Chapter 1: The calm before the storm
The scent of pine and fresh earth filled the crisp morning air as Aria raced through the dense forest, her laughter echoing like a melody among the towering trees. The wind swept through her golden-brown hair as she leaped over a fallen log, her wolf instincts sharpening with every movement. At just ten years old, she was small for her age, but she was fast-faster than most pups in the pack.
"Come on, Aria! You're going to lose!" a voice called out from behind her.
Aria grinned as she glanced over her shoulder. Her older brother, Tobias, was right on her heels, his dark hair tousled by the wind. He was the strongest warrior among the young wolves, the pride of their family. Bur Aria? She was a troublemaker, the dreamer. She loved the thrill of the chase, the way the world blurred past her when she ran.
"Not a chance!" she shouted back, pushing herself harder.
The finish line was just ahead-the large oak tree that marked the center of their training ground. With one last burst of speed, she lunged forward and slapped her hand against the rough bark
"I win!" she cheered, spinning around to face Tobias.
He skidded to a stop beside her, panting but grinning. "Only because i let you," he teased, ruffling her hair.
"Liar," she shot back, swatting his hand away.
A deep chuckle made them both turn. Their father, Alpha Darius, stood nearby with his arms crossed, watching them with amusement. His presence alone commanded respect-his dark eyes held wisdom, and his strong frame radiated power. But with his family, he was gentle.
"Impressive, little wolf," he said, nodding at Aria. "You're getting faster."
Aria beamed under his praise. Her father was everything she admired-strong, kind, and a leader loved by all. The sliver moon pack thrived under his rule, and their family was at the heart of it all.
"Come," he said, motioning for them to follow. "Your mother is waiting for us."
They walked back toward the packhouse, the towering wooden estate that housed the Alpha family. The smell of fresh bread and roasted meat drifted through the open windows, making Aria's stomach rumble.
Inside their mother, Luna Evelyn, was setting the long dinning table. She was the kind of Luna every pack dreamed of-graceful yet fierce, with an unshakable spirit. Her golden hair shimmered in the morning light as she smiled at them.
"Perfect timing" she said. "Breakfast is ready."
The family sat together, laughter filling the room as they shared stories. Aria listened intently as her father spoke of diplomatic meetings with neighboring packs, while Tobias boasted about his latest sparring victories. It was a life of peace, of love-a life where Aria felt safe.
After breakfast, Aria ran to the training grounds, where the young wolves were gathered for their daily lessons. She watched with awe as Tobias sparred with another warrior, their movements fluid and powerful.
"You'll be training soon, too," Tobias said, noticing her watching.
"Really?" Aria's eyes lit up.
Her father had always said that she would find her strength in time, that the Moon Goddess had plans for her. But most wolves shifted by the time they were ten, and Aria still hadn't felt even a whisper of her wolf.
Tobias ruffled her hair. "Of course. You're a sliver Moon wolf, just like the rest of us."
But that night, everything changed.
A distance howl tore through the silence, chilling Aria to the bone. she sat up in bed, her heart hammering. then came another howl, this one closer-urgent, desperate.
The pack was under attack.
Aria scrambled out of bed, her bare feet hitting the wooden floor as she ran to the window. Her breath caught in a throat.
Fire.
Flames licked at the wooden houses, smoke curling into the dark sky. Shadows moved through the chaos-wolves, warriors, intruders. The metallic scent of blood filled the air.
A scream through the night.
"Aria!"
She turned just as Luna Evelyn burst into the room, her eyes wide with urgency.
"Come with me, now!"
"What's happening?" Aria asked, her voice shaking.
"No time, sweetheart," her mother said, grabbing her hand and pulling her through the corridor. "We have to find your father."
But when they reached the great hall, they found him already there-surrounded.
Alpha Darius stood at the center, blood staining his once-proud stance. Warriors of the sliver moon pack lay scattered around him, defeated. And before him, a man Aria didn't recognize-tall, cloaked in darkness, with a twisted smile.
"You should have chosen differently, Darius," the stranger said. "But i suppose you Alphas are all the same-blinded by your belief of loyalty."
"Traitor," Darius growled, his voice filled fury.
Aria clung to her mother, trembling as the realization set in. someone has betrayed them. Someone from within the pack has let the enemy in.
Darius turned his gaze to Evelyn and Aria, his expression softening for just a moment. "Run," he said.
But before Aria could scream, before her mother could shield her-a blade flashed.
The world shattered.
Her father fell.
A sob wrenched itself from Evelyn's throat as she lunged towards him, but the enemy warriors closed in. Tobias appeared out of nowhere, his wolf form crashing into their attackers. Blood sprayed as he tor through then, his golden eye wild with fury.
"Get her out of here!" he roared.
Evelyn didn't hesitate. She grabbed Aria and ran.
The packhouse was burning, the wooden beams groaning under the heat. Wolves fought in the courtyard, their growls mixing with the screams of the wounded.
"Where are we going?" Aria gasped.
"Somewhere safe," her mother said, her voice thick with grief.
But they never made it.
A figure emerged from the smoke-a warrior dressed in black, his eyes cold and merciless. He moved faster than Evelyn could react, knocking her to the ground.
"Mother!" Aria shrieked, trying to run to her.
"Run, Aria!" Evelyn shouted, her voice desperate.
But Aria couldn't move. She was frozen, watching in horror as the warrior raised his blade.
A deafening roar spilt the night.
A massive black wolf slammed into the attacker, sending him crashing to the ground. The wolf snarled, it's fangs sinking deep into the warrior's throat. The man chocked, his struggles fading.
The wolf turned to Aria.
Kieran.
The young Alpha prince of the neighboring Shadow Fang Pack. Aria had met him once, years ago, when their fathers spoke of peace. He was only a few years older, but even then, he had been powerful.
His piercing silver eyes met hers.
"Run," he ordered.
Tears streamed down Aria's face as she took one last look at her mother, lying motionless on the ground. Then, with no other choice, she turned and fled into the forest.
The night swallowed her whole.
And the forgotten wolf was born.
END OF CHAPTER 1