The forest remained tense.
The wolves surrounding them stood like silent shadows between the trees. Their glowing eyes watched every movement carefully.
At the center of the clearing, Aria folded her arms and stared at the new Alpha.
"So let me get this straight," she said slowly. "You show up with twenty wolves… surround us… then say you're not here to fight?"
The Alpha chuckled softly.
"When you say it like that, it does sound suspicious."
Beside her, Alpha Kael didn't laugh.
His silver eyes remained sharp and dangerous.
"You still haven't told us your name."
The Alpha nodded slightly.
"Fair."
He stepped forward calmly.
"I am Alpha Lucien."
Aria sighed.
"Great."
She rubbed her temples.
"Another Alpha."
Behind her, Ikechukwu tapped his staff against the ground.
Tok.
Tok.
He studied Lucien carefully.
"That one get plenty confidence."
Lucien glanced at him and smiled faintly.
"You must be the old warrior."
Ikechukwu shrugged.
"I no say old. I say experienced."
Aria smirked slightly.
"That's actually accurate."
Lucien's attention returned to Aria.
"My reason for coming is simple."
Aria raised an eyebrow.
"I'm listening."
Lucien gestured toward the forest.
"The wolf world is moving."
Kael's voice remained cold.
"You said that already."
Lucien nodded.
"Yes."
Then his tone became serious.
"Every Alpha has heard about the Moon Vessel."
Aria groaned.
"That nickname is going to ruin my life."
Lucien ignored the complaint.
"Many believe whoever controls you…"
He paused slightly.
"…controls the future of the wolf world."
Silence fell over the clearing.
Kael's eyes darkened.
"No one controls her."
Lucien held up his hands calmly.
"I'm not here to argue."
Aria narrowed her eyes.
"Then what are you here for?"
Lucien smiled slightly.
"To make an offer."
Aria sighed loudly.
"Of course you are."
Lucien gestured toward the wolves behind him.
"My pack is strong."
Aria looked at the twenty wolves surrounding them.
"Yes, we noticed."
Lucien continued calmly.
"Stronger than Magnus's forces in this region."
At the mention of Magnus, the air seemed to grow colder.
Lucien looked directly at Aria.
"I can protect you."
Aria blinked.
"That sounds expensive."
Lucien smiled.
"It comes with a condition."
Aria pointed at him.
"There it is."
Kael stepped forward slightly.
"State it."
Lucien spoke clearly.
"You come with my pack."
The clearing went silent.
Aria blinked.
"That's it?"
Lucien nodded.
"For now."
Kael's voice turned icy.
"She's not going anywhere with you."
Lucien shrugged slightly.
"You may want to reconsider."
Aria frowned.
"Why?"
Lucien's eyes darkened slightly.
"Because Magnus is already moving."
Daniel, the human hunter, finally spoke from behind them.
"How close?"
Lucien answered without hesitation.
"Closer than you think."
The wolves behind him shifted slightly, their tension growing.
Aria looked around the forest.
"Okay…"
She pointed at Lucien.
"You're offering protection."
Then she pointed behind them.
"And Magnus is chasing me."
Then she gestured at Kael.
"And Kael would rather fight the entire wolf population than let me leave."
She sighed.
"This situation is getting complicated."
Ikechukwu chuckled softly.
"My sister, your life don turn epic story."
Aria gave him a look.
"Not helping."
Lucien took another step forward.
"You don't have much time."
Kael's wolf growled quietly.
"That's not your decision."
Lucien looked calm.
"No."
His eyes moved to Aria again.
"It's hers."
For a moment, everyone looked at her.
Aria blinked.
"Why does everyone suddenly want my opinion?"
Lucien waited patiently.
The forest wind moved softly through the trees.
Finally Aria sighed.
"Alright."
She looked directly at Lucien.
"Let me ask you something."
Lucien nodded.
"Go ahead."
Aria's eyes sharpened slightly.
"If I go with you…"
She gestured toward the surrounding wolves.
"…what exactly do you get out of it?"
Lucien's smile slowly returned.
"The future."
Aria stared at him for a few seconds.
Then she muttered quietly.
"Yeah… that answer definitely makes me nervous."