Chapter 39

Chapter 39
Aria

We traveled under moonlight.
Not because we had to, but because it felt right. The road to the summit city curved like a question through the forest, and every step carried the weight of everything we’d built—and everything we might lose. I couldn't fail in this.

Only a small group had come with me. Ronan. Corren. Talon. A handful of trusted scouts and witches, each masked by Sera’s glamours. The rest of our people remained behind to protect the land, to keep building, to hold onto the home we’d just began to resurrect together.

Sera’s magic clung to my skin like cool smoke, shifting my scent, softening my features. It wouldn’t fool someone looking closely, but it would be enough to get us inside unnoticed. Hopefully.

We rode in silence most of the night. The closer we got, the heavier the air felt. My chosen council had done their best to prepare me for what I should expect. But the truth was none of us could predict what would happen. How would the people of other kingdoms react, how would the Alphas and leaders? It was rare that women were seen as leaders. First born female wolves were often overlooked unless a male heir couldn't be produced.

The summit city was a place of ceremony and secrets. Tall white spires, gilded gates, and banners that fluttered with lies. It was where kings and queens gathered to make promises no one expected them to keep. Where alliances were brokered over wine, and wars were born in whispers.

And soon, I would walk into its heart.

The plan was simple: get in, stay quiet, watch, wait. The Moonlight Ball would be the moment. The world would see the last of the Nightshade line standing, not hiding.

But that didn’t make this feel any less dangerous. Anything could happen.

We reached the outer city by midday. Even under illusion, I felt eyes on me. The guards at the gates barely glanced at us—Sera’s spells doing their work—but my wolf still paced beneath my skin. Uneasy. Alert. She felt as conflicted as I did about this whole situation.

Inside, the streets buzzed with energy. Market stalls overflowing with fabrics and fruit. Nobles in silks and gold, their laughter brittle as glass. Couriers with royal seals on their cloaks. And everywhere, the crest of the Thorne kingdom.

I walked beside Ronan, hood drawn, eyes sharp. Talon never strayed more than a step from my side, his gaze scanning every rooftop, every alley. Corren trailed just behind us, casually flipping a knife in his palm.

"We’re surrounded by liars and power-hungry bastards," Corren muttered under his breath. "Half of these people would slit our throats if they knew who you were."

Talon growled low, but I touched his arm. "Not here," I whispered. "Not yet."

We paused at a courtyard fountain, its waters clear and cold. Across the square, a group of royals stood laughing, their jewelry catching the light. One of them wore the colours of the house that had burned my family’s estate. His colours.

I stiffened.

Ronan noticed. "You alright?"

"Yes, I am. I knew this wouldn't be easy," I murmured.

One of the witches stepped closer. "What will you do when you see him again? The King?"

There was a pause. What would I do? I didn't know honestly. I was so hurt and broken when he rejected me so cruelly. But had he not, would I be where I am now? Would I have ran into that forest, found Sera? Would my power be unlocked and one with me now?

Corren scoffed. "You’d be a fool to even speak to him."

"Maybe," I said softly. "But if we want to change the world, we have to give others the chance to change too."

They fell silent.

I continued, voice steady. "I don’t know what will happen when I see Kael. I’m not walking into this with a promise of forgiveness. But I’m not here to start a war. Not unless I have to."

Talon looked at me, his jaw clenched. "You think he’ll fight you?"

"I think he’s scared. I think he’s confused. And I think the best chance any of us have at peace is if we find allies—even unexpected ones. It's hard to understand what he will do. I don't know him. But I know the pain I have felt from the bond and if that is coming from him. He has been struggling."

Ronan exhaled, a pained look on his face. "You’d be willing to stand beside him?"

I hesitated. I had to do what was best for our people, for the future. "If that’s what it takes to protect our people, to end the bloodshed… yes. But not as his mate. Not unless he proves he deserves that bond again. And I won’t accept anything less than respect."

Corren raised a brow, but said nothing more. Ronan watched me for a moment longer before nodding slightly. Talon stood close to my side, he didn't say anything, he didn't need to. I knew how he felt about Kael. He had been sent to track me for Kael not long ago.

We continued deeper into the city, our shadows long against the stone. We passed a row of banners bearing the names of ruling families—some who had sworn allegiance to the Thorne throne. Some who had stood silently during the fall of mine.

My heart beat slower. Colder. My magic pulsed within, wanting to be known.

But I kept walking. Made my feet move one step at a time. I couldn't react, couldn't fall apart now.

Because this wasn’t about vengeance.

This was about reclaiming a future. A future bigger then me, bigger then those who had taken everything from me.

We arrived at the small manor secured by our scouts—a safehouse tucked near the edge of the inner district. From here, we’d watch. Listen. And wait for the Moonlight Ball.

Where the world would learn the truth.

Not just that the Nightshades still lived.

But that we had returned. And that I wasn't going anywhere.