Chapter 16 – Into the Temple of the First Moon
The storm had not stopped since they left Silver Moon territory.
Thunder rolled across the mountains as Hunter led his warriors deeper into the Black Fang Forest. Every step brought them closer to the forgotten ruins—closer to the truth buried beneath centuries of silence.
Wren rode beside him, wrapped in his cloak. Though she could not speak, her presence was steady now—no longer the broken rogue who once trembled in fear, but a woman bound by fate itself to the most dangerous Alpha alive.
And yet… her heart still carried questions.
The vision she had seen refused to fade.
A temple swallowed by vines. A moon carved in stone. And the Moonstone Amulet glowing in darkness.
“It’s close,” Beta Clay said, breaking the silence. “The Temple of the First Moon should be just beyond that ridge.”
Hunter’s gaze sharpened.
“Stay alert. This place is protected by ancient wards.”
Wren stepped forward as they reached the ridge.
Below them stood the ruins.
The Temple of the First Moon rose from the earth like a forgotten god—half-collapsed pillars, cracked lunar carvings, and a massive stone gate sealed by glowing sigils.
The mate bond inside Wren pulsed violently.
She staggered.
Hunter caught her immediately.
“What is it?”
Wren pressed a hand to her chest.
The curse mark beneath her skin burned like fire.
Hunter’s expression darkened.
“This place is reacting to you.”
A low rumble echoed from the temple.
The sealed gates… were responding.
Suddenly, shadows moved among the ruins.
Hidden guardians.
Not living wolves—but something older.
Something bound to the temple itself.
“They’re here,” Clay warned, drawing his weapon. “Temple Sentinels. No one enters without paying a price.”
Hunter stepped forward, placing himself between Wren and the darkness.
“Then they’ll learn,” he said coldly, “that I don’t pay with anything less than blood.”
A roar shattered the air.
The ground cracked.
And the first Sentinel emerged—towering, carved from stone and cursed magic.
Wren’s breath caught.
This was no ordinary mission.
The temple was alive.
And it would not surrender the Moonstone easily.
Hunter turned to her, his voice low but steady.
“Whatever happens… stay behind me.”
For a moment, Wren hesitated.
Then, slowly, she shook her head.
Her eyes burned with quiet defiance.
She was not just the cursed mute anymore.
She was the heir.
