A smile spread across her face upon hearing Vantos' offer. With a hand over her chest, Lydia sank into a chair near Annie's bed, staring at him. "Are you certain about this, Mr. Orien?"

  Vantos stepped closer, gently taking her hand. "Please, allow me to honor your husband's bravery by offering you and your family shelter and security. It's the least I can do for Desmond. Of course, that is—if the young master allows it."

  With the war of the clans looming just weeks away, ensuring Lydia and Annie's safety brought me an unexpected sense of relief. "I have no objections," I said. "I've been to Vantos' domain, and I can assure you, Lydia—it will be a place you find comfort in."

  Lydia rose to her feet and approached Annie, gently leaning down to whisper in her ear. "Did you hear that, my love? We are finally safe."

  She walked toward Vantos, stopping just in front of him. "I have no words for your kindness, Mr. Orien. I do not doubt that the young master is capable of keeping us safe, but being away from the war brings peace to this old woman."

  Vantos placed his hands gently on her shoulders, offering a warm smile. "Once the first trumpet blares across town, I will come personally to retrieve you and your daughter."

  Lydia lowered her head slightly in gratitude. "Thank you. This means more to me than I can express," she said, glancing towards Annie. "And thank you for helping my daughter, Mr. Orien. I must return to the estate and prepare dinner for the young master, so please, excuse me."

  As she exited Annie's room, a thoughtful silence settled over Vantos. His usual smirk had faded, replaced with an expression of quiet contemplation.

  "Something bothering you?" I asked.

  "I'm concerned, to be honest," Vantos said. "Annie is adjusting remarkably well to the dark energy we infused into her. But then again, I shouldn't be surprised. Desmond had the rare ability to channel dark energy without losing himself to it. After all, she is Desmond's daughter. She may have a hidden talent to control dark energy—including demonic energy. But there's also the possibility that we've just made it easier for the beast to take over her body during the next full moon."

  I frowned. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

  Vantos exhaled, folding his arms. "I hadn't considered this before, but now it seems possible—likely, even. Three potential outcomes could happen as she recovers."

  "Outcome number one: she might develop the ability to wield dark magic. That would be unprecedented—a sentient werewolf harnessing forbidden magic. A dangerous possibility, but also an extraordinary one."

  "And outcome number two?"

  "Because of the ritual, you may have unknowingly acclimated her body, making her the perfect vessel for the Demon Wolf curse to fully manifest in a lesser werewolf. In other words, she may become something far stronger than she was ever meant to be."

  He hesitated for a moment, as concern settled in his face. "And now... the worst-case scenario." His gaze flickered toward Annie, watching the slow rise and fall of her chest. "Now that I think about it, this is the most likely outcome—we may have just fed the beast growing inside her. We might have given it more power than it should have. The only way we'll know for sure... is when she experiences her first transformation. Let's just hope, I'm wrong."

  "You think she'll be able to control the Demon Wolf? That she'll be like me?"

  Vantos shook his head. "Not likely. You were born a Primal Blood—the curse of the Demon Wolf is unique to your lineage, woven into the very essence of your power. Annie, on the other hand, might evolve into a Luna Wolf with abilities comparable to your Demon Wolf form—to a certain extent, at least. If that happens, it will prove that lesser werewolves can achieve another transformation when exposed to the Demon Wolf curse. But..." he hesitated for a moment before exhaling, "I hate to be the bearer of bad news. Even if she survives the transformation, the chances of her reaching that level of power are very slim."

  A sudden scent drifted into the room, immediately seizing my attention. The beast within me stirred, warning me that something was off.

  I pushed myself up from Annie's bedside, wondering about the mysterious scent. "Something's going on outside. I need to check on Derrick."

  Vantos followed as I stepped out into the cool night air. The moment we exited the guest house; I glanced at the scene unfolding before me. Derrick stood surrounded by a group of men—more than before—all of them in the same battered, malnourished state as the first three who had emerged from the forest earlier.

  But there was someone else among them.

  A blonde woman lingered near the center of the group, deliberately keeping herself concealed behind the others. But no amount of subtlety could hide what she was from me. The scent was unmistakable—the distinct smell of a Luna Wolf.

  "Everything ok in here?"

  "Yes, young master," Derrick said. "These men wish to join the clan. I have no issues with them integrating into our ranks, but my concern..." He shifted slightly and pointed at the woman. "Is her."

  I lifted my gaze toward the young woman, studying her closely. Her presence was different—strong, unwavering. Then, a distinct scent hit me, weaving through the musty air. It wasn't just that of a Luna Wolf.

  It was the scent of another Alpha, mingling with hers.

  A soft growl rumbled in my throat as my instincts sharpened.

  "You," I said, pointing directly at her. "Come closer."

  The woman stepped forward with confidence, glancing directly at me. The others instinctively moved out of her path, as if sensing the authority she carried.

