Warm drinks delivered, shared memories when we were a pup and easy laughter. Each time they said, “We regret it, Luna. Let us fix this,” it sounded less like remorse for betrayal and neglect and more like an excuse for a minor scrape during training.

Then came the sudden invitation to dine.

“Our offering,” Alpha sent. “The old gathering den. You remember it.”

Part of me wanted to erase the message and pretend it never reached my mindlink. But another quieter part, the tired, worn part of my wolf, wondered if perhaps we could close this bond without anger. Without bitterness.

So I came.

The moonbrew den had not changed. Wooden tables worn smooth by time, low lantern light, soft music humming through rune charms. The scent of herbs and roasted meat filled the air, mixed with memories I was unsure I wanted to reclaim.

I watched Alden and Draven laugh, as we once had and for a brief moment, it almost felt… bearable.

Then Alden’s crystal communicator glowed. He glanced at it and froze.

“It is Selene,” he said under his breath, frowning.

“What? Speak clearly… attacked? By the rogues? Where are you?” His voice sharpened as he rose abruptly.

In moments, both Alden and Draven were standing.

“She is crying,” Alden explained, tension tight in his voice. “She was harmed. We must go to her.”

There were no farewells. No glance toward me. They rushed out, as though the Moon Goddess herself had called them.

I remained seated, staring at untouched food, the small lantern flame slowly fading. I paid the moon-credits myself.

Outside, the sky broke open. Thunder rolled across the land and rain fell heavily upon the stone paths. The streets were empty, no moonchariots, no passing pack warriors. The den keeper offered a cloak, but the doors were already sealed for the storm. I had no choice but to walk.

Each step felt heavy. My arm throbbed beneath its healing wraps. My body ached. Yet worse than the pain was the storm itself. Thunder had always terrified me since I was a pup. Lightning and roaring skies made it feel as though the world would be torn apart.

I pulled my cloak tighter and kept moving, the territory blurred by rain and shadow.

Then, a flash of light. A loud horn call. A moonchariot rushing fast.

There was no time.

Darkness claimed me.