After the long journey, they finally arrived at their pack, the Blood Crescent Pack. Aliyah, away for several years after Luna Rosetta had ousted her, now stood beside Leo at the pack's entrance.
The pack erupted in joy as word of Alpha Leo's return spread through the territory. Luna Rosetta oversaw every detail of her son's return with poised anticipation, welcoming him warmly after his long absence. As Leo and Aliyah entered, the pack greeted them with happy growls and playful jumps. But curiosity soon stirred when they noticed the blood soaking their clothes and the wagon trailing behind them, burdened with the bodies of fallen wolves.
Rosetta's expression darkened with worry. When her eyes fell on the unfamiliar woman walking beside Leo, a deeper concern flickered beneath her regal composure.
"My son," she greeted, wrapping him in a dignified embrace. "Why do you return bathed in blood? Was there an attack? Has the Moon Crest Pack moved against us?"
Leo sighed, the weight of recent events clinging to him.
"Mother, it's a long story. But the important thing is that we're alive."
Her gaze shifted behind him, narrowing at the sight of Bayle, bound and bloodied in chains.
"And why is the Beta of our pack tied up like a criminal?"
Leo stepped forward, his voice laced with fury and grief.
"He's the reason we're in this state. Two of our own are dead because of him. This blood" he gestured to the wagon "is on his hands."
"He conspired with the Moon Crest Pack… and rogues," Leo continued, his tone sharpening. "Led us into an ambush like lambs to slaughter all because he's thirsty for power. He wants my title."
Gasps and growls echoed through the courtyard, shock spreading like wildfire.
"He didn't care who died. He didn't care what it cost the pack, as long as it got him one step closer to becoming Alpha."
Leo's voice dropped, cold and resolute.
"But let it be known: I'm still standing. And I will not let betrayal like this be buried or forgiven."
A tense silence followed.
Then Bayle, bound and bruised, lifted his head. A cruel smirk curled at his bloodied lip.
"I couldn't stand by and watch a weak Alpha stumble through leadership, Leo," he spat. "Someone had to take control before you dragged this pack into ruin."
He chuckled low, bitter blood glistening on his teeth.
"You call it betrayal. I call it vision."
Snarls erupted from the crowd. Some wolves stepped forward, hackles raised. Others turned to Leo, waiting for his word.
Leo didn't flinch. His voice cut clean and cold through the rising fury.
"You'll answer for what you've done—but not with an easy death. Justice will be served. And the pack will witness it."
A heavy silence followed, broken only by the low growls of wolves tense with rage. The weight of Leo's judgment hung over the courtyard like a storm cloud.
Leo's voice cut through the stillness. "Take him to the deepest cell—where wolves are left to face their own darkness."
Luna Rosetta watched from the edge of the crowd, her face unreadable. She had long suspected Bayle's hunger for power. Still, hearing it spoken aloud stirred something bitter. But her son was alive. Strong. That was all that mattered for now.
Aliyah stood beside Leo, her posture respectful but firm. She had remained silent not out of fear, but caution. She could already feel the Luna's gaze locked on her, evaluating.
Rosetta's voice was cool, controlled.
"And who is she?"
"This is Dara," Leo said simply, his tone daring her to challenge him.
Rosetta froze, recognition flickering across her face. So… she had returned. How they'd found each other again after all this time, she couldn't imagine. But she said nothing more.
Leo turned to Rylan.
"Arrange for the burial of the two fallen wolves."
With the pack still watching, Leo and Aliyah turned and walked toward the packhouse together.
---
Luna Rosetta insisted that Aliyah be taken to a separate chamber. Leo didn't like the idea not one bit. He wanted her close, especially after everything they had just survived. The thought of being apart, even briefly, made his instincts flare.
"She stays with me," he said firmly. "In my chamber."
But his mother was quick to counter.
"You are the Alpha now, Leo. Bringing a female werewolf into your quarters will stir whispers, rumors we don't need right now."
They argued, tension rising between duty and desire. Aliyah, sensing the storm brewing between mother and son, gently placed a hand on Leo's arm. She nodded quietly, offering a small, reassuring smile.
"It's okay," she said softly. "I'll stay in whatever room given to me."
Reluctantly, Leo agreed. Rosetta wasted no time and ordered a few wolves to escort Aliyah to the guest chamber.
Later that evening, after she'd bathed and changed, Aliyah sat comfortably with a warm plate of food delivered from Leo's quarters. Beside it lay a folded note, the faint scent of Leo lingering on the parchment.
She unfolded it, her heart fluttering as she read:
Rest easy, my fierce heart.
Let not my mother's will trouble you, I stand guard, unwavering.
Every moment away from you fuels the fire in my soul.
Tonight, beneath the watchful moon, I will come to you,
to hold you close and remind you that you are mine.
Forever and always, your Alpha, Leo.
Aliyah blushed, her fingers brushing the words like they were a promise. Just then, the door burst open.
Luna Rosetta stood tall at the entrance of the guest chamber, flanked by two guards. She didn't bother to knock she simply entered, her presence sharp as steel and impossible to ignore.
Aliyah rose quickly, bowing in respect, though her eyes held steady.
Rosetta's gaze swept over the room, then narrowed on Aliyah.
"So," she said, her voice smooth but cutting, "you walk these halls again. I didn't think you'd dare."
Aliyah held her gaze, her expression calm but unyielding. She said nothing letting her presence speak louder than words.
"I remember warning you," Rosetta continued, stepping closer, her tone sharpening. "I told you never to return to this pack. Did you think time would make me forget who you are or what your presence means?"
Still, Aliyah held her ground. Her silence wasn't weakness—it was control.
"How did you find your way back into my son's life?" Rosetta demanded. "Or did he find you, blinded by sentiment?"
Aliyah's jaw tightened, but her voice remained steady.
"I didn't force my way back. Leo chose to stand by me. If he didn't love me, I wouldn't be here."
Rosetta's eyes flared with surprise.
"I see you're bold now," the Luna said coldly. "But let me remind you, you stand in my territory. And as long as I breathe, I protect what's mine. That includes my son and the future planned for him."
A slow pause. Then:
"He has a mate chosen by tradition, sealed by legacy. She was raised to stand beside him, not shadow him like you," Rosetta said sharply. "Their union will restore what this pack lost. Whatever place you thought you had it's gone."
Aliyah's breath caught, but she didn't show it. Her voice, when it came, was quiet but firm.
"You speak of duty and alliances, but hearts don't follow rules. Leo didn't choose me out of rebellion he chose me because love doesn't bend to expectations."
Rosetta blinked, momentarily thrown.
"I'm not that naïve girl you once exiled," Aliyah said, stepping forward. "And I won't let you decide my fate this time. You may be Luna but I am not weak anymore. Not like before."
The two women stared at each other, tension thick in the room. But it was Rosetta who turned first, her cloak sweeping behind her as she stormed out.
Aliyah stood alone, heart pounding, the weight of Rosetta's words still echoing.
A mate? A wedding?
Her fists clenched tightly at her sides.
He promised me everything. And now… this?
She sat down slowly, appetite gone, confusion and anger swirling in her chest. The romantic note from Leo lay beside her untouched.