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Fear proved to be a sharper motivator than any reasoning we could muster. The air in the meeting hall grew thick with an icy dread, pressing down on everyone until the truth became undeniable: we alone held the key to what they desired most—survival.

Some still clung to their bitterness, even if it meant risking their families' lives. The hall echoed with muttered insults and curses. I could feel Stefano’s patience fraying, his simmering desire to silence those who defied us. Mine was wearing thin, too. But before either of us could act, Niccolo raised his voice.

“If you think you can insult Luna Gianna or Alpha Stefano after they came here in peace, I suggest you think again!” he growled. “You’ll show them respect, or the bloodshed your reckless tongues provoke will be on your hands!”

At my side, Stefano let out a low chuckle. “I think I like him,” he whispered in my ear.

“Niccolo is a good man,” I replied, casting a glance at the furious faces of several warriors. “If only we had more like him in this hall.”

Alessandro finally called for a vote, and while the decision wasn’t unanimous, the majority chose to ally. The Alitos group would join Stefano’s forces in the struggle against the false king. It was a small victory, but we knew it was only the beginning. With Alessandro’s support, perhaps other resistance groups would follow more readily.

\---

Alitos became the heart of the resistance. Three days after the meeting, Davide arrived with fifty warriors from his group, though over seventy had refused to join. A few small groups from the east arrived soon after, and word came that two more were on their way. Each arrival sparked fresh hope, but the truth remained harsh.

“With your entire army in Kaeville, we can gather around seven hundred at best,” Alessandro announced grimly as he entered the meeting room. “But numbers aren’t even our main issue. Those eastern wolves—” he gestured toward the cluster of tents, “they lack formal training. Some can barely shift.”

“Damn it,” Antonio muttered, staring at Alessandro in disbelief.

Stefano pinched the bridge of his nose. “How many are ready to fight?”

Alessandro shrugged tightly. “Two hundred, maybe fewer.”

“Double damn,” Antonio said, raking a hand through his hair.

“What about the resistance in the west and north?” I asked, hoping for any good news.

Alessandro shook his head. “There’s nothing left. They’ve been wiped out, their hideouts destroyed.”

A chill gripped me, snuffing out the last shred of hope. The weight of it all threatened to crush me, but I knew we needed strength, not despair. I took a steadying breath, and Stefano’s arms wrapped around me from behind, his warmth and familiar citrus scent easing my fear. We’ll find a way, his voice reassured me in my mind. Don’t lose hope. I can train them.

I don’t doubt you can, I replied, my heart aching. But time is slipping away.

I know, he responded, tension threading his words. It hurt me to hear it. I wanted to support him, but now I felt helpless. If only Ornella’s armies weren’t aiding Alpha Matteo…

An idea struck me, and I turned to face him, taking a deep breath. “What if I could take Ornella’s armies for myself?”

Stefano frowned. “We’ve talked about this, but we don’t know enough about that blood spell.”

Alessandro looked puzzled. “Take her armies? How?”

I managed a wry smile. “Ornella might be my sister, or at least kin. If her power over the armies depends on a blood spell…”

“You could use the same spell to bind them to you,” Alessandro finished, a grin spreading across his face. “That’s brilliant!”

“Not so fast,” Antonio interjected. “We’ve looked into that spell before. All we know is that it has to be cast near one of the Night Mist lakes and requires the blood of Alpha Salvatore’s child.”

Alessandro scratched his beard. “That’s hardly enough to go on.”

I clenched my fists. “There has to be a way. I’ll talk to Elena.” I moved toward the door, but Stefano’s hand caught mine, pulling me back. He leaned in, pressing his lips to mine in a reassuring kiss.

“Whatever you choose, you have my support,” he murmured.

Emotion welled up in my throat, and I barely managed a shaky “Thank you.”

He chuckled softly. “Go, my fierce mate. Let’s hope your witch knows what to do.”

\---

An hour later, I sat in Elena’s cottage, poring over one of her ancient spell books. The text was in a language I didn’t know, but Elena had taught me key phrases to look for. Three cups of herbal tea later, we found a section on blood spells.

Elena closed the book with a sigh. “I don’t think the answer is in here. Blood spells aren’t simple; they draw from dark magic.”

Frustration bubbled up. “It can’t be that hard. Ornella isn’t a witch, and she did it after our mother died.”

Elena considered this, her brow furrowing. “She must have had guidance from a powerful witch.”

A glimmer of hope flared. “Do you know any witches near Night Mist?”

Elena’s lips curved into a smirk. “Yes. There’s one—Leandra, just outside Ferville. If anyone knows about this spell, it’s her.”

My heart pounded. “Then I need to go to Ferville right away.”

She squeezed my hands. “Be careful. Blood spells can corrupt the soul. Only those with pure hearts and strong minds can resist their pull.”

I swallowed, nodding. “I’ll be careful. But right now, taking Ornella’s armies may be our only chance.”

\---

Stefano argued against my plan for over an hour, unwilling to let me go to Night Mist alone. Deep down, I would rather have him with me, but he needed to stay here, to rally an army capable of standing against Alpha Matteo.

“This is the only way, Stefano,” I said, holding him tightly. “It’s our best chance.”

He sighed, holding me close, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of my head. “I know. I just… the thought of losing you again terrifies me.”

I stretched up to kiss him. “You won’t lose me. I’ll find Leandra, master that spell, and take control of Night Mist’s armies.”

A proud, mischievous smile tugged at his lips. “My fierce little mate,” he purred, tracing a hand along my cheek.

His gaze drifted to where Roberto secured my travel bag. “Are you sure you trust that redhead?”

I chuckled, nodding. “I do. He’s a friend. It’s Edoardo I’m not fond of,” I added, glancing at Alessandro’s second, who was preparing his horse. “But he’s a strong warrior, and I suppose it’s good to have him with us.”

Stefano inhaled deeply, his face solemn. “We’ll move the army closer to Daeville in three days to prepare. Be safe.” He kissed my forehead, lingering.

“You too,” I whispered, meeting his dark eyes one last time before mounting Emiliano’s horse. The path to Ferville awaited, and with it, the chance to claim the power we so desperately needed.