The crisp air blew gently into the Alpha's Forum, a dim glow from the morning sun breaching the windows. A warm rain fell upon them during the night, casting a misty fog that carried over the waters. The sills of the window were still damp and glistening from the rain that had only recently ceased to fall.

Ludovic stood in front of the Alpha's throne as he breathed in the wet stone, staring at the carved wooden seat before him. He recalled his grandfather, the Alpha before Theran's father, telling all of his grandsires that the throne was carved of an ancient Moon Oak tree, something unique to lycans in these mountains. When the moonlight touched the wood of the tree, paired with a lycan touching it, the bark would glow white.

In the moonlight, the Alpha's throne would faintly glow around whoever sat within it. At least, the throne in the outdoor Commons did, where Ludovic would be facing the crowd of lycans later that day. The throne in the Forum was covered with a roof for unfavorable weather to which moonlight rarely breached through.

Both thrones were now his, and he still couldn't comprehend it. The fight to claim it had been rather easy, compared to what he thought would happen.

Getting this throne was simple, but defending it will cost so much...

Ludovic ran his calloused hands on the polished wood before sitting down, his stolid expression deepening as he felt the weight of his role.

He not only fought Theran for this, but now he would either cast out an Omni, or accept her among his pack. He would ask his people to join him in a battle that could require decades of rebuilding and healing...if they were so lucky to see the bright side of victory.

As he waited, he rolled up the sleeves of his loose, black tunic, the rest of his shirt tucked into his belt. He touched his exposed forearm, a few, weathered scars visible, knowing that before they left for Ingram, he'd be given the Alpha's tattoos: branches wrapping around his neck that stemmed down his forearms and legs from which his victories would be added like a tree that grew over time. Each leaf would be stained with white ink that would glow on a full moon.

He thought to his father, wondering if taking this throne would lead Ludovic to an early death. Perhaps I will see you sooner than anticipated, old man.

Ludovic sighed, knowing he had to do everything he could to avoid that. He didn't fear death himself, as he had been raised as a warrior, but he didn't want for his mother to have to plant his ghost tree. His gaze slid to the empty throne next to him, and it was the first time in his life that he felt pressured to claim a mate—he'd need one if he wanted any chance to survive what was coming.

He moved his gaze back ahead of him, taking in a deep breath of the cool air and touched the cold wood of his throne.

Ludovic thought of Cora and cast aside the allure she had on him—how did she contend from a political standpoint ? Was she truly the best one to seat the throne next to him? No doubt, the sooner they confirmed that she could not go to Grimshaw, the better. That would not only help his pack, but undoubtedly strengthen her own confidence.

He needed a confident mate. One that was strong, capable, reliable, and loyal. He needed a companion, and someone that would mother his young the way he had been raised. Someone that would fight fearlessly for what she believed in, and someone the pack respected.

Aside from the pack's lack of respect—thinking back to how Cora had been confronted in the stands—he did have to admit that she already demonstrated many of those traits. Respect was earned in their world, and he was certain someone like her could establish that with ease.

But knew to wait until Hilda's demonstration before latching too closely to the idea.

The scent of his aunt filled the forum on the back of the morning breeze. He gripped his seat even tighter, controlling his breathing as his heart raced.

So much would be revealed here.

Naila Reiger was guided by ten sentinels on either side of her, the red robe of his aunt standing out among the stone.

Behind her followed Hilda, who spoke to Moira Trita, or Mina's aunt. The she-wolf was renowned for her intellect and ability to create tonics and salves that was supplied all the way up to the Alpha's family, as well as being an excellent translator.

Behind them entered Rasha and many other Seers, Rasha standing out with her bone white braids that reached her hips, stark against her robes and skin.

Following them was his mother, sister, and a few more family members. Everyone came to a halt, Naila glaring at Ludovic with a coldness that contrasted the warmth of the aunt that he used to know.

