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The war room was silent.

For the first time since I became Luna, I sat at the royal table, surrounded by Alec’s council—alphas, warriors, and strategists—all waiting for him to speak.

Alec sat at the head of the table, his expression cold, unreadable.

Adrian’s warning still lingered in the air.

Finally, Edgar leaned forward. “Tell us everything.”

Alec exhaled sharply. “Adrian claims a war is coming.”

Murmurs spread around the table. Some doubtful. Others concerned.

Edgar’s expression darkened. “And you believe him?”

Alec’s jaw clenched. “I don’t know.”

Silence.

Then—Damon spoke.

“What if he’s right?”

I turned toward my brother, heart tightening.

The former king studied Damon. “If war was coming, we would have heard something by now.”

“Would we?” Damon challenged. “Or are we ignoring it because of who the message came from?”

Alec’s fingers tapped against the table. “We prepare anyway.”

Murmurs of agreement.

Sophie, sitting beside Damon, sighed. “So what’s the plan?”

Alec exhaled. “We increase border patrols. Train warriors. Get every pack ready for a fight.”

“And Adrian?” I asked quietly.

Alec’s silver eyes hardened.

“He’s not our problem.”

I wasn’t so sure.

Because something told me Adrian wasn’t done.

Not yet.

---

The first attack came faster than expected.

I was in the training yard, sparring with Jack when—

BOOM.

The entire castle shook.

Shouts erupted from the guards on the walls.

I whipped around. “What was that?”

Jack’s face dropped. “That sounded like—”

Another explosion.

I grabbed my weapons instantly, sprinting toward the gates. The scent of fire, ash, and blood filled the air.

The second I reached the outer wall, I froze.

Because outside the gates?

Rogues.

Dozens. Maybe more.

And at the front—

Not leading them.

Fighting them.

Adrian.

My blood ran cold, but for a different reason now.

Alec appeared at my side, his silver eyes flashing with confusion, then hesitation.

Adrian stood in the chaos, his clothes torn, his face bruised, battling the rogues like his life depended on it. Because it did.

One rogue lunged at him, claws outstretched, but Adrian moved faster, dodging and striking with lethal precision. Then, as if sensing our presence, he turned—eyes locking with Alec’s.

Adrian lifted his hands, breathless, voice steady but edged with urgency. “I told you they were coming.”

Alec’s snarl softened into something more complicated—conflicted. “Why should I believe you?”

Adrian wiped blood from his mouth, stepping closer. “Because I didn’t bring them. I’ve been tracking them. I tried to stop them before they reached you.”

Alec hesitated, his gaze flickering to me, then back to his brother. “You expect me to just trust you?”

Adrian’s lips quirked, but there was no humor in it. “No. But I expect you to fight beside me. Unless you’d rather die proving a point.”

Alec’s jaw tightened, but the decision was made in an instant.

He turned to the warriors behind him. “Defend the pack.”

Then, looking at Adrian—

“Don’t make me regret this.”

Adrian’s smirk returned, faint but genuine. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

And just like that—the battle began.