Chspter 31- The Silver Bait
The forest was quiet.
Too quiet.
Emily noticed it the moment she rode past the first marker stone along Moonfall's western road. Normally this path carried the scents of patrol wolves, passing traders, and the countless small animals that lived beneath the canopy of oak and pine.
Today, it smelled like waiting.
The decoy escort moved slowly around her, exactly as planned. Four wolves rode beside her in plain sight-two Moonfall warriors and two Blackridge scouts. Not enough to stop a real attack.
Exactly enough to look believable.
Emily kept her posture relaxed in the saddle.
Appear calm.
Appear unaware.
Appear vulnerable.
It was strange how easily she could pretend those things now.
Her wolf was awake beneath her skin, silver energy humming quietly through her veins. The moment they left Moonfall's gates that morning, she had felt it stirring. Not panic. Not fear.
Expectation.
Like the silver wolf knew the hunt was about to turn.
Behind them, far enough back to avoid detection but close enough to strike when needed, Blackridge and Moonfall warriors were already in position. Rowan commanded the eastern flank. Liam led Moonfall's western archers through the ridge line.
Jay was somewhere in the forest.
Watching.
Waiting.
Emily couldn't see him, but the bond between them pulsed faintly with steady awareness.
I'm here.
The reassurance settled her nerves immediately.
One of the escort wolves cleared his throat quietly.
"You're doing well."
Emily glanced toward him.
The Blackridge warrior looked almost uncomfortable speaking to her, as if addressing the future Luna still felt new.
"Thank you," she said.
He nodded once.
Then the forest shifted.
Emily felt it before she saw it.
The wind changed direction.
Carrying scent.
Bloodfang.
Her wolf rose instantly.
The escort wolves stiffened.
One of the Moonfall warriors murmured, "They're close."
Emily didn't turn.
If she reacted too soon, the illusion would break.
Branches cracked somewhere off the road.
Then a second sound.
Movement.
Wolves.
Several.
Emily forced her breathing to stay steady.
This was it.
The trap was closing.
A dark shape stepped from the trees ahead.
Marcus Vale.
He didn't bother hiding.
He walked straight onto the road like a man greeting old friends.
Behind him, Bloodfang wolves slipped silently through the forest shadows.
Emily counted quickly.
Eight visible.
Probably more hidden.
Marcus smiled slowly.
"Well," he said, voice smooth.
"Look what I found."
The escort wolves drew their weapons instantly.
Marcus didn't even glance at them.
His eyes stayed on Emily.
"You shouldn't travel so lightly guarded."
Emily tilted her head.
"I could say the same to you."
Marcus laughed softly.
"Still brave."
His gaze moved over her calmly.
"You came exactly where I expected."
Emily's wolf stirred.
Of course he thought that.
Marcus stepped closer.
His wolves spread slightly behind him.
"You know," he said casually, "you could still end this peacefully."
Emily raised an eyebrow.
"That's a strange definition of peaceful."
"You come with me."
The words were simple.
Confident.
Certain.
Marcus gestured toward the forest.
"No more bloodshed."
Emily almost laughed.
"You started this war."
Marcus shrugged.
"I started an opportunity."
The arrogance in his voice was unbelievable.
Emily's patience snapped.
"You're delusional."
Marcus's smile widened.
"And you're wasting time."
His eyes flicked toward the escort wolves.
Then back to her.
"Kill them."
Bloodfang wolves lunged.
The escort warriors met them instantly.
Steel clashed.
Claws tore.
The fight exploded across the road.
Emily slid from the saddle.
Silver energy surged through her body.
Marcus watched with clear interest.
"Yes," he murmured.
"Show me."
Emily shifted.
The silver wolf burst free.
Moonlight-bright fur flashed through the forest as her transformation completed in seconds.
Marcus's eyes gleamed.
"Magnificent."
Emily didn't answer.
She lunged.