"Aunt Naila...I assume you have been told as to why you have been brought before me," Ludovic asked, his voice carrying in the quiet, yet filled, room.

"I have, although all I see is an Alpha that stole his throne," Naila said with a sneer.

"The way it used to be for our kind," Ludovic said, raising a brow.

Naila's body shook like a spasm rippled through, although her eyes remained stern. "What do you want?"

"Hilda, Cora's witch, claims that you have been cursed by the very witch that stalks our shadows."

A few in the room immediately threw a glare at Naila.

Once again, her body tremored as if a muscle spasm stole her spine, her face retaining a placid glare. "You have no proof. This is pointless, and a mockery of the power you stole."

Hilda spoke, Ludovic's gaze moving to her as Moira translated. When Moira spoke, her voice echoed elegantly throughout the forum, "Hilda mentions that those tremors are the curse fighting to keep her controlled. And that...Hilda says that those tremors could represent Naila trying to get through. I take it as two magics are currently fighting inside of a singular vessel, my liege."

Ludovic's mother, Valda, spoke out, taking a step forward. "Naila, come forward. Please, sister. We can help."

Only Naila's left shoulder shook, although she glared at the floor. "Save your concern. My tremors are from whatever the Seers gave me. It is what is affecting me."

The sound of an eagle broke through the silence that hung in the forum as Rasha glared narrowly at Naila. With concern, she said, "All we gave you was water, Naila."

"Just get this over with," Naila quickly said, glaring at Ludovic before looking back down, her lips pressing tightly together.

Ludovic addressed Hilda and said, "Go ahead and explain all you know, so everyone in the room can hear. If this proves true, then we will have a formal presentation of this to the Clan Heads later in the day, where Cora will be tested herself."

As Mina would, Moira waited before committing to speak, "Hilda claims that she is familiar with this type of shadow magic. She recognized it possessing Naila due to the moonlight...which, apparently, reflected back in Naila's eyes in the caves when Cora first arrived. And seeing as the caves have no such moonlight, Hilda knew right away something was different...before you ask why the other Seers were ignorant, Hilda says it is because only another witches would recognize such a possession...which is where this shadow witch committed a mistake. An easy one, seeing as witches never cross into these lands."

Rasha seemed to hold onto every word, quickly adding, "And Naila left the caves almost as soon as Hilda appeared," she looked at Ludovic, "My gods....my liege, you know that your aunt has been odd for the last six months, if not more."

Ludovic's heart raced, taking in the faces of everyone in the room. His mother was the most concerned, Asla placing a hand on her shoulder.

Ludovic looked at Hilda and asked, "Where is the proof of this? We need tangible proof to present to others."

"Hilda claims that there should be a mark on her somewhere, similar to the one on Cora's leg."

Ludovic motioned for the sentinels to hold Naila down while the Seers went for Naila's robes, who fought back, the tremors of her body acting as if a war waged inside of her. He recognized the scent of her trying to change, but the Seers were quick to place a Gollard collar around her, which prevented the power of transformation.

It was a shameful collar, and used only in extremely unique circumstances, as to limit one's transformation was akin to chaining a part of their soul.

Even Ludovic's mother looked away as they collared his aunt.

Ludovic watched on, however, knowing that this had to be done. If his aunt was possessed by whatever dark magic was out there, then they needed to help her. And he had to execute those decisions now, so looking away was not something he could afford.

Sentinels held her arms while Naila screamed out as they cut open her robes. Ludovic remained firm and stolid—as an Alpha should—although he watched with a bated breath at seeing someone that helped raise him be treated this way.

"Get off of me!" she shouted.

They then ripped open her robes from her stomach and Ludovic refused to look away, his eyes widening when he saw a large, black mark expanding from her stomach all around her torso and down her thighs, as if the black mark infected her veins.

Naila stopped moving, watching the room around her. Her eyes then turned black and she screeched.

Rasha took a step back and faced Ludovic. With concern, she loudly said, "This is the same mark as on Cora."

