POV Aria

I never expected to see Drake again. Even less expected him to come to protect me.


When he said he loved me, my wolf yearned to believe him. But I'm not the blindly trusting Luna anymore. I need actions, not just words.

We walk toward the town center, Elena and her warriors behind us, Drake's guards at our sides. I can feel the town's wolves watching, ready to protect their new home if needed.

Lilith stands in the center of the square, five Northern wolves beside her. She looks sharper than I remember, more dangerous. When she sees Drake and me walking side by side, surprise flashes in her eyes, quickly replaced by anger.


"How touching," she mocks. "The Alpha has come for his warrior wife."

"State your purpose, Lilith," I say coolly. "Then leave. You're not welcome here."


"Not welcome?" she feigns hurt. "In my father's territory?"

This surprises me. "What?"

"Oh, he didn't tell you?" Lilith smirks. "Silver Lake was my father's territory before he died saving Drake. By tradition, it should be mine."

I look at Drake, whose expression confirms this.

"Silver Lake is independent territory now," Elena steps forward. "Has been for years. You have no claim here."

"I have every right to what's mine," Lilith growls. "This territory, Drake, and..." her gaze falls to my belly, "that child."

Drake steps forward, his eyes turning Alpha red. "Enough, Lilith. You're banished. Leave or face the consequences."

"Consequences?" she laughs. "You think you can threaten me? On my father's land?"

She snaps her fingers, and more wolves emerge from surrounding buildings. Not five, but at least twenty. We're surrounded.

"I'm giving you a choice," Lilith says. "Drake, you can return with me, be Alpha again, forget this warrior. Or..." her voice turns cold, "I'll take everything from you both. Starting with this town."

I feel Drake tense beside me. I know what he's thinking—he's considering surrendering to protect us.

"No," I say firmly. "There is no choice. Silver Lake isn't yours. Drake isn't yours. And my child certainly isn't yours."

I step forward, feeling my wolf's power surge. "You want a fight, Lilith? Then come. But remember, you're not facing the Luna you manipulated anymore. You're facing the 'Silver Blade' Aria."

My voice echoes across the square, clear and strong. My students begin gathering from all directions, weapons ready, determination in their eyes.

Lilith's smile falters, uncertainty crossing her face for the first time.

Drake stands beside me, our shoulders almost touching. "We face this together," he says quietly.

In that moment, despite all past hurts, I feel our bond strengthening again. Not because of marks or obligation, but because of shared resolve and mutual respect.

The battle is about to begin. But this time, I'm not alone.