"Mother?" The word hung in the air as the secret panel closed.
Darkness wrapped around Aria and Caden. The only light came from the dim blue glow of his eyes and the silver shimmer under her skin.
"There's a tunnel," Luna Seraphina whispered, lighting a small torch. "It leads to the safety bunker."
Aria couldn't move. "That woman—I saw—"
"Not now." Luna Seraphina's voice was strong. "We must keep moving."
The cave was narrow and cold. Water dripped from the ceiling as they rushed forward. Behind them, crashes and snarls echoed through the walls.
"The pack is still fighting," Caden said, his jaw tight with fear. "My brothers are out there."
"They can handle themselves," his mother responded. "You need to protect Aria now."
Aria's mind raced. "But that woman looked just like—"
"Like you," Luna Seraphina finished. "I know. But your mother died years ago, Aria."
"So did mine," a voice called from behind them.
They spun around. Vex stood in the cave, his red eyes glowing in the darkness. He wasn't alone. The silver-haired woman stood beside him.
"Hello, daughter," she said softly.
Aria's heart hammered in her chest. "You can't be my mother. My parents died in a fire when I was a baby."
"A lie," the woman said, stepping closer. "To hide you from those who would use your power."
Caden pushed Aria behind him. "Stay back."
The woman smiled. "You must be Caden. The one she chose." Her violet eyes—identical to Aria's—studied him. "Interesting choice."
Luna Seraphina stepped forward. "Selene. We thought you were dead."
"Many did," Selene answered. "It was safer that way."
Vex growled impatiently. "Enough talking. We came for Aria."
"And the triplets," Selene added. "All four are needed."
Caden's eyes narrowed. "Needed for what?"
Instead of replying, Selene raised her hand. Silver light—just like Aria's—flowed from her fingers. The tunnel started to shake.
"Run!" Luna Seraphina shouted.
They raced down the tunnel as rocks fell behind them. The path split in two ways.
"This way!" Luna Seraphina turned left.
The bunker was a big room with stone walls and heavy doors. Inside, several pack members gathered together—mostly omegas and young children.
"Luna Seraphina!" they cried with relief.
A small girl rushed forward. "Are the bad wolves gone?"
"Not yet, little one," Luna Seraphina said gently. "But you're safe here."
Aria sank onto a seat, her legs shaking. "My mother is alive. And dealing with the rogues."
Caden sat beside her, taking her hand. "We don't know if that's really your mother."
"She has the same power," Aria whispered. "The same eyes."
Before Caden could answer, the door burst open. Caleb and Cyrus stumbled in, breathing hard.
"They've retreated," Caleb declared. His golden eyes landed on Aria and Caden's joined hands. His face hardened.
Cyrus stumbled forward, blood dripping from a gash in his leg. "For now. They'll be back."
"How many did we lose?" Luna Seraphina asked.
"Three betas. Several injured," Caleb answered. "Father is organizing patrols." His cold eyes never left Aria. "So. You picked my brother."
The room went quiet. Everyone stared at Aria.
"I had to choose someone," she said quietly. "The bond was killing me."
"And now?" Cyrus asked, his voice tight with pain—not just from his wound. "How do you feel?"
Aria glanced at Caden. The connection between them hummed with love. "Stronger."
Whispers filled the room. Omegas gathered together, pointing and staring.
"The omega who stole three alphas."
"A Moon Wolf—like in the old stories."
"Her mother's a rogue!"
Aria's cheeks burned. She stood up. "I didn't ask for any of this!"
The door opened again. Alpha Magnus entered, his face grim. Behind him strutted Liana, her honey-colored eyes gleaming with happiness.
"The rogues have retreated past our borders," Magnus stated. "But they'll return."
His eyes landed on Aria. "You. We need to talk."
He led Aria, Caden, and Luna Seraphina to a part of the room. Caleb and Cyrus followed, keeping their distance from each other.
"The woman with the rogues," Magnus growled. "Is she truly your mother?"
Aria swallowed hard. "I don't know. I never knew my parents."
"She's Selene Callen," Luna Seraphina said. "Aria's mother was thought to have died in a fire twelve years ago."
"And now she returns with rogues," Magnus spat. "Demanding my sons and this girl."
Liana appeared beside them, all fake worry. "I brought water," she said sweetly, giving cups to everyone.
When she reached Aria, she smiled. "You must be exhausted, having three mate bonds and all." Her words dripped with venom masked as honey.
"One bond now," Caden amended. "She chose."
Liana's smile stayed fixed. "How wonderful for you both."
Caleb turned away stiffly. Cyrus looked at the floor.
Alpha Magnus slammed his fist against the wall. "Prophecy or not, I will not hand over my sons to rogues!"
"What prophecy?" Aria asked. "Everyone keeps mentioning it, but no one will explain."
Luna Seraphina sighed. "An old prediction. When three alpha brothers join with a Moon Wolf, great change will come to all packs."
"Good change?" Aria asked.
"Or terrible destruction," Magnus growled. "Depending on the path chosen."
Liana stood closer to Aria. "We should let you rest. You've been through so much."
She put a gentle hand on Aria's shoulder. "Come stay with me tonight. You shouldn't be alone."
Aria blinked, surprised by the offer. "Thank you."
As they walked away, Liana whispered, "Everyone's talking about you. But don't worry, I'll help you manage all this."
Across the room, Dorian watched them, his face dark with mistrust.
Later, in Liana's luxury room, Aria sat on a soft bed—nicer than anything she'd ever had as an omega.
"Here, drink this tea," Liana offered. "It will help you sleep."
Aria took the cup gladly. "Why are you being so nice to me? We've never been friends."
Liana sat beside her. "Things change. You're important now." She smiled. "Besides, I understand how it feels to be watched and whispered about."
As Aria sipped the tea, fatigue swept over her. Her eyelids grew heavy. "Thank you," she whispered, lying down.
"Sleep well," Liana answered, her smile freezing once Aria closed her eyes.
Aria dreamed of her mother, of silver light and hidden paths. She woke to someone shaking her shoulder.
"Wake up!" a voice hissed. Dorian stood over her, eyes wide with urgency.
"What are you doing here?" Aria mumbled, still groggy.
"Saving your life," he whispered. "The tea was drugged. Liana's gone to grab Alpha Magnus."
Aria tried to sit up, but her body felt like lead. "Why would she—"
"She wants you gone," Dorian said, helping her stand. "She's convinced Magnus that your mother will only leave if you're handed over to the rogues."
"But Caden—"
"Is being kept busy by his brothers. They're planning to trade you for peace."
Footsteps heard in the hallway. "We have to go now," Dorian pushed. "I know somewhere safe."
"Why should I trust you?" Aria asked, remembering him with the rogues.
Dorian's eyes relaxed. "Because I promised your real father I'd protect you."
"My real—"
The door burst open. Liana stood there with two guards. "Catch them!" she screamed.
Dorian yanked Aria toward the window. "Jump!"
As they leaped into the night, Aria glimpsed Liana's angry face. Behind her stood not Alpha Magnus, but Caleb, his golden eyes burning with purpose.
"Bring her back," he told the guards. "By any means necessary."