jealous of her, but this was far more dangerous than petty rivalry. Marion wasn¡¯t just against her¡ªshe was actively helping the enemy. Ashley needed to be careful. She couldn¡¯t trust anyone. As night fell, she made her way back to her room, her thoughts swirling like a storm. But the moment she stepped inside, she froze. A figure stood in the shadows by her window. Ashley¡¯s heart slammed against her ribs. Then, the figure moved forward, stepping into the dim moonlight. Coleen. His silver eyes locked onto hers, unreadable as always. "You were in the archives," he said. Ashley crossed her arms, trying to hide her nerves. "And you were watching me." Coleen didn¡¯t deny it. "You found out the truth about Marion," he said. "Didn¡¯t you?" Ashley clenched her fists. "You knew." Coleen¡¯s gaze darkened. "I suspected." "Then why didn¡¯t you stop her?" she snapped. "She¡¯s working with the hunters! She¡¯s been feeding them information. She¡ª" "I know," Coleen cut in, his voice dangerously quiet. Ashley¡¯s anger faltered. Then why hadn¡¯t he acted? She took a deep breath. "Coleen, she¡¯s going to betray you too. You think she¡¯s only after me, but the hunters don¡¯t just want me. They want all of us dead. Your entire kingdom. Marion isn¡¯t helping them out of jealousy¡ªshe¡¯s doing it because her family has always sided with the enemy." Coleen¡¯s jaw tightened. "I need proof," he muttered. Ashley nearly laughed in disbelief. "Proof? You need proof? What more do you need, Coleen? The hunters are inside the kingdom. They have spies. That drug they made¡ªit¡¯s not just a weapon. It¡¯s already in Astravel, and it¡¯s keeping your people weak." Coleen¡¯s expression remained cold, but Ashley saw a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. He knew she was right. Ashley stepped closer. "You feel it too, don¡¯t you?" she said. "This pull between us. You know what it means."Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Coleen¡¯s body stiffened. His silver eyes flashed with something¡ªa fleeting moment of recognition. Then, as quickly as it appeared, it was gone. "I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about," he said coolly. Liar. Ashley¡¯s fists clenched. "You can pretend all you want, Coleen. But you know exactly why you trust me, even when you don¡¯t want to." Coleen said nothing. But his silence was answer enough.
Ashley didn¡¯t sleep. She couldn¡¯t. By dawn, she had made a decision. If Coleen refused to act, she would do it herself. She was done hiding. She needed to find out exactly how Marion was communicating with the hunters. So that night, Ashley did something reckless. She followed Marion. She waited until Marion left the castle and then trailed her through the marketplace, keeping to the shadows. The streets were quiet, the air thick with the scent of rain. Marion moved quickly, her cloak pulled over her head. She passed the merchant stalls, slipped into an alleyway, and then¡ªvanished. Ashley frowned. Where had she gone? Carefully, she crept forward, scanning the alley. There. A narrow passage hidden between two stone buildings. Ashley pressed herself against the wall and peered inside. What she saw made her blood run cold. Marion wasn¡¯t alone. She stood before a hooded man, his voice barely audible. Ashley couldn¡¯t make out the words, but she saw the flash of a silver dagger in his hand. A hunter. Ashley¡¯s pulse pounded. This was it. This was proof. She just needed to get closer. She took a slow step forward¡ª And stepped on a loose stone. It clattered loudly. Marion and the hunter whipped around. Ashley¡¯s breath caught. Run. She turned and bolted, sprinting down the alley as fast as she could. Behind her, she heard footsteps¡ªpursuing, fast. She couldn¡¯t lead them back to the castle. She needed to lose them. Ashley darted through the streets, weaving between buildings until she reached the city¡¯s outer walls. No way out. The footsteps grew louder. Then¡ªa shadow moved in the darkness. And suddenly, Ashley was yanked into an alley. A strong arm wrapped around her, a hand covering her mouth. She struggled, thrashing¡ªuntil she recognized the scent. Coleen. His grip loosened as Marion and the hunter ran past, not seeing them in the shadows. Only when the streets were silent again did Coleen finally let her go. Ashley spun to face him, her heart hammering. "You were following me?" Coleen crossed his arms. "You¡¯re reckless." Ashley glared. "And you¡¯re a coward." Coleen¡¯s eyes darkened, but he didn¡¯t lash out. He just exhaled sharply and said, "Come with me." Before Ashley could argue, Coleen grabbed her wrist and pulled her into the night.
