The clearing held its breath. Shadow Moon wolves watched with a mixture of apprehension and awe as their future Alpha stood toe-to-toe with the heir of their sworn enemy. Kaia, despite the tremor of fear that ran through her, held Rhys's gaze, refusing to back down.Rhys, for his part, seemed to relish her defiance. A slow smile spread across his face, a flash of white teeth against his dark muzzle. "Spirit," he rumbled, his voice a low purr that sent shivers down her spine. "I knew there was a reason why you were chosen for me."Kaia bristled. "Chosen?" she scoffed. "As if I had any say in the matter.""Perhaps not," Rhys conceded, his silver eyes gleaming with amusement. "But fate has a way of working things out, wouldn't you agree?"Before Kaia could retort, Ronan stepped forward, his voice laced with warning. "Rhys, this is your final chance. Leave now, and we will forget this trespass."Rhys glanced at Ronan, then back at Kaia. "I will not leave without her," he stated, his voice firm. "But I also do not wish for bloodshed. Give us a chance to speak, Alpha Ronan. Allow Kaia and me to decide our own fate."A murmur arose from the Shadow Moon pack. Kaia saw doubt and curiosity reflected in their eyes. This was unprecedented. Never had an Alpha heir from the Blood Moon pack set foot on their territory, let alone demanded a peaceful meeting.Ronan hesitated, his gaze flickering between his daughter and the imposing wolf before him. Kaia could see the conflict raging within him – the desire to protect his daughter, the duty to uphold the traditions of their pack, and perhaps, a flicker of hope that this ancient prophecy might finally bring an end to the generations-long feud.After a tense moment, Ronan nodded, his voice gruff. "Very well, Rhys. You have one hour. But if you try anything—""I understand, Alpha Ronan," Rhys interrupted, dipping his head in a gesture of respect. "You have my word."Ronan stepped back, allowing Kaia and Rhys a space to speak. The clearing remained silent, every eye fixed on them, the weight of their packs' expectations bearing down on their shoulders.Kaia met Rhys's gaze, her heart pounding. This was it. The moment that could change everything. She took a deep breath and spoke, her voice surprisingly steady."So, Rhys of Blood Moon, what do you have to say for yourself?"Rhys's lips curled into a smile, a flash of white against his dark fur. "Only that I am pleased to finally meet my mate," he replied, his voice a low rumble that sent a tremor through her. "And that I intend to make you mine."