Whispers in the smoke
The flames had barely faded from Nyra's sky-born message when the first ripple stirred in the forest.
Smoke twisted unnaturally above the trees.
It wasn't from fire.
It was summoning smoke—witch-born, ancient, and forbidden.
Nyra stood still, eyes narrowed as the scent hit her. Jasmine laced with ash and blood. Only one group used it.
The Whisper Court.
"Iris," she said sharply, drawing her blades. "Get the others underground. Now."
Iris blinked. "You think they'd come here—?"
"They already have," Nyra growled.
A gust of wind burst through the clearing, scattering leaves and ash. When it cleared, three figures stood in a half-moon before her. No footsteps. No scent.
Only presence.
The one in the middle stepped forward. She wore a veil of black lace, face obscured but aura undeniable.
Selene Morthal.
Queen of the Whisper Court.
Her voice was smooth silk over steel. "Moonborne flame, we meet at last."
Nyra didn't lower her blades. "What do you want?"
"Want?" Selene tilted her head. "We heard you declared war, little wolf. And where there is war, there is opportunity."
The witches behind her remained silent, their eyes glowing violet beneath hoods. One of them whispered something in a language Nyra didn't understand, and the trees around them bent slightly—as if listening.
"Careful," Nyra warned. "This is still my land."
Selene laughed softly. "Child, nothing in this realm belongs to one bloodline anymore. Not after what they did to us. To you."
She took a single step closer. The air around her shimmered.
"Do you know why they turned on you, Nyra?" Selene asked. "Why Kael betrayed you?"
Nyra's jaw clenched. "Because they were weak."
Selene's veil fluttered in the wind, her voice dropping low.
"Because they feared what the prophecy said.
That a Moonborne would rise with the power to unmake the bonds of dominance.
That she would dethrone the alphas.
And awaken the old blood."
Nyra's eyes narrowed.
"You're saying that's me."
Selene raised a gloved hand. "I'm saying the Council thinks it is. And fear makes powerful men do stupid things."
For a beat, the only sound was the whispering of the trees.
Then Selene offered her hand.
"Come with me. The Whisper Court can teach you to control what's awakening in you. To wield it—not just for revenge… but for rebirth."
Nyra looked down at the hand.
Then back into the smoke-shrouded veil.
"I don't trust witches."
Selene didn't flinch. "Good. Trust makes fools of us all."
She lowered her hand, expression unreadable.
"Think it over. But don't take too long, little flame. Power attracts power. And the other side… is already watching."
With a flick of her fingers, the witches vanished into a swirl of violet smoke, carried off by the wind.
⸻
Back in Blackthorn Pack – The High Tower
Kael sat at the edge of the old balcony, hands buried in his hair.
The voices had returned.
Low. Murmuring.
She will destroy you.
She is not yours anymore.
You are the cursed son.
He flinched, slamming his fist against the stone railing.
Lorien stepped in cautiously. "You're hearing them again?"
Kael looked up, eyes bloodshot. "Worse this time."
"You need to talk to the Council. There's something wrong with the blood oath—"
"No," Kael said firmly. "They'll use it to leash me."
Lorien hesitated. "Then what do you want me to do?"
Kael rose, eyes burning.
"Find her. Before they do."
⸻
Final Scene – Nyra's Camp
Nyra sat before the fire alone, staring at the sigil Selene left burned into the ground—a spiral of flame and shadow.
Behind her, Iris approached quietly. "You okay?"
"No," Nyra replied. "But I will be."
She touched the scar over her collarbone.
"And the next time Kael sees me…
I won't just be the woman he betrayed."
Nyra turned, eyes glowing faintly silver.
"I'll be the weapon he should've feared."