A New Alliance Coleen led her to a hidden chamber beneath the castle¡ªa war room. Torches flickered on the stone walls, maps and battle plans covering the massive wooden table. Ashley realized with a start that this wasn¡¯t new. Coleen had been preparing for war. He turned to face her. "Tell me everything you heard." Ashley hesitated. "I thought you didn¡¯t trust me." Coleen¡¯s gaze hardened. "I don¡¯t trust anyone. But if Marion really is working with the hunters, then we have a problem. And if you¡¯re telling the truth about the drug weakening our people¡­" He clenched his fists. "Then we¡¯re already losing this war." Ashley exhaled. "So what are you going to do?" Coleen¡¯s silver eyes gleamed. "We stop playing defense," he said. "We hunt the hunters." Ashley felt a slow, dangerous smile curve her lips. It was about time.
Chapter eight:the web of deception The moon hung low over Astravel, casting silver light on the stone walls of the kingdom. A tense silence filled the war room, where Ashley, Coleen, and his closest warriors stood gathered around a large wooden table. Maps, reports, and hastily scribbled notes cluttered its surface. Ashley¡¯s fingers hovered over the map. "The poison is spreading faster than we thought," she murmured. "It¡¯s already in Astravel. That means someone is smuggling it inside." Coleen, standing beside her, folded his arms. "And if someone is smuggling it, that means we have a traitor." His voice was dangerously calm, but Ashley could sense the barely restrained fury beneath it. Dave, Coleen¡¯s newly returned beta and best friend, leaned forward. His sharp eyes scanned the reports. "It has to be coming through the trade routes," he said. "Merchants, travelers, nobles¡ªsomeone is moving it past our guards." Ashley nodded. "I agree. We need to catch them in the act. If we don¡¯t stop this soon, more werewolves will die." Elena, Dave¡¯s mate, placed a protective hand over her stomach. She was pregnant, and the weight of this war sat heavily on her. "Whatever we do, we need to be careful," she warned. "If the hunters have spies in Astravel, they¡¯ll know we¡¯re watching." Coleen exhaled sharply. "Then we make our move tonight." His silver eyes locked onto Ashley¡¯s. "Are you ready?" Ashley met his gaze, determination burning in her chest. "Always." Midnight found Ashley crouched behind a stack of crates in the bustling market square. The air was thick with the scent of spices and burning lantern oil. Merchants whispered deals in the shadows, and nobles in expensive cloaks strolled past, oblivious to the danger lurking beneath their feet. Ashley¡¯s gaze swept across the crowd until she spotted something. A hunched old man in a tattered cloak moved through the stalls with careful, deliberate steps. In his hands, he carried a small wooden box. Ashley¡¯s pulse quickened. That¡¯s it. She caught Coleen¡¯s eye from across the square and gave a small nod. He responded with the slightest tilt of his head. Silently, Ashley slipped through the crowd, following the old man¡¯s path. The moment he turned into a dark alley, she lunged. She grabbed him by the cloak and yanked him back against the wall. "What¡¯s in the box?" she demanded. The old man gasped, his wrinkled hands trembling. "I¡ªI don¡¯t know what you mean!" Coleen stepped into the alley, his presence like a cold storm rolling in. "Open it." The man hesitated, but one sharp glare from Coleen sent him scrambling to lift the lid. Inside, nestled in soft cloth, were small glass vials filled with a golden liquid.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Ashley¡¯s breath caught. The poison. Coleen reached for one and held it up to the dim moonlight. The liquid inside shimmered with an unnatural glow. "Where did you get this?" he asked, his voice calm but deadly. The old man swallowed hard. "I¡ªI only deliver the shipments." Ashley¡¯s grip tightened. "To who?" The man¡¯s lips trembled. "A noble. I don¡¯t know his name, but he wears a silver wolf pendant." Ashley exchanged a glance with Coleen. A noble. That meant someone high-ranking in Astravel was working with the hunters. Coleen¡¯s jaw clenched. "When is the next delivery?" The man hesitated, his eyes darting toward the alley¡¯s exit. Coleen took a slow step forward, his presence looming. "If you don¡¯t answer, you won¡¯t live long enough to regret it." The old man paled. "Tomorrow. Midnight. The river docks." Ashley¡¯s mind raced. The docks were outside the castle walls. If nobles were involved, they wouldn¡¯t handle the poison themselves¡ªthey¡¯d send someone. Which meant... It was a perfect place for a trap. Coleen gave a slow nod. "Good. Then you¡¯re coming with us." The old man¡¯s face twisted in fear. "What? No! I told you what you wanted!" Ashley smirked. "Yes. But now, you¡¯re bait."
