Shit.

Chills scatter across Cyrus's arms as his blood runs cold.

"By the power invested in me, Slay Saber stands as their own. They are their own pack, their own territory, their own culture. All ties dictated by Blood Moon are nullified."

And it doesn't stop there.

Luna continues down the row, greeting Karja next. The moment Karja hears the moon goddess grant her the exact same freedom as Hunter, she jumps out to hug her, screaming and squealing like it's her fucking birthday. And considering the events of today, it might as well be.

Feeling his entire world slip away from his fingertips, Cyrus watches as he loses both of his trophy colonies, Slay Saber and Hellhounds, in less than two minutes. After years of ensuring his hold over them through the gruesome dealings of The Trials, all of that work is poofed. Gone, just like that.

"On my word, I hereby declare that Lumare no longer serves Grave Shadow."

Shit. With every blink, his vision flickers and dims.

Cyrus is glad that Jax no longer has control of Lumare and Frosthide. Just getting to savor that offended look on his face is priceless. However, this also means that it's every pack for themselves. Now he has to worry about all these other extras making a comeback and getting in the way, not just Grave Shadow.

Is this what Luna means by change? Is she really that set against bringing him down?

"If anyone has any objections to my new ruling, speak now or forever hold your peace," Luna declares. "But be warned, anyone that would like to object will have to face me. And I do not prefer to demonstrate my skills in a place of festivities and dance."

With a crazed smile, Cyrus is tempted to throw himself at Luna and demand that she revert everything back to normal. He wants to tear out her throat and feel the pulp of her flesh in between his claws, the visual of that delicious what if burning in the back of his mind. There would be no hex, no letting go of Slay Saber and Hellhounds.

But the pentagram circle that's engraved in his hand says otherwise. As much as it hurts to admit, he is not strong enough to resist the power of the moon goddess. To defy God herself is to ask for a death wish.

Jax must have reached a similar conclusion. Though the murderous intent in his eyes are clear, there's a tick to his jawline as he clenches his fists and settles for a shameful silence.

Once a few more moments of unspoken consensus arise, that's when Luna brings her hands together in a clap. The sound of her clap bounces off the chandeliers and drapes from above.

"Exactly one year from now, I will return with another ball," she says. "But in the meanwhile, I will not be watching over everyone like I always do. It's safe to say that after two centuries of constant diligence, I deserve a much needed respite."

Cyrus scratches the back of his head before exclaiming with a perplexed, "Huh?"

Luna sighs. "I need a fucking break."

Huh... He didn't think that gods needed breaks. Go figure.

"In my year-long absence, I expect everyone to enjoy their blessings and reflect on their hexes. Tonight, we shall commemorate. We are to act appropriately."

She points at Jax and Cyrus and adds, "This means no more weird macho fights with each other if you want to be free of the hex. Learn to settle your differences. Accept tolerance. I am starting a new age—a proper and civilized era. And I will no longer let fate run its course like I used to."

"Grave Shadow has had a vendetta against Blood Moon for over a century," Jax snarls. "If you think that one year of your sparkly magic can dissolve all of that, then be my guest, moon goddess."

A few gasps ripple throughout the room. Even Cyrus almost wants to gasp at his audacity, despite demonstrating some of his own today.

But instead of matching his hostile energy, laughter suddenly bubbles from Luna, the boisterous sound of her shrill amusement floating overhead. She laughs for an uncomfortably long moment before finally zipping it with slanted eyes and a bored expression.

"Oh, pup..." With both hands running through her long locks, she smoothes back stray wisps of blonde strands. "You still believe Blood Moon is your main issue? I just freed Lumare and Frosthide. Maybe think about how they're going to strike on the days of a full moon instead. I may want all this nonsensical fighting to end, but I will still allow it if made in the name of revenge. It's only fair that they try to get what they deserve after all these years."

While Jax's face grows even paler than it already is, Leon Cromwell of Lumare steps forward, something akin to hope gleaming in his one good eye. "Luna..."

The black eyepatch attached to the left portion of his brown face sticks out, a sore reminder of Jax's handy work with those damn knives. "Is this true? Will you allow us a chance for vengeance?"