Naila screamed even more wildly before laughing, the sentinels struggling to hold her but refusing to let go. "Give it up, Reiger," she declared , before pausing to look at Ludovic, "or you'll be a ghost tree before you have time to even rule."

Ludovic didn't blink as he stared down whatever in the gods name was happening, rolling his gaze to address Rasha. "This is enough to prove it to everyone. Prepare Cora and bring her," he said, standing up. "And make sure Walder is with her. And you, Rasha. And Hilda. Don't leave her unguarded. Not until this is resolved."

Cora could barely eat her breakfast that morning, staring at the bread and butter with a side of eggs. They even had coffee, which was a luxury imported from the deep south. It was the only thing she could consume, her heart racing from the bitter drink and fretful emotions.

"You need to eat, Cora," Mina said, tying her sandals as she prepared for the day. "No matter what happens, you need to eat. You need to be strong."

"I can't even look at the eggs without feeling sick," she said, placing the tray on her bed. "I just want Hilda to come back. I will have a better idea of my fate then."

"I am sure things will be alright," Mina reassured, sitting up and looking at Cora with sympathy, the morning sun glinting off of her earrings.

Cora hesitated, slowly breathing and taking in the smell of coffee and wet stone before quietly adding, "Mina...I won't go to Grimshaw."

"I know—"

"No. I won't go," Cora said sternly. She played with her hands with such anxiety that her nails dug too deeply at times. "Even if I make the journey to him, I'd jump off a cliff before giving myself to him. I am not going to him."

Cora hated how that made Mina's eyes widen with concern, and Cora added, "I don't mean I will jump to that right away. I don't have a death wish...I just, I mean...that that's why I am stressed. It feels like the fate of my life weighs on this very day. If I have to go him, I just," she said quietly, looking down as it was hard to speak about it. "I just can't go to him."

Mina seemed to consider that, glancing at her hands and playing with a golden ring on her index finger. There was something to Mina not responding right away that made Cora more aware of how dire this situation was.

It reminded her of dealing with Ben; the danger was too present to pretend otherwise.

"I don't know what to say," Mina mumbled, and Cora frowned before Mina followed that with, "What I mean is, I know what I want to say, but I don't know if that's the advice you want, or need, to hear."

"What do you mean?"

"You're an Omni, Cora. You were chosen, at least I believe, by our goddess. You are special, like the other Omnis, or Rubies as humans put it. As a lycan, I'd never let Grimshaw be the death of me unless it was to defend others of my kin. I'd go to him and find a way to end him, to kill him before he does even more damage. Then I'd allow myself to die."

Gooseflesh rose on Cora's skin. Mina's dark brown eyes held no room for sympathy—it was one of the rare moments that Cora considered Mina a true wolf in spirit. "You mean that?"

"Well, I realize that you didn't grow up as one of us...but we don't allow to be pushed around. Only those in charge of us, like a Clan Head, parents, or Alpha can do such a thing. Everyone else? We fight for that order. You've seen Asla. No one challenges her because many have and they've  all gotten hurt for it. Ludovic took the throne and faced little backlash—partly because of Theran's failure—but also because Ludovic feels like an Alpha, and we respect that more than any bloodline.

"What I mean by all of this," Mina said, shaking her head as if to refocus, "Is that today, you walk in with your head held high. Fight for your position here. No matter the outcome. Show Reiger pack that keeping you here makes us stronger."

"And if they reject me?"

"Then make it their loss. And make it Grimshaw's fatal mistake," Mina rebutted.

Cora's subconscious reaction was to slowly smile at Mina, inspired by the ferocity. "Well, I see you are not to be underestimated."

The bashful Mina returned as she looked away with a grin. "I am not always that way, but I really don't like females being used like this. It's a long story, but the issue runs deep for my family."

