The bonfire blazed high into the twilight sky, its flames roaring like a wolf's howl, crackling with anticipation and ancient energy.
The Autumn Summit, once merely a meeting of territory leaders, had become something far more profound.
Tonight, it would mark the rebirth of the Royal Line.
Tonight, Selene Aetheryn would be named the Alpha Queen.
Around the fire, wolves from more than twenty packs gathered, their forms shifting between human and beast. Warriors, Betas, Elders, and Alphas stood shoulder to shoulder—bound not by submission, but curiosity, awe, and in some cases, fear.
At the center of the summit's ritual circle, Selene stood cloaked in black and silver, her crest glowing against her chest, her eyes shimmering with moonlight. Her presence was no longer subtle. It demanded attention—regal, magnetic, and heavy with unshakable command.
Saria of Nightmist and Korren of Bloodfang stood at her sides, flanking her like loyal generals.
Alpha Vane, battered from their earlier duel, leaned against a stone pillar at the edge of the circle, arms crossed, watching her with an unreadable expression.
Selene took a step forward.
The fire behind her roared louder.
"The blood of Aetheryn has returned," she called out, voice echoing with power that reached every ear, human and wolf alike. "And with it, the throne denied for a century has risen again."
No one spoke. Even the wind held its breath.
"I was rejected. I was cast out. My mate denied me. My pack betrayed me. And yet I stand—reborn. Stronger than I've ever been. Not because of their cruelty, but because I remembered who I am."
Her voice hardened. "You all remember the time when the packs were united. When there was peace—not by force, but by law. By honor. By strength that served all, not just the few."
Several elders nodded solemnly, old memories flickering in their eyes.
"Today, I offer more than revenge," Selene continued. "I offer purpose. I offer justice. And I offer a future—under a crown that does not command by fear, but by truth."
She held up the blood treaty. "Three Great Packs have sworn allegiance: Bloodfang. Nightmist. Ironclaw."
The treaty ignited in her hands—burning into blue fire and disintegrating into ash, absorbed by the ritual flames.
That was the signal.
The ancient rite had begun.
Elder Rowan of the High Council stepped forward from the watching circle. Though he had once doubted her, he now bowed deeply.
"The Circle of Three has been fulfilled," he said solemnly. "By the laws of the old blood and the will of the Moon Goddess, I, Rowan Thornhart, recognize Selene Aetheryn as Alpha Queen—sovereign of the unified packs, bearer of the Crest, heir of the Royal Bloodline."
Selene stepped forward into the firelight.
The crowd erupted—not with a cheer, but with a shift. Knees bent. Heads bowed. Even Alphas lowered themselves to the ground.
Only a few remained standing—Damien Thorn among them.
He had arrived late, watching from a distance beneath a black cloak, rage simmering beneath a mask of calm.
"She's really doing it," he muttered.
At his side, Elira's lips twisted in disdain. "They're all fools. She'll never control them. Not for long."
Damien's eyes narrowed, locked on Selene as she stood before the summit.
"This isn't the end," he whispered. "This is war."
—
As the ceremony concluded and the flames burned low, Selene retreated to the high tent set aside for the Alpha Queen. It had belonged to no one before her—it had waited generations for the return of Aetheryn blood.
Inside, she removed her cloak and stood before a mirror lined with runes. The glow of the crest reflected back at her.
"You did it," Aira whispered within her. "They bowed."
"It's not enough," Selene replied silently. "Three packs are mine… but I need the rest. The Council of Elders hasn't spoken. And Damien won't sit still."
A knock interrupted her thoughts.
Jace stepped into the tent, carrying a folded parchment. "Message," he said quietly. "Delivered by hawk. No pack seal."
Selene took it. Her fingers trembled slightly as she opened it.
Queen of Ashes.
The blood on your crown is only beginning to spill.
Come to Hollow Lake in three days if you seek the truth of your father's death.
Come alone.
There was no signature.
Selene stared at the words.
"The truth," she murmured.
Jace frowned. "It could be a trap."
"Of course it is."
"Then don't go."
Selene looked up at him, fire returning to her gaze. "I've already survived betrayal, assassination, and exile. If there's even a chance this is real… I have to go."
Jace hesitated. "Then I'm going with you."
She shook her head. "No. If it's a trap meant for me, your presence might endanger the treaty's balance. I need you to stay. Keep the others united while I'm gone."
He clenched his jaw but nodded. "Fine. But if you're not back in four days…"
"I will be."
He stepped closer, his hand brushing her arm. "You shouldn't have to do this alone."
"I'm not alone," she whispered, and touched the crest.
Moonlight filled the tent, swirling around her.
"I have the Goddess behind me now."
—
Far away, in a hidden fortress beneath the Shadow Fang stronghold, the dark figure from the cavern stood before a council of assassins and rogue Alphas.
"She has claimed the crown," he said coldly. "The Age of Unity has begun again."
He turned to a map, stabbing a dagger into the center—Hollow Lake.
"But all queens bleed."