The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silver glow over the dense forest. A soft breeze whispered through the trees, carrying the scent of pine and earth. It was the perfect night for a hunt.

But tonight, the hunt was not what Xavier, Alpha of the Nightshade Pack, sought.

Xavier stood at the edge of the clearing, his sharp gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The pack members were scattered around the camp, preparing for the full moon that would rise within hours. His wolf stirred restlessly beneath his skin, the pull of the moon’s power always a reminder of his duties. Yet, his thoughts were far from the pack.

For weeks, his dreams had been haunted by a pair of hauntingly familiar eyes—eyes that didn’t belong to a wolf. They belonged to a human.

Raine.

The human woman had wandered too far into the territory of the Nightshade pack. She was a stranger—unimportant. But there was something in her gaze, something that sent a jolt through Xavier’s chest. He’d felt it the moment their eyes locked.

A bond. A connection. A pull stronger than the one to his pack.

Xavier had fought it, but deep down, he knew the truth.

The ancient laws of the werewolves were clear: humans and werewolves do not mix. Such bonds were cursed, bringing destruction and war. Xavier knew better than anyone the cost of breaking the rules.

And yet, as the moon rose higher, casting its light upon the world below, Xavier could no longer ignore the way his heart raced every time he thought of Raine. It was a dangerous path to walk, but he had already taken the first step.

Xavier stepped forward, instinct tightening in his chest. "Ezekiel?" His voice was calm, but Raine heard the warning in it—saw the way his fingers twitched near his blade.


Raine's heart pounded. "Where have you been?"


Ezekiel's expression flickered. "Looking for answers. Answers you weren't ready to face."


"That doesn't explain why your scent disappeared," Xavier said. "Or why you smell like Council blood."


Ezekiel's jaw clenched. "Because I made a choice."


He looked at her then—not with the warmth of their bond as packmates, but with the weariness of someone carrying a secret for far too long. "The Council offered me a deal. One life... in exchange for peace."


Xavier's growl was low and dangerous. "Whose life?"


"You sold me out?" her voice cracked, more from hurt than rage.


"No," he said quickly. "I did what I had to. You don't understand what's coming. The war—it's not just between packs anymore. There are darker forces beneath the Council's surface. They're awakening something ancient, something we're not ready for."


"Why?" Raine's voice rose, laced with the edge of her power.


"I was going to warn you!" Ezekiel pleaded. "I came back to get you out—before they take you!"


Xavier stepped between them. "You chose them, Ezekiel. That makes you a traitor."


"I chose survival!" he shouted. "You think this fight is winnable? Raine is powerful, yes, but she's not ready. And you—" he turned to Xavier, "—you're too blinded by love to see clearly."


Xavier lunged, and Ezekiel drew his blade.


Steel clashed against claws, growls echoing through the glade. Raine stood frozen—torn between fury and heartbreak. Ezekiel had been one of them. One of hers.


As Xavier pinned Ezekiel to the ground, Ezekiel hissed, "You're not the only ones with secrets."


And in his place stood a dark figure cloaked in Council armor, its eyes glowing crimson.


The real betrayal was deeper than they thought.


Chapter 32 - Chapter 32