"Well, I hope I am around to hear that one day," Cora said. While the sentiment was bittersweet, she had more vigor in her heart than earlier, as Mina was right – Cora could make Grimshaw rue the day he decided to hunt her. For making her parents uproot their lives. For making Cora live in a sheltered hut all of her life.

Cora looked around the room. "I guess I just—I never thought about hunting Grimshaw out myself," she laughed, "That's honestly crazy to consider...but maybe it's not. Not if I am an Omni..I don't know how to behave like that, though. Like any of you. And yet, I want that strength."

"You did it with Theran," Mina countered.

"Well yeah, that's because he was hurting you."

She smiled. "You do have it in you, hurting me or not," she paused, "either way, walk into the gathering today with your head held high, and do your best to keep your emotions at bay. It's how an Omega would behave. For lycans, any crack in the leader's armor causes ripples throughout the entire pack. It's a huge weight to carry, but when it's been thrust on your shoulders...well, you might as well give it a shot before dropping it."

The words hit Cora in the chest, and she blinked rapidly as everything was happening so quickly; so many revelations; so many new perspectives. It made her wonder just what she wanted for herself.

In that light, she knew what she really wanted, which was something she could never have: to run back to the farm, and live the life where her mother and father were still alive. To just live simply, with no pressure.

Or, just to have her parents back. Honestly, that's what she wanted most in the world.

I have to be strong for Ben. Focus. I need to focus.

She still didn't eat her breakfast, but the words from Mina made Cora really reconsider her life, her trajectory, and what it meant to actually vie for the position of an Omega.

Knock. Knock.

Cora stood up, her heart racing like it had been shot through her rib cage by an elastic band. "Hilda?" she piped up.

The door opened, and the familiar face of her witch appeared. Cora wanted to fall apart into a hundred pieces and cry at the sight of Hilda. She wanted to beg for help, to find a way to make this all better, to just sleep for one night without any worry, or to ask if any magic could allow her to dream of a life long gone.

Despite the relief in Hilda's face, Cora held her breath as she waited for the witch to say, "Well, that went better for you than I hoped."

"What happened?" both Mina and Cora asked at the same time.

Hilda shut the door, grinning ear to ear.

"Naila, his aunt, has been marked by the shadow. It's controlling her," Hilda said, her elation conflicting the depth of her words. She had to shake her head and drop her smile as she entered the room, nearing the hearth. "Sorry, I know I am a little too happy for that, but it's really because I am certain that the pack will keep Cora."

Cora's lip quivered, inhaling deeply through her nostrils as she nodded, a grin stealing her face. She covered her mouth and laughed.

Mina stood up. "What happened to Naila?"

Cora controlled her breathing, nodding with more seriousness. "Yes, yes...what about her? Or the witch in the shadows?"

Hilda sighed and seemed to take her time in switching gears, speaking with an exhaustion that Cora understood all too well. "Yes, Naila's possession—yes, it is awful for the pack. It means they have been infiltrated for a long time...the curse was deep and it has spread deeply through her. Magic like that takes months to reach that point, if not an entire year...or more."

"How did you prove it?" Cora asked.

"The mark on her stomach," Hilda replied, looking at Cora's leg, all the humor fading as she wiped her eyes and focused on Cora. "Let me see your leg."

Cora pulled up her dress and revealed her inner thigh. The curse hadn't changed, and if anything, it might have even faded. Cora glanced up at Hilda, watching her for any indication of what this meant.

Hilda exhaled, placing her hand on her chest. "Oh, good. That's good. If you were cursed, it would have been much darker. You must have just been touched by the curse more than anything, but it looks like it never rooted."

"What will happen to her?" Cora asked.

"I don't know," Hilda said, shaking her head and holding a hand up, looking at Cora as she dropped her hand and stared, as if to take her in with a moment of peace. "But you are safe. At least, this proves that you cannot go to Grimshaw. Naila was the only one opposing your stay, and since she harbors deep influence, her reluctance held great sway. But if she is compromised, then the pack should follow Ludovic's decision."

