Chapter 31: Moon's Judgment
The moon sat swollen and crimson above Black Ash Vale, casting long shadows across the broken stones of the Crimson Howl courtyard. Every heartbeat within the pack drummed in sync with the tension rising in the air. No one slept. Not tonight.
Kael stood beneath the Oathstone, its glow pulsing faintly, echoing the strain of the decision that would soon shape everything.
Behind him, the founding members waited silently. Flam stood like a stone wall. Milla crossed her arms, eyes watching the distant darkness. Tamir's hand never left the hilt of his dagger.
The younglings huddled closer together in the rear, sensing something ancient shifting above them. Even the wind refused to howl.
> System Notification:
Path Decision Pending...
đź”» Dominion
🔺 Unity
Time Remaining: 00:03:17
Kael inhaled deeply.
"What does it mean to lead?"
His voice was steady, but his heart raced.
"Is it to rule with fear, like the packs that came before? Or to build something new—something that can survive longer than one Alpha's reign?"
The pack stared.
Tamir finally spoke, "What do you believe, Alpha?"
Kael turned toward them all.
"I believe power without control burns everything. But strength born of trust... endures."
> System Notification:
Path Selected: UNITY
Reward Unlocked: Heartfire Bond
Advanced Chaos Skill Unlocked
➤ Heartfire Bond – Establishes spiritual links between the Alpha and loyal packmates. Strength, speed, and resilience are amplified when fighting together.
A warm gust of wind swept through the courtyard.
Each wolf felt it—a flicker in the chest, a glowing thread connecting them faintly to Kael. The stronger the bond, the brighter the flame.
For a brief moment, they weren't broken wolves, lost heirs, or scarred survivors.
They were a pack.
But the moment shattered as a haunting howl ripped through the valley.
From the south ridge.
Then another. And another.
Shadowy figures emerged on the cliffs, eyes burning orange like kindled embers. Dozens of them. Rogues. Scarred, twisted, and grinning with feral glee.
At the front stood a towering figure cloaked in black bone armor, red glyphs glowing across his chest like scars that never healed.
Kael's blood ran cold.
> System Alert:
Enemy Identified: Korrak, Ex-Alpha of the Hollow Fang Pack
Status: Corrupted Blood
Estimated Power Rank: 8 (Elite Alpha)
Warning: Hostile threat confirmed.
Korrak raised a clawed hand—and pointed it at the Crimson Howl den.
Then he spoke with a voice like rusted iron.
"Let's see if your little bonds stop teeth, pup."
The first wave leapt forward.
And the war began.