The Bargain

The night air smelled like pine and wet dirt as Seraphina hurried through the dark hallways of the pack house. She couldn't sleep, thinking about her grandma's journal and wanting answers.

She went to the Alpha's study because Rylan had called her urgently. When she pushed open the heavy oak doors, she saw Rylan pacing in front of a crackling fire, looking worried. Next to him was a big werewolf with dark grey fur and unfriendly eyes.

"Seraphina," Rylan said, sounding tense. "This is Grimfang, from Volkov's pack."

Hearing Volkov's name made Seraphina shiver. Volkov was the Alpha of the Northern pack, famous for being tough and wanting power more than anything. There had been rumors about fights near their borders, but this seemed serious.

"Hello, Luna Seraphina," Grimfang growled, his voice rough like a winter storm. "I bring a message from my Alpha."

He explained quickly. Volkov's scouts found a special rock called moonstone, which makes werewolves transform better. The rock was on land both packs wanted, and it could start a war.

Grimfang said they could avoid war if Seraphina went with them. Even though she couldn't transform, they thought she knew important things from her grandma. Basically, they wanted to use her to get more power.

Seraphina felt an imaginary punched in the stomach when she heard the news. Her not being able to turn into a wolf wasn't just a problem for her anymore, it could put her whole pack in danger. She started to feel hopeless, but then she found some bravery inside.

"I won't do it," she said firmly to herself, she was amused with how strong her voice sounded. "I won't let them use me like that."

Rylan looked at her with sad eyes, filled with a lot of feelings. When he spoke, his voice was soft and regretful.

"Seraphina," he said gently, "This might be the only way to stop a big fight. If you go, your knowledge…"

He didn't finish his sentence. Seraphina knew what he meant. The things she learned from her grandma's secret messages weren't enough. They were hoping for a miracle, and she was their only hope.

She felt the weight of the decision heavy on her shoulders. If she ran away, her pack would be in danger. But if she went with Volkov, it would be like walking into a wolf's den as a lamb.

She took a deep breath and looked at Grimfang, his cold eyes staring back at her. "If I agree," she asked, trying to sound brave even though she was scared inside, "how can I be sure I'll be safe?"

Grimfang laughed without any humor. "Volkov keeps his promises… to werewolves," he said, making it clear what he meant.

Seraphina clenched her fists. She didn't really have a choice. It was a big risk. She would go to Volkov's land, where she didn't know anyone and wasn't sure if she would be safe. But she wouldn't go as the Luna who couldn't change. She would go as Cinder, the She-Wolf with a special mark, ready to prove herself.

The journey up north was like a big blur of snow and strong winds. Grimfang stayed quiet the whole time, a reminder that she wasn't free. She couldn't stop thinking about her pack, about Rylan (the man she loved and the Alpha who let her down), in her dreams.

After days of traveling, they finally reached Volkov's big stone fortress, rising out of the swirling snow. It looked scary and strong, made of dark stone and iron. Everyone could feel the power and fear in the air.

When they walked into the big hall, Seraphina felt small next to Volkov's huge pack members. These strong warriors with scars looked at her with curiosity and suspicion. At the head of the table sat Volkov himself—a giant silver wolf with eyes so blue they seemed to see right through her.

Seraphina felt sick. She could almost feel Volkov's strong power coming off him, making her shiver. But she kept herself strong, putting on a face like she didn't care.

Grimfang, sounding rough from the cold journey, introduced her. "Alpha Volkov, meet Seraphina, Luna of the Argent pack."

The whole room laughed. Seraphina gritted her teeth, trying not to let their teasing get to her. Volkov stayed quiet, just staring at her. His look made her feel trapped, like a bug in amber.

Finally, he spoke with a deep voice that echoed through the hall. "You're a Luna who can't turn into a wolf?"

His words sounded mean, making Seraphina's heart shake. She looked back at him, speaking strong even though she was scared inside. "I'm Seraphina. I'm not Luna anymore. I'm Cinder now, and I know things you want."

Volkov's eyes showed surprise for a moment. "Knowledge?" he asked, leaning back in his big chair. "Tell me, Cinder. What do you know that's worth a Luna's price?"

Seraphina took a big breath. She didn't expect to be asked this, but she couldn't back down now. She thought about what her grandma's journal taught her and spoke up.

"My family isn't only from the Argent pack," she started, her voice echoing in the big hall. "There's talk of a forgotten family line, one that's different and has a connection to the moon itself."

The wolves whispered to each other. Some looked interested, but Volkov stayed serious, staring at Seraphina.

"What power does this moon connection give?" he asked, sounding challenging and cold.