"That will be to keep me," Cora suggested, her heart racing, her thoughts jumbled with elation.

"Are you ready for that? A courtship with a lycan can be intense. Especially with an Alpha," Hilda said.

Cora laughed. "I can't even think about that right now, but I assure you that I will figure it out," Cora said, looking at Mina, "Plus, I have Mina. She will keep me grounded and give me good advice. She has proven that already."

Mina smiled back, looking away as if touched but embarrassed at the same time.

And like that, the mood in Cora's heart had changed. She still needed to attend the gathering for the proof of Naila's corruption, but it was a victory, none the less.

It meant she's get to stay.

Out in the commons, the fires from the torches and braziers sent smoke into the air, the leaves changing colors above those that attended the emergency gathering. It was a few hours past midday, the sun more golden than bright.

The Commons was a vast space of open green fields that were surrounded by trees, and nearly a hundred gathered to witness what Ludovic had prepared—all the Clan heads were in attendance, and it made Ludovic nervous to have so much power in one location.

What if something went wrong? The Clans would need their heads. This will be quick, and then they can disperse to return the news to their home.

"It still surprises me how many of these wolves accepted you so easily," Asla said, kneeling at Ludovic's throne and resting her arm on the wood.

"At least I have your vote of confidence," he quipped with sarcasm.

She laughed. "I'm serious. It almost makes me nervous. I expected more of a fight. It's been a long time since we had a disruption like this, and yet, everyone is fine."

"Then it's less of disruption, and more of realignment. We took care of the Theran supporters, as you know," Ludovic said, looking over the crowd before him.

"I guess," Asla said, looking ahead as well.

He looked down at his twin, knowing she wasn't wrong about her suspicion, but very little could truly be done about it. At least not right now.

Asla sighed and tapped the wooden throne with her hand. "Anyway, I'll go be with mother. I'm tired of kneeling at your feet. It is the only flaw in my plan," she said, turning around to take a few steps away before looking back up at him.

The throne was situated on a mound with twelve stairs leading to it, and was easy to scale on the sides via the grass. Younglings of the Alpha often neared his throne in such a manner.

He smirked. "I'm sure you'll survive. Be ready to take care of mother. I don't know how this is going to go."

Asla hesitated, and he could already feel many eyes on them, but she seemed to pay them no mind. "Do what you must. If Aunt Naila is compromised beyond redemption...we cannot let that witch infiltrate us so easily."

He gave her a single nod and she turned around to head towards the edge of the crowd, the green space before him open and waiting for Cora and Naila to be brought.

He thought back on what Asla said, and something about Asla kneeling for him made him feel the weight of his position. Lycans were simple, and yet rigid in many ways. One of the primary, unspoken rules was everyone knelt for the Alpha. Especially when apprehension permeated the air as greatly as it did then.

Only his Omega didn't kneel for him, although in very few circumstances it could be called for—although those were rare and came at times of great turmoil, where the leader's decision had to be resound.

Ludovic gripped the arms of the throne when he caught Cora's scent in the wind, her Omni blood so different from all the others. The lycans that gathered quieted and whispered as the scent approached.

Through the trees on the opposite end of the Commons was a large pathway, and he saw the first line of sentinels emerge from the forest. Adrenaline pumped in his veins, feeling like a king at a massive sentencing with many prying eyes, eager to hear of the accusations and witness proof of Naila's corruption. The crowd parted to allow for a walkway, all smelling the air to catch wind of the Omni.

After the sentinels came the Seers, who walked around Cora, her brother close behind. As they neared, he could see the details in their faces. The boy was clearly terrified of the lycans, but a burning fire in his eyes burned bright, the mauling of his face on full display.

Cora walked with purpose, glancing around at all that attended. It caught Ludovic's curiosity that she seemed to carry herself with such poise, never lingering her gaze on anyone for long—even avoiding look ahead at the throne. She didn't appear afraid, or worried. Just determined.