  "Aren't you supposed to be next to your mate?" I asked.

  "As far as I remember, I'm capable of forming my own conclusions and making my own decisions," she said, kneeling before me with deliberate intent. "We seek the protection of the Alpha. We want to swear allegiance to the Reinhart werewolf clan."

  "You're Dylan's Luna Wolf, aren't you?"

  She lifted her chin slightly, staring at me. "The name is Andrea. And yes, I was one of them—until he decided to entertain himself by forcing us to fight each other like rabid animals. I couldn't stand the way he treated his own pack... the way he used every one of us to serve his ambitions."

  Her hands clenched at her sides, her voice carrying a bitter edge. "It felt like he gave up the moment he knew you had arrived in town. He stopped pretending to care. Stopped leading. And I refuse to follow a leader who would rather destroy his own people than fight for them."

  Then, she lowered her head slightly. "So, please... let us serve at your side."

  Vantos stood beside me, grabbing my arm and pulling me away from the growing crowd. "Living in Adams comes with its risks, young master. But taking in another Luna Wolf could become problematic. Even if you have no intention of taking her as a mate, you must understand—you, as a man, do not choose who you mate with during the full moon or when you're in your wolf form. That choice belongs to the beast inside you. And that... could lead to chaos within your clan if Annie and Andrea don't get along."

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  "I understand the risks," I said. "But I will not reject her entry into the clan."

  "Very well. Then let me offer you a deal," Vantos said.

  "I'm listening."

  "During the full moon, Luna Wolves secrete a specific hormone through their skin. Once it dries, it releases a scent that attracts male wolves—strongly. It's an instinctual call; one she must answer by choosing a mate. I can create a sigil that will suppress that hormone—at least until you know how Annie is going to react."

  "And in return for your service?"

  "I will require you to expand your pack—bring in as many werewolves as you can, even if it means forcing other Alphas into submission."

  I exhaled slowly, already anticipating his reasoning.

  "The vampire ghoul army is vast. And as things stand, even with all of my familiars at our disposal, we would be annihilated in no time. You have become popular among your kind. To see them coming here asking to be taken under your wing, it's very intriguing. It's best to take advantage of that momentum and grow in numbers before the war reaches us."

  "I will do what I can."

  Still, something lingered in my mind. I glanced back at Andrea, then back to Vantos. "Andrea mentioned she was one of Dylan's Luna Wolves," I said. "Did she mean he had more than one?"

  Vantos chuckled, shaking his head. "Young master, do not mistake human relationships for werewolf companionship—they are entirely different. I have seen alpha werewolves keep as many as five Luna Wolves within a single pack. Just because Andrea once shared her space with another Luna doesn't mean she will be willing to do so again. It will be up to you to draw that line while you are in your human form. Because once the beast emerges, you will have no control over its desires. That is the one part of the Demon Wolf you will never be able to suppress."

  "Fine," I sighed. "You have to understand—this new life of mine is still a mystery to me. I'm just figuring things out as I go. I'm glad I can at least depend on your insight."

  Vantos smirked. "Absolutely. I have to keep you in good shape if I want to negotiate another deal for your blood in the future." I shot him a look, but he simply chuckled before continuing. "Now, shall we offer her the choice, or would you rather just hold her while I perform the incantation?"

  "She's a big girl. She can decide for herself whether she wants to stay or not."

  "Agreed."

  We walked back toward the small crowd, my gaze sweeping over everyone present, assessing their reactions. "I cannot take you in unless you accept my conditions," I said.

  Andrea's eyes narrowed slightly. "What are your demands?" she asked.

  "You must allow Vantos to cast a sigil on you. This will prevent you from becoming a mate during the full moon. I already have a Luna Wolf, and even though she's sick right now, that doesn't mean I will give up on her. Once you understand your place within the clan, I will personally ask Vantos to remove the sigil. But if you cannot accept these terms, then I'm afraid you'll have to turn around and go back to Dylan."

  Andrea didn't hesitate. Without a second thought, she gave a nod. "I accept."

  Vantos stepped forward without delay, and with a sharp nail, he traced a pattern on Andrea's stomach. She winced as the lines burned into her flesh. Just as Vantos finished tracing the sigil, a thin line of blood trickled from the fresh carving. Vantos closed his eyes, murmuring an incantation under his breath. The sigil pulsed with dark energy, glowing faintly as it sealed itself into her flesh.

  "It is done, young master," Vantos said, reaching for my hand. A sharp sting shot through my palm as he seared another symbol into my flesh. The burning sensation was brief but potent, leaving behind a mark that pulsed with residual energy.

  "I will leave the choice of removing the sigil on her stomach to you, young master," Vantos said. "I want no part in that decision. If the time comes, simply press your hand against the sigil on her stomach. The symbol I've placed in your palm will neutralize it."

  I flexed my fingers, feeling the warmth of the freshly marked sigil fade slightly.

