The Alpha's Luna, A Destiny Divided

Chapter 21

Callum's POV

The world came back into focus slowly, my ears ringing from the explosion. Debris littered the room, and the acrid smell of smoke filled the air. I pushed myself up, ignoring the pain that shot through my body.

"Luna!" I called out, frantically searching the wreckage.

I found her crumpled in the corner, unconscious but breathing. Relief flooded through me, quickly followed by dread as I remembered our other visitor.

Marcus was gone, but I could still smell his presence. He hadn't gone far.

Suddenly, the door burst open. Alpha Lydia stormed in, flanked by her guards, her eyes blazing with fury and fear.

"What have you done?" she demanded, taking in the destruction.

Before I could respond, Ethan appeared behind her, his face grim. "Alpha, we need to move. Now. The entire settlement is in chaos."

I scooped Luna into my arms, cradling her protectively. "I can explain," I started, but Lydia cut me off.

"Save it," she snarled. "You brought this danger to our doorstep. The alliance is off."

My heart sank. Everything we'd worked for, gone in an instant. But there was no time to argue. Luna needed help, and we were no longer safe here.

As we hurried through the corridors, the extent of the damage became clear. Walls had crumbled, fires smoldered in corners. Injured wolves were being tended to, their pained whimpers filling the air.

"Callum," Ethan murmured, keeping pace beside me. "What happened in there?"

I shook my head, still trying to process it myself. "The ritual's power... it's growing stronger. And Marcus, he was there. He did something to trigger it."

Ethan's eyes widened. "But how did he get in? The security-"

"We have a spy," I cut him off, my voice low. "Someone's been feeding him information."

As we reached the main courtyard, chaos reigned. Northern wolves were scrambling to contain the damage, while others eyed us with open hostility.

Nora appeared, her clothes singed but her eyes alert. "The pack is ready to move," she reported. "But Alpha, we're surrounded. The Northern packs..."

I understood without her having to finish. We were being cast out, seen as a threat rather than allies.

"We make for the border," I decided. "Fast and quiet. Ethan, take point. Nora, watch our backs."

As we prepared to leave, I caught sight of Mira. The healer's face was drawn with worry as she approached.

"Alpha," she said softly, her eyes on Luna's still form. "The energy surge... it may have complications we haven't foreseen. She needs careful monitoring."

I nodded, the weight of responsibility settling heavily on my shoulders. "Do what you can," I told her. "We'll make camp as soon as we're clear of Northern territory."

Just as we were about to depart, Alpha Lydia appeared once more. Her expression was cold, but there was a flicker of something – regret, perhaps – in her eyes.

"This changes nothing," she said firmly. "But..." she hesitated, then pressed a small pouch into my hand. "Ancient herbs. They may help stabilize her condition. Now go, before I change my mind."

With a nod of gratitude, I gave the signal. As one, our pack moved out, slipping away into the pre-dawn darkness.

As we ran, Luna stirred in my arms. Her eyes fluttered open, unfocused and filled with pain.

"Callum," she whispered, her voice weak. "I'm sorry... I couldn't control it..."

"Shh," I soothed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "It's not your fault. We're going to figure this out. Together."

But even as I spoke the words, doubt gnawed at me. The spy in our midst, Marcus's growing power, Luna's unstable condition... How much more could we endure?

And somewhere in the back of my mind, a plan began to form. A desperate, dangerous plan that could cost me everything.

But if it meant keeping Luna safe, keeping our pack alive... it might just be worth the risk.

## Luna's POV

Consciousness returned in fragments, each more painful than the last. The steady rhythm of movement, Callum's scent surrounding me, worried voices drifting in and out of focus.

I forced my eyes open, immediately regretting it as the world spun sickeningly. "Callum?" I managed, my voice barely a whisper.

His arms tightened around me. "I'm here," he murmured. "You're safe now."

But I could hear the strain in his voice, feel the tension in his body. We were running, I realized. But from what? To where?

Memories of the night before came crashing back. The surge of power, Marcus's taunting words, the explosion... Shame and guilt washed over me.

"The Northern Alliance," I croaked. "What happened?"

Callum's silence told me everything I needed to know. I'd ruined it all. Our chance at allies, at standing against Marcus... gone because I couldn't control the power inside me.

"It's not your fault," Callum said firmly, as if reading my thoughts. "Marcus did something to trigger it. We'll figure this out."

I wanted to believe him. But as another wave of pain washed over me, I couldn't shake the feeling that things were spiraling out of control.

And beneath it all, that new presence I'd sensed just before losing consciousness... Was it real? Or just another cruel trick of the ritual's power?

As we continued our flight, I drifted in and out of awareness. But one thought remained constant, a beacon in the darkness of uncertainty:

No matter what came next, I had to find a way to control this power. For Callum. For our pack.

And for the tiny spark of life that, against all odds, had taken root within me.