Chapter 9 - The Mother in the ShadowsElena revealed why Alora's birth had been hidden from every Alpha in the north.Elena had survived for twenty years.
Not because she was strong.
Because she had become invisible.
She had watched Alora grow from afar.
She had watched her grandmother raise her.
And now she had finally returned.
Alora could barely process the truth.
"You let me believe you were dead."
"I had no choice."
"You always had a choice."
Elena's eyes filled with pain.
"The Voss council hunted every woman carrying true-mate blood."
Damian's expression darkened.
"My father."
"Your father gave the order."
Damian looked away.
"I will not defend him."
"You shouldn't."
Elena stepped closer.
"But your father wasn't the true mastermind."
"Varek?"
"No."
She looked toward Serafina's empty cell.
"Her bloodline."
Damian's eyes narrowed.
"Kael."
"Yes."
Elena explained.
Years ago, the Thorn family discovered an ancient prophecy.
They believed the Voss Alpha and the Wynn healer line would eventually produce a child capable of awakening the Moonbound.
They needed that child.
But the prophecy required three things.
The silver-eyed heir.
The true mate.
And blood willingly given.
Alora understood.
"Finn."
Elena nodded.
"But why did Serafina abandon him?"
"Because she was trying to protect him."
Damian clenched his jaw.
"She nearly killed him."
Elena's voice softened.
"She made the wrong choice."
That distinction meant little to Damian.
"Where is Kael?"
"At the Moon Temple."
"And Finn?"
"Also there."
Damian immediately began preparing to ride.
Elena stopped him.
"Don't."
"He's my son."
"He is the bait."
Damian looked at Alora.
Elena continued.
"Kael wants you to come."
"Then I will go."
"And he wants Alora too."
Damian shook his head.
"She stays here."
Alora stepped forward.
"No."
"Absolutely not."
"I'm his sister."
Damian frowned.
"Whose?"
"Kael."
Silence.
Elena closed her eyes.
Alora's voice trembled.
"You said you had no choice."
Elena nodded.
"I did."
"Then tell me."
Elena finally confessed.
"Your father was Kael."
The room went dead.
Alora couldn't breathe.
Damian stared at Elena.
"You married a Voss?"
"I didn't."
Elena looked at Alora.
"Kael was not born Thorn royalty."
"He was adopted."
"Yes."
"Then who was his father?"
Elena hesitated.
Damian felt the truth before she spoke.
"Your father."
Alora's face went white.
"You mean..."
Elena whispered:
"Kael is your half-brother."
Before anyone could react, a messenger stumbled into the chamber.
His body was covered in blood.
He fell to his knees.
"The temple."
Damian crouched.
"What happened?"
The messenger looked terrified.
May you like
"Kael has awakened the Moonbound."
Then he died.
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