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Chapter 2
They say there’s a territory far out east, overflowing with strange flowers blessed by the Moon Goddess herself. Some werewolves claim the land can “bring life to all things.” But no one’s ever made it there alive. It’s said to be under divine protection–untouched and untouchable.
A year ago, Skyclaw Pack and Lunarcrest went to war over it.
Both Alphas led their wolves into battle, fighting tooth and claw for three straight days. The ground ran red with blood. Then the land cracked apart. A massive landslide came roaring down the mountainside like divine punishment.
No one could stop it–not even the Alphas.
Leo’s legs were crushed. Lunarcrest’s Alpha, Lucian, ended up in a coma.
Lucian’s mother, Mrs. Howard, came to Skyclaw Pack and begged me to save her son.
But after what I’d been through in my past life, I’d sworn never to spill my blood for anyone unless I damn well chose to. So I turned her down.
She didn’t argue. Just left, quiet and defeated.
A week later, an invitation arrived from Skyclaw Pack for a banquet.
Aria had returned from the Northern Wastes with Moontear Moss in hand. Mrs. Russell, still clinging to hope despite my warning that the herb was useless, asked me to come take a look.
At the banquet, Aria stuck to Leo like glue, never more than a few inches from his side.
Mrs. Russell took my hand, her face lined with worry.
“It’s not that I don’t believe in the herb,” she whispered. “I’m just scared it won’t work. Leo… he can’t take another disappointment. He’s barely holding on as it is.”
“We’ve tried everything this past year. I’ve watched the light die in his eyes, and as a mother, I- –” her voice caught. “I can’t take it anymore.” Before I could answer, Aria came rolling Leo toward us.
m
“Mrs. Russell, don’t worry,” she said brightly. “I’ll make Alpha stand again. I almost died in those snowfields to bring this Moontear Moss back.” Leo took her hand like she was some goddess reborn. His eyes sparkled with hope.
“Aria, once I walk again, I’ll throw the biggest mating ceremony the packs have ever seen. I’ll make sure the whole world knows–you’re my Luna.” “I believe in you, Leo,” she said, turning to flash a smug little smile my way.
“I’m not like those con artists and hacks. The Moon Goddess herself guided me. I will heal Alpha’s legs.”
Her words got the room buzzing. The other healers, the ones who’d treated Leo before, didn’t take it well.
“Miss Aria, are you absolutely sure?” one of them asked. “You’ve never trained in healing. Even Scarlett, Shadowmoon Land’s top healer, says it’s impossible.”
Leo didn’t miss a beat,
“I believe in Aria,” he said sharply. “She’ll fix me.”
I couldn’t help it–I laughed.
Aria’s face froze. She thought I was mocking her. She tried to play it cool, but her jaw tightened, and her eyes flared.
“Scarlett,” she said with a sweet but venomous smile, “they say your blood can cure anything, yet you turned down Skyclaw… and Lunarcrest. Makes one wonder if you’re really as powerful as you claim.”
I gave her a cool smile. “Then I look forward to the day you make Leo stand, Miss Aria.”
My calm tone rattled her more than yelling ever could.
She bit her lip and tried to look hurt. “I know Mrs. Russell trusts you more. She even wanted you to be Skyclaw’s Luna. But it’s me Leo needs. Only me.” From his wheelchair, Leo scoffed.
“Scarlett, even if you could heal me, I’d never choose you. You’re a fake. That miracle cure of yours? Nothing but a cheap trick.”
“My heart’s with Aria. She’s my fated Luna.”
Chantera
“No matter how many times you show up, you’re nothing to me.”
The whole display inade me sick.
I turned to Mrs. Russell. “You invited me here to look at Aria’s herb. But clearly, Alpha has already made his choice. I won’t waste my time.”
I turned to
- go.
Aria stepped in my way.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
I frowned. “Exactly what it sounds
Is like. If you don’t get it, look it up.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Scarlett, do you dare make a bet?”
I raised a brow.
“Whoever heals Alpha’s legs wins. Loser leaves Shadowmoon for good.”
I paused. Then smiled.
“I’ll take that bet.”
She smirked, thinking she had me.
But then I added, “Only, I won’t be healing Leo.”
“I’ll heal Lucian.”
