The forest whispered secrets in the language of the wind as Rain Silvano moved through its depths, his senses sharp and honed.
The scent of pine mingled with the damp earth, but it was the unmistakable hint of power that lingered in the air that drew his attention.
Nathaniel was close.
Too close.
Rain's blood pulsed with the rhythm of the moon's call, the magic coursing through him a painful reminder of the mark etched into his skin.
It was a tether he didn't want, a bond he didn't ask for—but one he couldn't deny.
"Alpha," Soren's voice was low as he fell into step beside him. "We're approaching Castellan's border. If we push farther, we'll risk alerting his sentries."
Rain's silver eyes gleamed as he turned his gaze toward the horizon.
The outline of Nathaniel's fortress loomed like a beast in the distance, its dark silhouette stark against the crimson-tinged sky.
Rain had faced countless battles in his life, but this one felt different.
This one wasn't just about territory or survival—it was personal.
"We don't wait for him to come to us," Rain said, his voice edged with determination. "He's been hunting us for too long. It's time we took the fight to him."
Soren hesitated, his loyalty warring with his caution. "If we engage on his terms, we risk everything."
Rain stopped abruptly, turning to face his beta. "We've already lost everything, Soren. If we don't act now, we'll lose the last thing we have—our pride."
The words hung in the air between them, heavy with truth.
Soren nodded slowly, his jaw tightening. "What's the plan?"
Rain's eyes flickered to the fortress once more. "We create a distraction. Draw his forces out. And when he's vulnerable, I'll face him myself."
Soren's brows furrowed. "Alone?"
Rain's expression hardened. "This is my fight. Nathaniel marked me as his. If he wants me so badly, he'll have to face me without his army."
The tension in Soren's posture didn't ease, but he didn't argue.
Instead, he gave a curt nod and turned to relay the orders to the small group of loyal wolves that had followed them into the night.
Rain watched him go, the weight of his decision settling over him like a second skin.
As the Blood Moon climbed higher in the sky, Rain felt the mark on his wrist flare again.
The sensation was like a spark igniting under his skin, sending a shiver down his spine.
He clenched his jaw, refusing to let the bond control him.
Nathaniel might have claimed him, but Rain wouldn't be broken.
Not by him.
Not by fate.
The distant sound of movement reached his ears, faint but distinct.
Rain's head snapped toward the source, his heightened senses picking up the approach of a group.
His lips curled into a snarl.
Nathaniel's sentries.
He moved swiftly, his body a blur as he melted into the shadows of the forest.
The thrill of the hunt coursed through him, adrenaline sharpening his focus.
He could see them now—three wolves in their human forms, their movements cautious but deliberate.
They didn't see him.
Rain waited until they were within striking distance before he pounced.
The first wolf didn't even have time to react before Rain's claws raked across his chest, sending him crumpling to the ground.
The second turned, his eyes wide with fear, but Rain was already on him, his movements swift and merciless.
The third wolf hesitated, his hand reaching for the dagger at his waist.
Rain's silver eyes locked onto him, and for a moment, the wolf froze.
It was all Rain needed.
He lunged, pinning the wolf to the ground with a feral growl.
"Tell your Alpha," Rain hissed, his voice low and dangerous, "that I'm coming for him."
The wolf's eyes widened in terror, and Rain released him with a shove.
The wolf scrambled to his feet and ran, his form disappearing into the shadows.
Rain stood there for a moment, his chest heaving as he let the adrenaline fade.
"Bold move," Soren's voice came from behind him, tinged with approval.
Rain didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the direction the wolf had fled. "He'll know I'm here now."
"That was the point, wasn't it?" Soren stepped beside him, his expression grim but resolute. "He'll come to you."
Rain nodded, his jaw tightening. "And when he does, we'll end this."
Nathaniel Castellan stood at the edge of the courtyard, his gaze fixed on the distant forest.
The Blood Moon bathed the world in its crimson glow, and he could feel the pull of the bond thrumming in his veins.
Rain was close—closer than he'd expected.
"My lord," Elena's voice broke the silence as she approached, her posture as rigid and controlled as always. "One of the sentries returned. He says the Blood Moon Alpha is here."
Nathaniel's lips curled into a smirk, though his eyes remained cold. "Rain never could resist a fight."
Elena hesitated, her gaze searching his face. "He's challenging you. Alone."
The smirk faltered, replaced by something darker.
Nathaniel's expression hardened, and he turned to face her fully. "Then he'll get what he wants."
Elena's brow furrowed. "Are you sure that's wise? He's dangerous, my lord. And the bond—"
"The bond changes nothing," Nathaniel interrupted, his tone sharp. "Rain is mine, whether he accepts it or not. This ends tonight."
Elena gave a reluctant nod, stepping back as Nathaniel strode past her.
His soldiers watched him with reverence and fear, parting to let him pass.
The Alpha King moved with purpose, his presence commanding as he made his way toward the forest.
The Blood Moon burned bright overhead, casting an ominous glow over the land. Nathaniel could feel the power in the air, the weight of destiny pressing down on him.
And he could feel Rain—the fire, the defiance, the unyielding spirit that had drawn him in from the very beginning.
The hunt was on.