Seraphina knew she was on thin ice. She didn't know everything, just bits and pieces from her grandma's notes. But she had to keep going.

"It's not about being strong," she explained. "It's about a special connection to the moon's magic. It goes beyond just turning into a wolf."

Her words hung in the air. The hall got quiet, only the fire crackling. Then, Volkov laughed loudly, his voice echoing off the walls.

"A moon connection?" he laughed. "Sounds like a fairy tale, Cinder. We werewolves rely on strength and instincts, not moon stories."

Seraphina felt disappointed. She hoped Volkov would be interested, but he thought it was silly. Still, she saw something flicker in his eyes, a moment of doubt before he started laughing again.

"Maybe," she said bravely, "but if you don't care about this, maybe this deal was a mistake."

Volkov stopped laughing. His eyes got serious and dangerous. "Are you threatening me, Cinder?" he growled, his voice deep and angry.

Seraphina looked right back at him. She was really scared but she wouldn't show it. "No," she said firmly. "I'm just saying the truth. If my knowledge isn't important to you, I shouldn't stay here."

The hall felt tense, like it was hard to breathe. Volkov stared at Cinder, trying to see if she was telling the truth. Finally, he spoke in a serious voice.

"All right, Cinder," he said. "You can stay. Grimfang will take you to your room. We'll see if your knowledge is really worth something."

Cinder felt relieved but worried too. She avoided danger for now, but she didn't know what would happen next. She was just a piece in a big game, and she didn't understand Volkov's plans.

Grimfang led her away with a small smile that didn't reach his eyes. Cinder looked back once and saw Volkov's sharp blue eyes. She knew then that she had to fight to survive.

The next days were hard. Volkov's pack was tough and strict. They trained hard, and Cinder felt scared of their strength and fierceness. Her room was plain and simple, not like her old fancy one in the Argent pack. The only time she found peace was at night, looking at the moon through her small window.

Cinder became obsessed with her grandma's journal. She read it all the time, trying to find secrets about her family. The strange symbols started to make sense, showing her stories of old rituals and special moon ceremonies.

One morning, Grimfang came to her door looking serious but a little amused. "The Alpha wants to see you," he said with a smirk.

Cinder's heart raced. Had she made Volkov mad by searching for answers? Or was something else happening? She followed Grimfang through the fortress, feeling more nervous with each step.

They reached a big training yard full of sweat and noise. Volkov stood in the middle, surrounded by his best fighters. When Cinder came in, he looked at her like a hunter.

"Cinder," he said loudly. "Today, you'll show us why your moon knowledge matters."

Cinder was scared. What did he want her to do? Before she could ask, Volkov pointed to a tough werewolf named Fang, standing apart from the others. He had lots of battle scars and a challenging look in his eyes.

"This is Fang," Volkov said. "He's one of my best fighters. You'll spar with him, Cinder. Show us this moon connection you talk about."

Seraphina felt really scared. She had never fought before, especially not against someone as tough as Fang. But if she backed down now, Volkov might think she was weak.

"Okay," she said bravely. "Let's start."

Fang growled loudly, sounding really scary. He moved fast, trying to grab her with his sharp claws. Seraphina jumped back just in time to avoid getting hurt. She got up quickly, feeling her heart race.

Fang walked around her, looking hungry and ready to attack. Seraphina knew she couldn't beat him with strength alone. She remembered something from her grandma's journal – a picture of a crescent moon with special symbols.

She took a deep breath and focused more on the moon in the sky. She felt a tingling feeling in her body, like something powerful was waking up inside her. She concentrated on the crescent moon symbol in her mind. It felt like she was connecting to an old, forgotten power.

Suddenly, she felt strong and quick. She moved faster than before, dodging Fang's attacks. The other warriors watching were amazed. Even Volkov looked interested, though you couldn't tell what he was thinking.

Seraphina kept going, using the moon's energy to make her moves faster and stronger. She kicked Fang hard in the knee, making him yell in pain. He was surprised, giving her a chance to grab him.

They struggled hard, both trying their best to win. Seraphina pushed and fought with everything she had. The other warriors couldn't believe how well she was doing against Fang.

Finally, using the moon's power, Seraphina got Fang on the ground. She stood over him, breathing heavily and feeling proud. Moonlight shimmered on her sweaty skin.

Everyone was quiet. Then, someone started clapping slowly. It was Volkov. He looked at Seraphina with a bit of respect in his eyes. The other warriors cheered and whistled, impressed by what they saw.

"Good job, Cinder," Volkov said, sounding impressed and a little amused.