A faint, fragile cry broke through the oppressive quiet, slicing into the stillness like a blade. My body seized at once, every muscle locked in terror as a painful breath caught in my lungs.

My child.

“No! Please, no—my baby!” I sobbed uncontrollably, wrenching myself against the bindings that held me tight. Agony flared through my body, my arms on fire from the rope, my legs bent at cruel angles. But I felt none of it. Only the terror.

Down on the forest floor, the beta warrior finally moved. His gaze landed on the tiny, blood-slick figure crumpled on the ground. His face betrayed nothing as he stepped toward the newborn, slow and hesitant.

“Please, pick him up!” I begged, my voice scraped raw by panic. My entire being trembled with desperation. “Don’t just stand there—he’s a baby! Please!”

He hesitated. His fingers twitched, uncertain, then he knelt and cautiously gathered the infant into his arms. For a moment, silence blanketed us again as he examined the motionless form. Then, his brows lifted ever so slightly.

“He’s alive,” the man said flatly, almost like he couldn’t believe it. He turned the infant gently, his hands awkward and unsure. Then he added, his tone softer, “It’s… it’s a boy. A strong one, too.”

My breath faltered. A boy?

Rydan’s son. His heir.

Tears flooded my eyes, distorting the image before me. Whether he was a girl or a boy didn’t matter to me. I just wanted to cradle him, press him against my heart, whisper soft reassurances even though I couldn’t promise safety. But instead, I hung uselessly in the dark, unable to do a thing.

The warrior looked uncomfortable, unsure of how to proceed. He clutched the baby awkwardly, as if the small life in his arms was too much responsibility. My lips trembled. “Please… Please let me down. I just want to hold him.”

His jaw clenched, his eyes darting around as though he expected punishment for even considering it. “I’m sorry. I… I can’t. Alpha Rydan gave strict orders. You’re to remain where you are.”

“I’m begging you…” My sob was barely a breath.

He looked from me to the child, now whimpering softly, and finally gave a reluctant nod. “Alright. But I have to inform the Alpha first.”

Still unsure, he removed his coat and gently laid it over a patch of grass. He bent down and placed the infant carefully atop the fabric, arranging it to cushion him from the cold ground.

“I’ll come back,” he promised, already backing away. “I’ll explain everything.”

And with that, he vanished into the trees, disappearing into the night. My breaths came fast and shallow, panic clawing at my throat as I stared at my baby lying alone beneath the moonlight. His tiny cries pierced the air—each one carving into my soul.

Then I heard it. A faint rustle.

My stomach sank.

Every instinct screamed in alarm. The air grew heavier, colder. A presence stirred in the shadows.

Then she appeared.

Amara.

My heart crashed against my ribs as she stepped out of the dark, her lips curling into a smile both slow and malicious.

“Isn’t this tragic?” she mused, cocking her head as she looked up at me. “Dangling like a shattered puppet… forced to witness it all without being able to stop any of it.”

My voice shook. “Don’t touch him,” I warned, barely managing to speak.

She laughed softly, a mocking sound. “Oh, Marian…” she said, stepping closer. “You know I wouldn’t hurt a child. I’m not heartless.”

For a second, I let myself hope.

But the illusion shattered with a low, guttural growl that vibrated through the trees. My eyes snapped to the forest line as the underbrush shifted. Glowing eyes pierced the shadows—predators emerging one by one into the firelight.

Wild wolves. Starving. Bloodthirsty.

Terror gripped me. “No…”

Amara’s smile grew cruel as she stepped aside, watching them advance. “I won’t lay a finger on the boy. But them?” She gestured toward the beasts. “They’re not under my control.”

“NO!” I screamed, thrashing wildly. “You can’t do this! Call them off, Amara! Please!”

She waved a hand dismissively and turned her back to me, walking away like she was done with the show. “Goodnight, Marian. Try not to scream too much—it won’t help.”

“Amara! Please! Stop! Don’t leave!” My voice shattered as it rose—but she didn’t look back.

The wolves circled my baby now. Saliva dripped from their bared teeth, eyes gleaming like coals, steps slow and deliberate as they closed in. My heart tried to break free from my chest.

“Leave him alone!” I screamed, my voice hoarse and wild. “Get AWAY from him!”

But they didn’t care. A chilling snarl rang out.

The baby’s cry tore through the air—sharp, terrified.

And then… silence.

A crack—wet and final.

My mind split.

I could no longer scream. I could no longer breathe.

My baby. My son.

Gone.

My senses blurred. The world around me dimmed, spinning without sound. Where his cries once filled the air, there was now only a terrible silence that clawed into my skull. And then, cruelly, the ropes that had held me so tightly gave way.

I plummeted to the earth.

I landed hard, the wind knocked from my lungs. Shaking, I raised my head, eyes locking on what remained of the tiny form once filled with life.