The river docks were eerily silent when Ashley, Coleen, Dave, and Lena arrived the next night. The moon cast a cold glow over the rippling water, and the only sound was the distant creak of wooden boats swaying in the current. Hidden behind crates, they watched the old man stand near the water¡¯s edge, holding the box of vials. Then, footsteps. Two figures approached. One was dressed in dark clothing, his face obscured by a hood. The other... Ashley¡¯s breath caught. It was Marion. Coleen went rigid beside her. Ashley clenched her fists. She wasn¡¯t just feeding information to the hunters¡ªshe was directly involved in the poison trade. The hooded figure reached out to take the box. But before he could, Coleen stepped forward, his sword gleaming in the moonlight. "Going somewhere?" Marion froze. Ashley emerged beside him, her voice sharp. "So. Still pretending you¡¯re loyal?" Marion¡¯s eyes narrowed. Then¡ªwithout hesitation¡ªshe pulled a dagger and slashed the old man¡¯s throat. Ashley gasped as the man collapsed, choking on his own blood. Marion stepped back, her hands slick with red. "You should have stayed out of this." Then¡ªchaos. The hooded figure lunged at Coleen. Lena threw herself into the fight, her claws slashing through the air. Ashley barely had time to react before Marion turned and ran. Ashley didn¡¯t hesitate¡ªshe chased her.
The Knife in the Dark Ashley sprinted through the twisting streets, her breath sharp in the cold night air. Marion was fast, but Ashley was faster. She tackled her to the ground, slamming her against the cobblestone. "Why?" Ashley demanded. "Why betray your own people?" Marion laughed bitterly. "You think I betrayed them? No, Ashley. I¡¯m saving them." Ashley¡¯s eyes narrowed. "By working with the people who are trying to kill us?" Marion¡¯s lips curled. "You don¡¯t understand. The hunters don¡¯t want all of us dead. They only want you. If I give you to them, Astravel will be spared." Ashley felt rage explode inside her. "You think they¡¯ll keep their word?" she hissed. "They already poisoned our people. They¡¯re already inside Astravel. They won¡¯t stop with me." For the first time, doubt flickered in Marion¡¯s eyes. Ashley pressed harder. "You¡¯re being used. They¡¯ll take this kingdom just like they took Crescent Moon. And when they do, they won¡¯t leave survivors." Marion¡¯s breath caught. Ashley saw the uncertainty creeping in. Then¡ªa sharp pain shot through her side. She gasped, looking down¡ª Marion had stabbed her. Ashley stumbled back, blood spilling down her cloak. Marion¡¯s eyes were wide, her breathing ragged, like she hadn¡¯t meant to do it. Ashley¡¯s vision blurred. And then¡ªdarkness Chapter nine: blood and betrayal Pain. It was the first thing Ashley felt as she drifted between consciousness and the void. A burning, searing pain in her side where Marion¡¯s dagger had struck. Her body was heavy. Her limbs refused to move. But she could hear¡ªfaintly¡ªthe distant echoes of battle. The clash of steel. The roars of wolves shifting. The scent of blood and smoke filled her nostrils. She wasn¡¯t dead. Not yet. Ashley forced her eyes open. The world spun. The cobblestone alley was cold beneath her, damp with the night¡¯s mist and her own blood. Marion was gone. The coward ran. A voice called her name. Through the haze of pain, she saw a shadow looming over her. Coleen. His face was tight with fury, his silver eyes burning with an emotion she couldn¡¯t quite place. He dropped to his knees beside her, pressing his hands against her wound to slow the bleeding. ¡°Ashley,¡± he said, his voice dangerously low. ¡°Stay with me.¡± She tried to smirk, but it came out as a grimace. ¡°You¡¯re... worried about me?¡± His jaw clenched. ¡°You¡¯re bleeding out. This isn¡¯t the time to joke.¡± Ashley felt herself slipping again. Darkness tugged at the edges of her vision. She couldn¡¯t pass out. Not now. ¡°Marion...¡± she forced out. ¡°She¡¯s working with them... She thinks¡ªthinks she¡¯s saving the kingdom.¡± Coleen¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°She won¡¯t get far.¡± Ashley felt herself being lifted. Strong arms wrapped around her. Coleen held her against his chest as he carried her out of the alley, his grip tight like he refused to let her go. She wanted to fight. To stand on her own. But for now... she let him hold her. And then, the world faded to black.