She was adapting with each passing day. No doubt she is in survival mode. That tends to test the steel from which we are made.

Ludovic still couldn't help but wonder if Cora would turn out to surprise him more than he anticipated.

Other males seemed intrigued with her as well, her scent no doubt drawing many to consider her for themselves.

"You will bring death to us!" a lycan shouted.

"Steigen meat!" another berated.

The energy quickly turned in the sea of the lycans, the sentinels that surrounded Cora having their eyes glow amber as they faced the crowd in opposition. Mina leaned into Cora and no doubt translated what had been said, to which Cora nodded forward and continued to walk. The boy behind Cora walked even closer

"Enough," Ludovic bellowed, his own eyes glowing amber as he felt the energy of the crowd rise.

Many calmed themselves, although Ludovic could still feel the tension. Despite that, Cora pressed onward, displaying she was much different from the person that had arrived a few weeks ago.

She genuinely held no fear in her eyes or scent, the strength of the Omni breaking through the others around her. Ludovic's fingers rolled inwards to form a fist, then releasing it, observing her carefully.

Ludovic wanted that raw, untamed power of her spirit for himself. It drew him in, and if he was right, Cora would prove to harbor a strength that would make even Asla think twice.

More and more, he felt the instinctual need to claim such a force of nature.

Her gaze finally connected with his, and the smallest of twitches in his stern expression revealed the faintest signs of pleasure at her reaction—her impassive gaze broke, just ever so, when looking at him, something more intimate and even shy taking over those red eyes. He had to admit he enjoyed his effect on her, wanting to tease it more.

She looked away and then was guided to her place near him but still quite a few feet away from the throne, standing tall as her scrutinous gaze wandered over the crowd. He too returned to surveying those before them, as now was not the time to let his thoughts wander.

Ludovic tensed when he smelled the scent of his aunt, escorted by nearly two dozen sentinels and a dozen Seers from behind where Cora had arrived.

Large, thick clouds rolled overhead, blocking out the sun as Naila neared them. He was eager to witness this curse once more, as he still couldn't believe what his aunt had uttered. How could any of this have happened? And why would Steigen be targeting Reiger before Cora appeared?

All Ludovic knew was that he was not one to be hunted. He didn't like sitting and waiting to see what Steigen would do.

He wanted to handle everything here, and then focus on preparing his pack to ready themselves for their own hunt.

Once Naila was brought within twenty feet of Ludovic, the crowd gathered behind her. The Commons was an area that gently sloped up towards the Alpha's throne, so everyone around could bear witness.

When it was all quiet, save for the sound of nervous breathing around him, Ludovic spoke, his voice loud against the silence. "Naila Reiger, I bring you here because you are being declared as cursed by a witch."

"A witch trial? Really, nephew?" Naila retorted, spitting on the ground.

The reaction was like a ripple, flowing through everyone around, some murmuring in suspicion, support, or remaining silent but growing more intent on listening.

Ludovic glanced around and shouted to the crowd, "My aunt Naila has been declared cursed by a witch, one that resides all the way in Steigen. A witch that is more powerful than we can imagine. A witch that even our Seers, save for my aunt here, have seen in the smoke. If that witch were to get her hands on Cora...it will be the end—"

"Do you listen to this Alpha?" Naila shouted. "This is the Alpha that cast out Theran, the blood right! This is a usurper, and you all have the gall to entertain him!"

Ludovic quickly retorted, "You know we are a creature that removes weakness where we can. Theran was a dying branch that needed severed. No one counters that."

"Are you going to remove me?" Naila asked, facing him. "You're a coward, nephew. Collaring me. Do any of you see this! I have been collared. He is a pathetic excuse for an Alpha."

"Nothing is for certain yet," Ludovic said, waving for Hilda. "For now, we need to demonstrate to everyone here what we witnessed earlier."