  Vantos exhaled, rolling his shoulders as he turned toward Morgoth. "Now, I must retire to my humble abode. I've spent more life force than I intended tonight."

  With a sharp, piercing screech, Morgoth took off, sending a gust of wind and a trail of dust swirling around us. I watched them disappear into the night before shifting my attention back to Andrea.

  "I hope my decision doesn't cause any disagreements between us," I said. "You seem more than capable of leading the men you brought with you. The sigil on your stomach—it's for my own good. I already have enough women problems as it is."

  Andrea laughed. "I understand," she said. "We'll be around if you need us."

  "Actually, I do have a small problem. One that you and your men might be able to help with."

  "What would you have us do, my lord?"

  "Are you familiar with the northern part of town? An area called Moonshade Hollow, by any chance?"

  "Yes, my lord. The werewolf cemetery. Not many of us dare to venture into that part of town, but if you require something from there, I will handle it personally."

  "I need a few skilled men to build a pyre for me. It's for the man who raised me as a child. Choose a secure location, construct it properly, and return here once it's ready. His funeral will take place tomorrow night."

  Andrea bowed her head slightly in understanding. "I will see to it. Once the pyre is complete, I will inform you of its location."

  I nodded and turned away, making my way back toward the estate. Once inside, I descended into the Gathering Room and stood in front of my mother's portrait. There was something in the box hidden behind her picture—something more than the diluted vampire elder essence that had lingered in my mind since we left the sewers. A weapon. One that had remained dormant for who knows how long.

  I removed the old stand that held the Accords Book and pressed the round crest embedded inside the tile beneath it.

  Click.

  Suddenly, a dull thud was heard from behind my mother's portrait. I reached for the frame, carefully lifting it away from the wall and setting it aside. My eyes immediately locked onto the hidden compartment behind it—a black box, nestled within the stone. Without hesitation, I pulled it free and laid it on the table.

  Flipping open the lid, my gaze fell first upon the diluted vampire elder essence. But it was the dagger beside it that captured my attention. It was almost identical to the one Dahlia had used to kill the vampire ghoul in the sewers.

  But there was something different about this weapon.

  Unlike Dahlia's, the crystal in the middle of the cross-guard of this dagger appears to be depleted of energy. At first glance, it looked like any other well-crafted dagger, but as I tilted it against the dim light of the room, I noticed the faintly carved runes along the edge of the blade—intricate, ancient markings in a dormant state.

  This was no ordinary weapon.

  This was Luminara—one of the Twin Daggers that Dahlia and Vantos had spoken of.

  The realization didn't shock me. In fact, it made too much sense.

  Curtis had orchestrated the assault on the Scarlert Enclave all those years ago. If anyone had a reason to possess such a weapon, it was him. Finding Luminara hidden alongside the vampire elder essence wasn't a coincidence—it was deliberate.

  But why he didn't use it when the vampires attacked the estate?

  There were gaps in the story, fragments of truth that had been intentionally buried. Some details had been left unspoken, concealed under layers of silence, and that silence served only one purpose—to obscure the truth.

  If I wanted to understand why Curtis left both the dagger and the essence hidden for all these years, there was only one way to find out.

  I would have to ask him personally.

  The thought made my stomach tighten. Facing my biological father for the first time wasn't something I was prepared to do.

  Not yet.

  "What am I going to do with you?" I murmured, turning the dagger over in my hand.

  Before I could dwell on it further, the door to the basement swung open. Instinctively, I slid Luminara back into the box, securing the lid before returning it to the hidden compartment in the wall. Quickly, I lifted my mother's portrait and set it back into place, ensuring there was no sign of disturbance.

  By the time I turned around, Derrick and Gerald had stepped into the room.

  "My lord, I have sent Antolio to accompany Andrea and her men to Moonshade Hollow." He extended a folded letter toward me. "This was left at the estate's door."

  I took the letter, breaking the seal with my thumb and unfolding it. I read the contents, confirming what I already suspected—Harold's body was ready for cremation.

  I exhaled, folding the letter between my fingers. "Harold's body is ready. But first, we need to address the influx of werewolves joining the clan. Before sunrise, we will gather the bodies left by Titus and deliver them to Dylan's territory."

  Gerald nodded. "You understand; he will not be civil about this," he said.

  "I'm not expecting to sit down and have a cup of coffee with him while we discuss pack migration. What I do expect is immediate retaliation—a challenge for the territory. If Dylan adheres to the old werewolf code, then I'll have no choice but to fight him."

  Derrick folded his arms, analyzing the situation. "Everyone will be watching. Do you think this is a good idea?"

  "I don't have a choice. I have to fulfill my part of the deal I made with Vantos. If we want to survive the war of the clans, we need to recruit as many werewolves as possible before the bloodshed begins."

  Silence settled over us for a brief moment.

  "Let's just hope, this encounter isn't as bloody as I expect it to be."