When Ashley woke again, she was in an unfamiliar room. The air smelled of herbs. A warm glow from a lantern flickered against the stone walls. Soft blankets covered her body, though the dull ache in her side reminded her she wasn¡¯t completely safe. ¡°She¡¯s awake,¡± a voice whispered. Ashley turned her head. Elena sat beside her bed, her face filled with relief. ¡°You scared us,¡± she said softly. ¡°Coleen brought you back barely breathing.¡±Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Ashley blinked. ¡°How long...?¡± ¡°Two days.¡± Two days. Memories came rushing back¡ªthe poison, the docks, Marion stabbing her. Ashley tried to sit up, but a sharp pain forced her back down. ¡°Easy,¡± Elena said, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. ¡°You lost a lot of blood, but we stopped the bleeding. You¡¯re healing, but not fast enough to shift.¡± Ashley¡¯s fingers clenched around the sheets. She needed to be out there. She looked around. ¡°Where¡¯s Coleen?¡± Elena hesitated. ¡°He¡¯s with his parents. There¡¯s... tension.¡± Ashley¡¯s heart pounded. ¡°Because of me?¡± Elena sighed. ¡°They don¡¯t trust you, Ashley. Not yet. They think you¡¯re a danger to Astravel.¡± Of course they did. She was an outsider. A royal from a fallen kingdom. A threat. Ashley forced herself to sit up despite the pain. ¡°I need to speak to them.¡± Elena¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You¡¯re still recovering¡ª¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡± Ashley swung her legs over the side of the bed. ¡°If I don¡¯t prove myself now, I never will.¡± Elena hesitated before nodding. ¡°Then let me help you.¡±
A Meeting of Kings and Queens The royal hall was filled with tension. The King and Queen of Astravel sat on their thrones, regal and powerful. Their eyes were cold as they watched Ashley approach. Coleen stood to the side, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Ashley refused to falter. She stood tall, despite the pain, and met the King¡¯s gaze head-on. ¡°You should be resting,¡± the Queen said, her voice smooth but sharp. Ashley shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s no time for rest. Not when your kingdom is under attack.¡± The King¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°And you claim to know how to stop it?¡± ¡°I do,¡± Ashley said. ¡°But first, you need to hear the truth.¡± She took a breath. Then, she told them everything. About Crescent Moon. About the hunters. About the poison spreading through Astravel. About Marion¡¯s betrayal. By the time she finished, the Queen¡¯s expression had softened slightly. But the King still looked unconvinced. ¡°You expect us to believe that a group of humans¡ªhumans¡ªare strong enough to destroy us?¡± Ashley¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°They have a poison that kills us instantly. You¡¯ve already lost wolves to it.¡± The King hesitated. He knew she was right. Ashley took a step closer. ¡°I don¡¯t want your throne. I don¡¯t want your war. But it¡¯s coming whether you accept it or not. And if you don¡¯t act now, Astravel will fall just like Crescent Moon did.¡± A heavy silence filled the room. Then¡ª ¡°You have a sharp tongue,¡± the Queen said, a small smirk playing on her lips. ¡°I like that.¡± Ashley blinked in surprise. The Queen turned to the King. ¡°She¡¯s right. The poison is real. The threat is real. If we ignore this, we¡¯ll regret it.¡± The King exhaled, rubbing his temples. ¡°Fine. We will take action.¡± Ashley let out a slow breath. She had won. But she wasn¡¯t done yet. ¡°There¡¯s one more thing,¡± she said. The King looked at her warily. ¡°What now?¡± Ashley squared her shoulders. ¡°I have reason to believe the hunters¡¯ poison isn¡¯t just killing us. It¡¯s suppressing our wolves.¡± Coleen¡¯s head snapped up. ¡°What?¡± Ashley turned to him. ¡°I tested an antidote on a boy who had been affected by the poison. His wolf woke up.¡± Murmurs filled the hall. Ashley continued. ¡°This means there may be more wolves out there who have been weakened¡ªwolves who should be shifting but aren¡¯t.