The wolves turned.

They saw me now.

Their hunger remained.

Tears streaked down my face as I whispered to the sky, voice ragged and broken, “Moon Goddess… why have you turned away from me?”

Then they attacked.

And everything dissolved—

Into cold, eternal dark.

The beta warrior pushed himself through the thick underbrush, lungs burning with each rapid breath. As the lights of the pack's camp came into view, he slowed, scanning the area frantically for any sign of the Alpha. But before he could go any farther, several of Rydan’s guards caught sight of him.

“What are you doing back here?” one of them demanded, eyebrows furrowed. “Weren’t you assigned to watch Marian?”

Another snorted, arms crossed. “Why bother? It’s not like she can go anywhere. She’s securely tied up, and there’s no way off these lands.”

A few of them exchanged mocking smirks, letting out low chuckles. The beta’s mouth opened as he readied to explain—but before he could say a word, a distinct scent drifted toward them, sharp with herbs and earth.

They all turned just in time to see Amara approaching, her steps uneven.

She wore loose, breathable garments that revealed the edges of her bandaged injuries. Layers of salves and herbs clung to her skin, the scent unmistakable. Her movement was labored, each step clearly painful, and her usual air of pride was dulled, her face pale and drawn. Still, she managed a frail smile as she approached the cluster of warriors.

“What’s the commotion about?” she asked, feigning curiosity with practiced ease. “Why are you all gathered here like something urgent happened?”

A warrior stepped forward, speaking without hesitation. “We just returned after dealing with Marian. Gave her what she deserved.”

Amara stopped short, her eyes widening slightly—just enough to seem surprised.

“Dealt with Marian?” she echoed, her voice delicate, touched with disbelief. One hand moved to rest lightly over her heart. “Where’s Alpha Rydan?”

As though her words summoned him, Rydan appeared from the shadows nearby. His imposing form silenced the entire group in an instant. His sharp gaze locked onto the beta warrior, suspicion flaring in his eyes.

“Why are you here instead of fulfilling your assignment?” Rydan barked. “I gave you clear instructions.”

The beta straightened, mouth parting to offer an explanation—but Amara slipped between them, speaking before he could utter a word.

“Rydan,” she said softly, her voice trembling with apparent worry as she looked up at him with wide, imploring eyes. “Is it true? Did you really have Marian punished?”

Rydan’s jaw clenched. “Yes,” he said with conviction. “She had it coming after what she did to you.”

Amara looked down, her hands clasped in front of her.

“I… I don’t hold her actions against her,” she whispered. “Maybe her anger overwhelmed her. She’s carrying a child. That must’ve clouded her thoughts.”

Rydan’s eyes narrowed. “You’re pregnant, too,” he reminded her coldly. “But you don’t behave like that.”

Amara turned her head away, as though the words shamed her. “Perhaps I empathize with her pain,” she murmured. “I don’t want to be the cause of her misery. Leaving her out there, alone… it breaks my heart.”

Her voice was gentle, full of concern, but it only seemed to deepen the scowl on Rydan’s face.

“You’re too soft,” he growled. “Marian needs to understand the consequences of her actions. The last time, you pleaded for her. And what did she do? She nearly killed you—pushed you off a cliff.”

Amara bit her lower lip, seeming to struggle to hold back emotion. “I just don’t want her pain to be because of me…”

Rydan reached out and cradled her face, his touch unexpectedly tender. “She made her own choices,” he told her in a low voice. Then he turned his steely gaze back to the beta warrior.

“You are not to return to her. Leave her where she is. Let her feel the weight of her mistakes.”

The beta hesitated, unease creeping through him, but he gave a stiff nod, unable to go against a direct command.

Pleased, Rydan returned his attention to Amara. He slipped an arm around her waist and gently steered her away from the others. “Come. You need to rest.”

That night, Rydan remained at Amara’s side. They were intimate, though he was careful with her—mindful of the unborn life she carried. Afterward, he pulled her close beneath the sheets, his hand running along her side.

“Don’t think about Marian anymore,” he whispered, brushing a kiss over her shoulder. “You need peace. Focus on yourself and our child.”

Amara gave a bashful nod. “Yes, Alpha. Your wisdom is unmatched. I’ll do as you say.”

The night melted into soft sighs and warm embraces. Rydan held her possessively, pressing her closer, his need to protect her deepening with every breath she took beside him.

But something was off.

He couldn’t place it, but a chill crept over him, spreading like frost beneath his skin. His eyes shifted toward the open window, and he noticed the absence of moonlight.

A moonless night.

He gave a quiet breath, shook off the feeling, and tightened his arms around Amara before surrendering to sleep.

Sleep came swiftly. Too easily.

Until it didn’t.

A sharp, agonized howl cut through the still dawn, followed by urgent voices shouting in the distance. Rydan’s eyes flew open, instincts firing all at once. That eerie sensation from earlier slammed back into him, dragging his thoughts into clarity.

