POV Aria

Dawn breaks as I step off the bus at Silver Lake station, my hand protectively over my stomach. Three hundred miles away, the bond continues to weaken.


The full moon is days away. I need to find a safe place.

My wolf immediately catches the mixed scents of other werewolves. This is borderland territory, with no single Alpha ruling.

Three inns refuse me. A Beta innkeeper states bluntly: "A Luna carrying another Alpha's mark brings trouble."


Hunger and exhaustion take their toll. In a café, an Omega waitress named Mia whispers: "There's a group of independent wolves here. I know someone who can help."

By evening, Mia leads me to Elena—a powerful female Alpha who runs a bookstore and shooting range.


"Northern Border Elite Forces?" Elena's eyes light up when she sees the warrior mark on my arm. "Are you Aria Stone? The 'Silver Blade' from the Border Battle?"

I nod, surprised. No one has called me by that name in five years.

"A legend," Elena says with reverence. "Your tactics are still taught in military academies."

"That was another life," I say softly.

"Why give it up?"

"After becoming Luna, my Alpha decided a warrior's identity wasn't suitable for his mate."

Elena scoffs: "Foolish Alpha. Wasting your talent."

---

The next day, the full moon rises.

Not only do I complete my transformation smoothly, but I help Elena control two young wolves during their first shift. My warrior training allows me to maintain calm and command even in wolf form.

"Impressive," Elena says afterward. "Your control is stronger than most Lunas who have Alphas."

"I once led a werewolf combat unit," I reply. "Transformation control was basic training."

Elena smiles: "Perhaps leaving that Alpha was the best thing you ever did."

---

A week later, the local pack faces trouble. Three rogue Alphas breach the territory, challenging boundaries.

"We're understaffed," Elena worries.

"I can help," I volunteer.

"You're pregnant."

"I'm a warrior."

I design defense strategies and train young wolves in basic tactics. When the rogues attack, we're prepared.

During the battle, my warrior instincts fully awaken. I'm no longer the abandoned Luna, but "Silver Blade" Aria, the legendary warrior of the Northern Border.

I don't fight directly but command the entire defense. My tactics catch the intruders off guard, and they're quickly driven away.

"That was incredible," a young wolf exclaims. "How did you predict their every move?"

"Experience," I smile. "Want to learn?"

---

A month later, I establish tactical training courses in Silver Lake. Independent wolves are eager to learn self-defense skills.

My courses gain reputation, attracting wolves from neighboring towns.

"You've found yourself here," Elena observes.

I nod: "Drake always said my warrior identity was a flaw. Now I understand it's my greatest strength."

My pregnancy begins to show, but it doesn't diminish my authority. Instead, my students respect me more—an instructor who can accurately throw three daggers while pregnant.

---

Two months pass, and I establish a solid position in Silver Lake. I'm no longer someone's Luna, but my own master, a respected warrior and instructor.

My courses expand to include tactical planning, weapons training, and survival skills. Elena gives me half the management rights to the shooting range.

"You've made this place better," she says. "People feel safer."

One day, an Alpha from a distant territory visits. He bows respectfully: "Instructor Stone, we've heard about your courses. Our pack would like to hire you to train our guards."

I look at Elena in surprise, and she smiles proudly.

"It seems the reputation of 'Silver Blade' Aria is spreading again," she says. "This time as an instructor, not a warrior."

I stroke my growing belly, feeling unprecedented confidence and peace.

"I'll consider it," I tell the visitor. "But I have conditions."