¡± Coleen¡¯s mother¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That would mean...¡± ¡°The hunters have been attacking us for longer than we thought,¡± Ashley said. ¡°They¡¯re not just killing us. They¡¯re silencing us.¡± A chilling silence fell over the room. Coleen turned to his father. ¡°We need to gather our strongest wolves. If the hunters have been planting their poison in Astravel, we might have warriors who are weaker than they should be.¡± The King nodded slowly. ¡°We will investigate this at once.¡± Ashley felt a flicker of satisfaction. She wasn¡¯t just surviving anymore. She was fighting back. But this was only the beginning. The hunters weren¡¯t done. And neither was she. Chapter ten: secret in the shadows Ashley could still feel the weight of the royal court¡¯s scrutiny long after the meeting ended. Even though she had convinced the Queen, the King remained cautious. They would never fully trust her¡ªnot yet. But she wasn¡¯t here to win their favor. She was here to save them. As she stepped out of the grand hall, she caught sight of Coleen leaning against a pillar, arms crossed, his sharp silver eyes fixed on her. ¡°You have a habit of making things difficult,¡± he said. Ashley smirked, though exhaustion tugged at her. ¡°And you have a habit of brooding.¡± Coleen let out a low chuckle, but his expression quickly turned serious. ¡°You took a big risk confronting my parents like that.¡± Ashley shrugged. ¡°Didn¡¯t have much of a choice. They needed to hear the truth.¡± His gaze darkened. ¡°You said something back there... about the hunters suppressing our wolves.¡± Ashley nodded. ¡°Yes. The boy I tested the antidote on¡ªhis wolf was asleep, not dead. If we can wake more of them, we¡¯ll have an army strong enough to fight back.¡± Coleen exhaled, running a hand through his hair. ¡°If this is true, we¡¯ve been weaker than we thought for years.¡± Ashley¡¯s fists clenched. ¡°And the hunters have been planning it all along.¡± A heavy silence settled between them before Coleen finally spoke. ¡°We need proof. More than just one boy.¡± Ashley nodded. ¡°Then let¡¯s find it.¡± Ashley wasn¡¯t surprised when Dave and Elena insisted on coming with them.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°I spent months with the elders,¡± Dave said. ¡°If there¡¯s anyone in Astravel who¡¯s been affected by the poison, I might know who they are.¡± Elena, her hand resting protectively over her stomach, nodded. ¡°I may not be fighting, but I can help.¡± Ashley glanced at Coleen, expecting him to protest¡ªElena was pregnant, after all. But instead, he nodded. ¡°Then we move fast,¡± he said. ¡°We¡¯ll start with the lower districts.¡± The lower districts were where the common-born werewolves lived. While the royals and high-ranked wolves thrived in the palace, many wolves struggled in silence. As they made their way through the city, Ashley noticed how quiet it was. Too quiet. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong,¡± she murmured. Coleen frowned. ¡°I feel it too.¡± A howl split the air. Then another. Ashley turned just in time to see a young woman collapse in the middle of the street, her body convulsing. A crowd gathered, whispers growing louder. ¡°She¡¯s been poisoned,¡± someone muttered. Ashley rushed forward, dropping to her knees beside the girl. Her skin was pale, her breath shallow. ¡°She¡¯s one of them,¡± Dave said grimly. ¡°One of the wolves whose shift was taken.¡± Ashley¡¯s heart pounded. This was their proof. Elena quickly handed her a vial of the antidote. Ashley didn¡¯t hesitate¡ªshe pressed it to the girl¡¯s lips, forcing her to drink. Seconds passed. Then¡ª The girl gasped, her body arching as if something had just snapped inside her. Her eyes turned golden. Her breathing steadied. And then, before everyone¡¯s eyes, she shifted. Gasps rang through the streets. ¡°She¡ªshe¡¯s a wolf?¡± someone stammered. ¡°She was meant to be all along,¡± Ashley said. Then she turned to Coleen. ¡°We just proved everything.¡±
