+ Wolves' Hunting Season +

Almost there.

Luna dared not glance behind her, focusing solely on the path ahead. The aftermath of a recent forest rain left the ground beneath her feet slick and treacherous.

With every ounce of strength, she sprinted, her silver hair plastered to her skin. Her breath misted in the cold air.

Life in the forest had become unsustainable. Scavenging for birds and rabbits wasn't enough to sustain her.

Behind her, the menacing footsteps of werewolves echoed. They were mere feet away, and every stride brought them closer.

Three relentless weeks of pursuit, and their determination hadn't waned.

"Has that damned Alpha not given up?" Luna thought desperately. What could they possibly want from her now? They'd already taken her home and corrupted her fellow warriors.

She barely noticed the pain of the blisters on her feet or the stinging sensation from a werewolf's scratch that adorned her arm.

Straining her eyes through the fog, a sense of urgency gripped her. The familiar surroundings had shifted. The lush evergreen canopy transitioned to a fiery autumn-orange, and before long, she found herself amidst barren trees. Snow began to fall, and the sudden cold made her fingers numb.

This drastic change in weather meant one thing: she was nearing the Vampire Kingdom.

Ahead lay a river, its waters a deadly concoction of acid and magma. Drawing on the last remnants of her magic, Luna levitated over the perilous expanse.

Once on solid ground, she sought the invisible barrier protecting the Vampire Kingdom. She felt the barrier before she saw it, her fingers meeting a smooth, cold surface.

A mistake made her turn, and she locked eyes with a massive werewolf, its fur a dark shade of gray. The promise of revenge shimmered in its golden gaze.

Without a moment's hesitation, Luna traced the secret symbol of the royal vampires. Her magic, faint but unyielding, illuminated the glyph. Whispering the incantation, "Aperta," she willed the barrier to let her pass.

The werewolves closed in. Their snarls filled the air, and hands reached out to grab her. But as they touched her, they recoiled, skin searing on contact.

With a final push, Luna felt the barrier give way. The chill of the snow greeted her as she stumbled to her feet, finding herself safely on the other side.

She turned to the werewolves with a triumphant smirk. "I won."

Their transformation took her by surprise. From fearsome beasts, they turned into three formidable, naked men. Luna's gaze unabashedly raked over them, taking in their muscular forms. The two on the sides bore a familial resemblance with their brown fur, but it was the one with the golden eyes that held her captive. His physique was impressive, a dark fox tattoo adorned his chest, and his eyes spoke of power and danger.

Dragging her gaze from their impressive figures, Luna reminded herself of the destruction they brought to the Sacred Valley. While their human forms were intoxicating, she knew better than to be swayed. Those seeking power from the Sacred Mountains were not to be trusted. They were a threat that Luna would not underestimate.