His gaze shot toward the window again—his mind instinctively turning to the place where Marian had been left.

Something was terribly wrong.

It was the beta who stumbled upon the scene first.

He had returned—but much too late. Whatever guilt had gnawed at him overnight must have finally broken through, forcing him back before the morning light had fully touched the sky.

He hadn’t expected the carnage.

The clearing was soaked in blood, littered with shards of bone, and chunks of raw, torn flesh. The stench alone was thick enough to choke on—death hanging heavy in the air.

He stopped dead in his tracks, eyes wide. His breath hitched as his stomach twisted violently.

Crimson blotches had sunk into the soil, mixing with torn cloth—his coat. The same one he had used to cover the newborn against the cold. Now, it was soaked through with blood, the fabric slashed and nearly buried beneath the horror. Jagged slivers of bone pierced through it, and he staggered.

He only made it a step or two before doubling over and vomiting onto the ground. The bitter taste in his throat did nothing to dull the icy dread that crept through his chest.

Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he stumbled backward, his head shaking, his lips whispering disbelief. He had to alert the others—Rydan needed to know. Turning abruptly, he broke into a sprint, the sound of his own panicked breathing pounding in his ears as he raced back toward the camp.

He burst into the clearing, yelling frantically, voice cracked and hoarse:

“Wild wolves! There were wild wolves in our lands!”

Murmurs broke out instantly among the warriors. Confusion rippled through them. Some looked skeptical. Others glanced at each other with disbelief.

“Wild wolves?” one scoffed, folding his arms across his chest. “Seriously? Here? That doesn’t happen.”

Another one shook his head. “There’s no way. The Moon Goddess watches over these grounds. No savage creature could break that protection.”

But the beta wouldn’t back down. His head jerked in denial, voice shaking. “I swear—I saw it. Tracks, claw marks, blood everywhere. It’s real.”

Their raised voices drew more of the pack. Warriors began to gather, curiosity turning to unease. And then Rydan appeared, his presence drawing silence. His eyes blazed with irritation as he scanned the group.

“What is this noise?” he growled. His gaze fixed on the beta. “Have you lost your mind, screaming like a lunatic?”

The beta opened his mouth to speak, but gagged, the images he’d witnessed flashing again before his eyes. Swallowing hard, he clenched his fists and forced the words through trembling lips.

“Come with me. You need to see it yourself.”

Rydan’s frown deepened. He didn’t like being spoken to like that—especially not by someone beneath him. But something in the beta’s shaking hands, the haunted look in his eyes, made a cold shiver crawl up Rydan’s spine.

“…Fine,” he snapped. “Show me.”

Uneasy, the rest of the warriors followed. The earlier tension had curdled into dread. As they neared the area, Rydan’s stride quickened, eventually overtaking the beta.

He knew this place. His instincts screamed warnings as the trees gave way to that cursed patch of forest.

It was where they had left me.

But I was no longer there.

Rydan’s sharp gaze swept over the ground, jaw tightening with frustration.

“Where is she?” he snarled, rounding on the beta. “You moved her? Didn’t I tell you not to untie her? What did you do?!”

The beta’s face went pale. He could barely lift his arm as he pointed, voice quivering. “Th-there…”

Rydan followed his gesture.

The soil was soaked dark, almost black with fresh blood. Patches of flesh—raw, torn, unrecognizable—were scattered around. Crushed bone jutted from the mess, gnawed and splintered.

He blinked, unable to comprehend what he was seeing. No… this couldn’t be.

His chest heaved, claws twitching at his sides. His breath came fast, angry.

“Did I not give orders to keep this place clean? This is a sacred punishment ground. Blood draws disease.”

He shot a venomous look at the beta.

“Well? Still not telling me where she is?”

But the beta only trembled. Then, slowly, he raised a hand again—this time pointing to the wall of stone where I had once been tied. “Th-that’s… her…”

Rydan’s gaze snapped to the rock—and what little denial remained in him shattered.

The stone surface was marred with deep, ragged gouges. Claw marks—wild and desperate—scarred the wall. The scent of wolves still hung in the air, strong and unmistakable. He inhaled sharply, nostrils flaring.

My scent was still there—faint, but lingering. Even in death, I remained.

Then came the scream.

One of the warriors stumbled backward, pale as death, his hand raised, pointing at something behind them.

Rydan turned—and froze.

There, between the twisted roots of a tree, half-buried in dirt and shredded cloth, was a severed head.

A snarl tore from his throat.

My head.

My vacant eyes stared toward the sky, unblinking. My tangled hair was soaked in blood, fanned out in the dirt. My mouth was open, frozen mid-scream. The wound at my neck was jagged and unmistakable.

I had been devoured.

Torn apart by wild wolves alive.