Chapter 113: Officially Merge

Chapter 113: Officially Merge
Claire's POV

"That scream... With my eyes darting over the tree line, I muttered, "It did not sound like any wolf I have heard before."

The boy next to me continued to shake. He clutched the scroll as if it were the only thing keeping him from collapsing, his clothes ripped and soaked. His arms had bite marks and bruises that I could see. The person who sent him treated him like bait rather than an ally.

I moved in closer, lowering myself to his level. "What is your name?"

His voice was small as he stammered, "L-Lucien." "They took my pack. The Shadow Alpha was not someone they wanted to follow. However, he... he did not offer them an option.

With a heavy heart, I looked at the ridge. "What happened to you before this?"

"South," he murmured. Near the old Ember Hollow lands. He’s building something there, forcing wolves from different packs to fight, to train like soldiers. They say it’s for a new order. He calls it the Rising Fang.”

Derek arrived seconds later, followed by Rowan and three warriors. One look at the boy and they knew something was wrong. Derek met my eyes.

“More trouble?”

I gave a nod. "Much more."

For the night, we put Lucien in the healer's cabin. He needed time to feel safe, warmth, and food. I could not sit still, though. Lucien's description of this "Shadow Alpha" and that howl had both shaken something inside of me. I was aware that this was more than just a resurgence of an old threat.

It was something new, and it was growing.

Later that evening, Derek called a gathering of both Redwater and the remaining Midnight Moon wolves. After the recent battles and shared victories, the two packs had grown close. But something stronger than an alliance was needed now.

We stood side by side on the speaking stone, the crescent moon above casting silver light over the clearing. Derek raised his voice, clear and strong.

“It’s time we stop calling ourselves two packs. Redwater and Midnight Moon are no longer separate. We have fought together. We have bled together. We rise together now.

There was a pause while everyone processed what he had said. Then Rowan moved forward and touched his chest.

I take my oath as Midnight Moon's final Beta. We will let our wolves take the Redwater route. We triumphed because we discovered something more powerful, not because we lost.

Then came the thunderous, deep howls of the unit and cheers. The sound of packs uniting was something I had not heard in a while.

A mixture of pride and fear filled my heart. Since I understood the meaning of unity. That meant we had more to defend now.

I sat by myself by the ancient well after the party, allowing the cool breeze to caress my skin. Derek sat down next to me after I heard footsteps.

"I understand your thoughts," he remarked.

"I do not think so," I muttered. "I have no idea what I am thinking."

He gave a quiet laugh. "You want to know if combining the packs will make us more powerful or if it will only make us look more vulnerable."

I gave him a look. "You are aware of my thoughts."

Derek put his elbows on his knees and leaned forward. "We have changed as wolves over the past few months, Claire. Everything has changed because of you. Now that Redwater is more powerful, we are more than just a target—we are a wall with Midnight Moon at our side. Give them a chance.

His words were helpful, but I kept thinking about Lucien. And the noise in the forest.

"I have to head south," I said abruptly.

Derek's forehead wrinkled. "What?"

"I must see what is going on at Ember Hollow. We cannot wait for this Shadow Alpha to approach us if he is assembling an army. We must be aware of our opponents.

He remained quiet for a while. "Then I will accompany you."

"No," I firmly said. "You remain. You must be here for the pack.

Derek's jaw tensed, but he did not protest.

I met with Rowan and Jared the following morning. "I need two warriors that I can trust." Complete loyalty, no questions asked.

Jared immediately said, "You have us."

"Good," I said. "We depart at dusk."

At dusk, I bid Derek farewell with a kiss, embraced the puppies who had begun referring to me as "Luna Mama," and vanished into the trees with Jared and Rowan by my side. It was dark, and we moved quickly, travelling light.

We travelled south for two days, past the boundary of Redwater territory. The air started to change on the third day. Something about it smelled off, like burned wood. We noticed more indications of something sinister the further we dug.

Broken bones. Campsites that are broken. A ripped banner bearing the Rising Fang's claw mark.

We took turns keeping watch at night. I heard low voices chanting on the fourth night, like whispers in the wind. I took care not to step on any dry leaves as I followed the sound. Then I caught sight of them.

A clearing filled with wolves—more than fifty of them. They stood in perfect lines, eyes glowing faint red. And in the centre… a figure in a long cloak. His voice was the one I’d heard.

He yelled, "We are the new blood." "The future. The false Lunas will fall, and the forgotten will rise.

I gasped.

Raising a hand, he gestured to a wooden post with a symbol etched into the bark. My name.

He said, "Claire of Redwater." "Your time is running out."

With my heart racing, I turned to run. However, I trod on a branch. Sharp and loud, it cracked.

Everybody turned to face me.