Hilda walked over with a bright green, glowing crystal in her hand. Naila thrashed once her gaze landed on the stone, to which the energy of the crowd changed in response.

Hilda rolled up her white sleeves before placing the glowing crystal on Naila's forehead, who continued to thrash but the sentinels held her in place.

When the crystal touched Naila's forehead, nothing happened. Naila panted as she held still, the crystal reflecting on her skin and eyes as his aunt began to laugh. Ludovic moved his gaze around, wondering why it wasn't working now--

Naila convulsed and the screams ripped out of her. She thrashed more than she had before and Hilda mumbled foreign words as she tried her best to keep the crystal on Naila's skin.

Ludovic gripped the armchair of his throne, his pulse quickening. Aunt Naila...what have they done to you...Many around gasped and hissed, hackles raising on over half of the lycans.

Naila opened her mouth and dry retched, the screams echoing as if more than one entity vied for dominance before a singular voice won out. Naila went limp in the sentinels hands as she croaked out, "Free me! Kill me! Remove this curse from me! You have to kill me." She panted as if dying from exhaustion, her voice strained. "It's in me. They're using me. Oh goddess, forgive me."

Valda, his mother, rushed over and pushed past the sentinels. "Give her space," Ludovic commanded of his mother. "Don't get close."

Valda didn't look at him but obeyed and stopped a few feet away. "Sister, oh my gods, you're in there."

Naila quivered, fighting whatever was in her as Hilda continued to hold the crystal to her forehead.

Naila moaned, "I have not been myself for years. This goes deep, Val. We are in grave danger--" the convulsions increased, and Naila's jaw opened as far it would go as she cried out, "End it!"

Ludovic looked at Hilda, his eyes wide as Naila had mentioned years.

Moira spoke to Hilda, and then addressed Ludovic, "My liege, Hilda says that we have two options. To burn her or try another way. Although the materials for the latter are far from here and would take time, which brings more risk."

Ludovic took in his surroundings with his peripherals, trying to gauge how the crowd reacted. Which option did he take? He asked, "If we get whatever materials we need for Hilda, we can save Naila?"

Moira tensed when Naila tremored, although relaxed when Hilda pressed harder while  simultaneously speaking to Moira.

Moira said, "Hilda is not certain, but she thinks it might work. It's worth a try, anyway, if you permit it. She would not offer it as a solution if she did not have a high hope in its success."

Ludovic was not used to making these decisions, and for a moment wanted to ask the others what they thought. But he couldn't. It had to be him that would act and decide in a moment such as this. He had to use his instinct, and it was important that he appeared strong.

Ludovic said, "I am sorry, aunt Naila..." he looked at the Seers around his aunt. "Bind her and keep her locked away, deep in the caverns from which our crystals grow—" Naila screamed—"and we will figure this out from there. We will not burn her today, but if it comes to it, we will not hesitate."

The sentinels responded quickly and began to guide Naila in the direction from which a long march would begin. They were to go to the highest mountain peak of their territory where a cave would lead to a crystal mine, which was imbued with the powers of their goddess and of arcane magic.

The mumbling buzzed around him, and he nodded to Rasha, knowing that now they had to see if Cora had been marked with the same curse.

I suppose everything will be different if she is cursed.

As Naila was carried further into the distance, Rasha spoke out, "We are not finished! We now need to test the Omni, who has been bitten by the very shadows that control Naila" –quite a few gasped at this news, although Rasha pressed on as if she didn't hear them—"Hilda claims that the curse didn't take, but we will all see for ourselves."

Without hesitation, Cora neared Rasha, Mina following close behind and speaking to her. Cora pulled up her dress to reveal her thigh, Ludovic's gaze taking in more than he should have, although those thoughts were quick to leave as he recalled the memory of her being attacked by the flames.

That was the first time he had felt fear in a long time. Witch's magic so deep into the Seer's caves was akin to a human residing in a cave, only to realize it was a wolf's den, with a dozen wolves sleeping at the entrance; there was nothing more terrifying than being infiltrated at such a magical level.