A Growing Threat Word spread quickly. Wolves who had been weak for years were waking up. The hunters'' plan was unraveling. But Ashley knew it wouldn¡¯t be that easy. ¡°Do you really think the hunters won¡¯t notice what we¡¯re doing?¡± Coleen asked as they returned to the palace. ¡°They¡¯ll come for us.¡± Ashley nodded. ¡°Let them.¡± Coleen gave her a sharp look. ¡°You want to draw them out?¡± ¡°They¡¯ve been working in the shadows for too long,¡± Ashley said. ¡°If we don¡¯t make a move, they¡¯ll keep weakening us until there¡¯s nothing left.¡± Dave stepped forward. ¡°Then we prepare for war.¡± Coleen turned to his beta, eyes unreadable. ¡°Are you ready for that?¡± Dave smirked. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for this fight my whole life.¡± Ashley¡¯s pulse quickened. The war had already begun. And this time, she wouldn¡¯t lose. Chapter eleven:the storm Ashley stood on the palace balcony, watching the city below. The news of the cure was spreading fast, and wolves who had been weak for years were regaining their strength. It was a victory, but it was also a warning. The hunters would not sit still. They would strike soon. Behind her, Coleen¡¯s voice was firm. ¡°We don¡¯t have much time.¡± She turned to face him. He stood with Dave, Elena, and Lena, all of them gathered in the war chamber. The map of Astravel lay spread on the table, marked with locations of known hunter activity. Dave pointed to a village near the eastern border. ¡°This is where we found the last victim. If the hunters are poisoning wolves, their base isn¡¯t far from here.¡± Ashley traced the markings on the map. ¡°We need to find that base and destroy it before they strike.¡± Coleen¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°You¡¯re not going alone.¡± She raised an eyebrow. ¡°I wasn¡¯t planning to.¡± Dave smirked. ¡°I¡¯ll take a scouting team. We¡¯ll locate their camp and report back.¡± Ashley nodded. ¡°Good. But we can¡¯t just wait. We need to prepare Astravel for battle.¡± Elena spoke up. ¡°More wolves are waking up every day. If we can rally them¡ª¡± A loud howl interrupted her.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Ashley¡¯s heart leaped. The alarm. The hunters were here.
A City Under Siege Ashley sprinted through the halls with Coleen at her side. By the time they reached the city gates, chaos had already begun. Shadows moved in the streets, hooded figures darting between buildings. Arrows dipped in poison rained from the rooftops. A warrior fell beside Ashley, gasping for breath as his body convulsed. One drop. That¡¯s all it took. Ashley gritted her teeth. ¡°We can¡¯t let them overrun the city.¡± Coleen¡¯s wolf eyes gleamed in the darkness. ¡°Then we fight.¡± With a powerful leap, he shifted mid-air, landing in the middle of the battle. His massive black wolf tore through the hunters, fangs snapping, claws slashing. Ashley didn¡¯t hesitate. She summoned the earth beneath her, pulling the stone and dirt upward, creating barriers to shield the civilians. Lena, despite not having special abilities, fought fiercely alongside the warriors. Dave and his scouting team arrived just in time, cutting through the hunters with deadly precision. But Ashley¡¯s focus was on one figure¡ªthe leader of the attack. A hooded man stood on a rooftop, watching the battle with cold, calculating eyes. The hunter. Ashley¡¯s blood ran cold. He was here. The man smirked as if sensing her gaze. Then, in a blur of movement, he vanished into the shadows. Ashley¡¯s wolf howled inside her. He was taunting her. This wasn¡¯t a full attack. It was a warning.
Aftermath By dawn, the hunters had retreated. The city stood, but the cost was high. Dozens of wolves lay poisoned. Ashley knelt beside one of the wounded, a young warrior struggling to breathe. She clenched her fists. This had to stop. Coleen placed a hand on her shoulder. ¡°We need to strike back.¡± Ashley looked up, her golden eyes burning with determination. ¡°No more waiting. No more hiding.¡± She turned to the gathered wolves. ¡°We take the fight to them.¡± A chorus of howls filled the air. The war had begun.