Fated by Blood and Moon

Chapter 33: A Tenuous Calm

Maya's POV

The following days passed in a blur of preparations and tension. The rogue attack had been a wake-up call, a reminder that our fight wasn't over yet. Despite the coronation and the marking, I couldn't fully embrace the joy of my new title as Luna. There was always an undercurrent of worry, the threat of another attack hanging over us like a dark cloud.

I stood on the balcony of the pack house, staring out at the dense forest that bordered our territory. The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting a soft glow over the grounds. Everything looked peaceful, almost serene, but I knew better than to let my guard down.

They'll strike again, Lyra said, her voice a low growl in my mind. Rogues never give up easily.

I know, I agreed, my gaze distant as I watched a few of the younger wolves sparring below. But we'll be ready.

The bond between me and Leo had strengthened since the marking, his presence constantly brushing against my thoughts, a soothing reassurance amidst the turmoil. I felt him approaching even before I heard his footsteps. He stepped onto the balcony, his silver eyes focused on me, a mix of concern and determination in his gaze.

"Thinking again?" he asked, his voice gentle but knowing.

I smiled softly, turning to face him. "Always."

Leo's expression softened, and he moved closer, wrapping his arms around me. I leaned into his warmth, the steady beat of his heart grounding me. "We'll get through this," he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "Together."

I nodded, closing my eyes for a moment, letting the comfort of his presence wash over me. But as much as I wanted to believe everything would be fine, the unease in my chest wouldn't leave. There was something more at play, something bigger than just a rogue attack.

Do you feel it too? I asked Lyra, sensing her restlessness beneath the surface.

Yes, she replied, her voice tense. There's more to this. The rogues weren't acting on their own.

A chill ran down my spine at her words. I had felt it too-the way the rogues had been almost... organized. It didn't fit the usual pattern of their chaotic attacks.

Leo pulled back slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied my expression. "What is it?"

"I don't think the rogues were acting alone," I said, my voice quiet but firm. "There's something more going on here. They were too organized, too deliberate."

Leo's jaw tightened, and I could see the wheels turning in his mind. "You think someone's controlling them?"

"I'm not sure," I admitted, turning back toward the forest. "But it feels... wrong. Like there's something bigger we're not seeing."

He didn't say anything for a moment, his hand coming up to cup my chin, gently guiding my gaze back to his. "We'll find out. Whatever it is, we'll deal with it. You're not alone in this, Maya. We'll protect the pack-together."

I smiled, a small but genuine smile, feeling the weight of his words settle over me like a protective blanket. With Leo by my side, I knew I could face anything. But that didn't erase the feeling of foreboding that lingered in the back of my mind.

---

Leo's POV

Maya's instincts were usually spot-on, and I'd learned to trust them. If she believed there was more to the rogue attacks, then there probably was. But the question remained-who was behind it? And why?

As I walked through the pack grounds later that day, checking on the preparations for defense and ensuring that all borders were being patrolled, my mind kept circling back to Maya's words. The rogues had always been a thorn in our side, but this time, something felt different. Coordinated.