Especially since, to his knowledge, shadow magic was of the Old Ways for witches...and they hadn't seen that kind of magic in over a thousand years.

Then again, we have the Omnis as well. It seems the world breathes with new life and magic.

Rasha faced Hilda and spoke loudly, "And you say that there are visions in this smoke that suggest if Cora were to go to Steigen, then it is definite death for all of us?"

Moira spoke up after listened to Hilda's response, "She says yes. The witch, for whatever reason, not only seeks out Omnis but Cora in particular. If that witch were to have Cora, then the witch would gain immense power. Power that we cannot fight. She claims you have seen this as well in the smoke."

Rasha nodded. "Yes...all of us, except for Naila—although that makes more sense now—had seen it. Do you know who cursed Naila?"

Moira echoed Hilda's reply, "Hilda says that she cannot be certain. Not right now."

A male near Hilda spoke up, and Ludovic recognized him right away as the head of the Forlang Clan—Kollan Forlang, who was a tan male with gray hair streaking through his long mane. He faced Hilda and rasped, "That shadow...the witch that casts the shadow belongs to Grimshaw?"

"That is what she believes," Moira said.

"Then we have to kill Grimshaw," Kollan said, facing Ludovic, giving him a nod of approval.

Another Clan head, from the other side of the crowd, added, "We have to turn the Omnis into lycans and use their magic against Steigen. We need to get the Omnis mated as well. Spread their powers to others."

Angela Frost Moon stepped forward, her ebony skin the same as Rasha's, along with her bone white hair.

Ludovic clenched his hands, wondering what they would say. Not all of Sava's Clan took to the way he and her parted. He had heard whispers that they were even angrier now that he was an Alpha, to which Sava could have been his Omega.

It is good she does not live in these lands anymore, or this would be much worse.

Angela faced Moira, and with a smooth voice, she asked, "How does Cora going to Grimshaw ensure his victory? I still do not understand that part."

The sun peaked through the clouds, casting harsh shadows on everyone's faces.

Moira said, "Hilda does not know the details, but the visions that she shares with the Seers is of Grimshaw, a shadow figure at his side, and Cora on the other, and these mountains on fire."

Many looked around with dread, cursing under their breath.

Ludovic stood up and all eyes fell on him, the murmuring ceasing. "We need to go to Ingram, to meet with the other Omnis, to speak with the other Alphas. Then, we can decide on the next actions that we take as a pack. While I am gone, you will all fortify. Train. Everything. We are going to war, and this is perhaps one of the greatest we will face. Many ghost trees will be planted.

"And I plan to return with an Omni mate, to which I will use all of that power to the best of my ability, to protect this pack and these lands."

He didn't want to lay a claim to Cora just yet, not in such a public manner. Not after everything they had just witnessed.

Ludovic's gaze met Mina's and he motioned with his hand for her to come to him. Mina hurried towards him, kneeling at his feet. "Tell Cora that the pack understands that her life matters to us, and we understand she cannot go to Grimshaw. Tell her that it is not official yet, but I have a feeling we will go to war with Steigen. I see no other way around that...Then, tell her to wait for Asla back in her room. She will bring you both to me to discuss everything else, and then, our journey to Ingram."

A/N: OH BOY. Finally, it's all culminating!!! The romance really begins from here, now that they have had the proper setup to be with each other. I'm truly excited for it and I really hope you guys are as well ❤️

What do you think of the pacing? This is a good question for me to ask for when it comes time to editing. Does this scene feel important? Is everything moving too slow? It doesn't feel like it to me, but it's hard to gauge in your own works. Bigger yet, are you wanting more from Ludovic by now? Or is the pacing of his interest alright as is? (You can be totally honest — it helps for the edits!!)

Anyway, thank you so much for reading and I love all of you so much ❤️❤️❤️