"Why not?" Luna shrugs, giving a casual affirmation. "My days of bloodshed may be behind me, as you are all aware. The goddesses of vampires and mermaids are long gone for a reason. But I won't deny violence when done with a real purpose." She spares Jax and Cyrus with one last glare. "So long as the purpose isn't as stupid as a century-long feud over pride and world domination."

Briefly, she directs the remnants of her glare over to Leon too. "If you or anyone else dare to follow in their footsteps, I will also make you remember your place. It's not for anyone to decide whether they get to own other packs and take over the world. Not when this world isn't yours to rule."

Her last sentence is directed to every top alpha in this room, not just to one in particular. It's a warning to them all. She crosses her arms, concluding her stance on the matter.

In a dramatic turn of events, Leon gets down on one knee before her. Without an ounce of hesitation, he submits entirely to her will. "Thank you, Luna."

Promptly, as if on cue, all the other top alphas except for Jax and Cyrus drop to the floor in similar stances before telling her, in unison, "Thank you, Luna."

Shitshitshit.

Cyrus tries to not bite the inside of his cheek too hard. He can feel the weight of Hunter and Karja's gazes pressing into him. Lingering. Plotting.

He will never admit it, but it took a lot to secure his victory against them during The Trials. He doesn't know if he can do it again. But he must. Or else he'd rather kill himself than admit defeat.

"This is where I bid you farewell," Luna announces, with a flourish from her hand. Following suit, a trail of white and gold sparkles flutter from her arm and wink over her head. "Try not to get into too much trouble, pups. I'll be back a year from now. Same place, same time."

Her feet drift away from the floor as she levitates in mid-air. More white and gold sparks envelop her body, flocking to her limbs in a shiny whirlwind.

"In the meantime, behave until the days of a full moon. I know there must be some interesting words to be exchanged with these new changes made."

Her final words distantly echo from the void before she completely and utterly vanishes out of existence. In the blink of an eye, she's gone.

They are alone. A blanket of silence drapes over them. All is still.

Amid the stunned revelations that transpire from getting to meet Luna, Karja is the one to break the flow and make the first move. She advances toward Cyrus with a few clicks from her glossy black stilettos, a smug grin stretching out across her face.

"Well, well, well," she drawls. "Looks like I'll be seeing you on the next full moon."

An awkward laugh is lodged in his throat. "Karja, c'mon. You can't be serious."

Karja scowls, her sharp teeth peeking through. "If Luna says it's okay, then why the hell not?"

"Y'know, I treated you well enough. I was never cruel! I would just joke around sometimes, right?"

"Oh yeah, sooo convenient for you to wanna forget about what happened between us during The Trials."

"The Trials were years ago–"

"I'm an alpha too," she cuts in. In a blurred flash, her red acrylic claws spring out, inches away from snatching up his nose. "I'm done with hearing about 'how great you are' and acting like your goddamn lackey, especially when I have my own pride to uphold. You don't get to tell me what I should do."

Staggering back, Cyrus leans far away from her pointy nails. "Well then, I guess it was nice working with you while it lasted..."

Meanwhile, Leon of Lumare is already making his way to Jax, ready to share his own surly words.

"Alpha Jax," he says, tilting his head to the side. "Or should I just call you Jax now? No need for the formalities anymore."

"Leon–"

"You already know what I'm about to say, so let's just cut to the chase." Leon throws an index finger in his direction. "I believe in what I'd like to call an eye for an eye. We will meet when the time comes."

In disbelief, Jax scrunches his brows together. "You're still not over that? I told you it wasn't personal. We know that's how The Trials work."

"It's my fucking eye," Leon seethes through gritted teeth. "There's everything personal about that. I'll see you on the next full moon, Jax."

Though Sophie of Frosthide and Hunter are more quiet about their own bitter agendas, the heat of their glares speak for themselves. In eerie silence, Cyrus and Jax bear the brunt of all the tensions as the other four alphas stare them down, cornering them with the spirit of a hungry predator.

Shit.