CHAPTER 13
A KINGDOM DIVIDED
Varian's soldiers surrounded the ruins.
Aldric drew his sword.
"You're finished."
Varian laughed.
"You still believe this is about defeating me?"
He looked at Elena.
"It is about controlling her."
Elena's mark glowed.
"You'll never control me."
"You don't understand your power."
"I understand enough."
Varian revealed the truth.
The royal bloodline had once feared the Moon Voice because it could expose lies, reveal memories, and awaken ancient magic.
But there was another ability.
The Voice could unite every wolf in the kingdom.
Whoever controlled the Voice could command the kingdom without wearing the crown.
Varian wanted Elena alive.
Elyan understood.
"He's trying to use her to overthrow the throne."
Varian smiled.
"Finally, someone understands."
The battle began.
Aldric fought through the soldiers.
Elyan protected Elena.
But Varian escaped with a fragment of the ancient stone.
Before leaving, he shouted:
"Tomorrow night, the kingdom will choose its new ruler."
Back at Moonstone Hall, the council fractured.
Some nobles declared Aldric unfit.
Others demanded Elyan take the throne immediately.
Elena watched the kingdom tear itself apart.
She realized something.
Varian didn't need to defeat them physically.
He only needed to make them distrust one another.
"We cannot fight him as separate factions," she said.
Aldric looked at her.
"What do you suggest?"
"We give the kingdom the truth."