The Moonbound camp was buzzing with energy.
News of Selena's transformation into the Flame Wolf had spread like wildfire. Some bowed in awe. Others watched in fear. Power always inspired both.
> "She carries the light of the ancients," one elder whispered.
> "Or a fire that could burn us all," another muttered.
Selena ignored both.
She had more important matters now.
The Flame had awakened.
But every gift came with a price.
In the sacred tent, Kael sat across from her, drawing symbols in ash and salt.
> "The Flame Wolf hasn't appeared in over five hundred years," he said. "The last bearer… lost control. She burned half the Silver Hills trying to fight the shadows alone."
Selena's jaw tensed. "Then I won't fight alone."
Kael looked up. "You don't understand. Flame and Shadow are two sides of the same blade. They're drawn to each other and they destroy each other when unbalanced."
She stood, pacing.
> "So what? I let the fire sleep again?"
> "No," Kael said. "You master it. Before it masters you."
That night, the camp gathered for a Moonbound council meeting, Selena's first as true leader.
Rhea stood at her side, still healing but unshakable. Elder Corvin flanked her other side, nodding to the gathered wolves.
> "We're growing stronger," Selena began. "But we're not ready. Damien and the Shadow King are planning something. We've seen cursed weapons, rituals, spies.
She stopped.
Her eyes scanned the group.
Something felt… wrong.
> "Where's Kellen?" Rhea asked. Kellen was one of their top scouts. Loyal. Sharp.
> "He left two nights ago to patrol the border," someone replied. "Never came back.
Selena's eyes narrowed.
Kael's voice cut through the tension: "He never left."
Later that night, Kael and Selena searched Kellen's tent.
They found maps of Moonbound paths… coded messages… and a symbol carved beneath his bedroll:
The Mark of Morren.
A spy.
One of their own.
Selena stared at the symbol, heart pounding.
> "He's been feeding Damien information for weeks," she said.
> "That's how they knew when you'd go after Rhea," Kael muttered.
Selena clenched her fists. "He's not just a spy. He's a weapon planted in our home."
> "So what do we do?" Rhea asked from the doorway.
Selena's voice was quiet, but firm.
> "We let him think he's winning."
Her eyes burned gold and silver.
> "Then we end the game."