CHAPTER 18
THE BATTLE FOR MOONSTONE HALL
Peace did not arrive immediately.
Three northern packs refused to recognize the new arrangement.
Their leaders gathered outside Moonstone.
Elyan wanted to negotiate.
Some council members demanded war.
Elena listened to the Moon Voice.
She heard fear.
Not hatred.
Fear.
"The northern packs believe the royal bloodline will control them again," she said.
Aldric looked at her.
"Then we show them otherwise."
They traveled north.
The pack leaders expected an army.
Instead, they found Aldric, Elyan, Elena, and Lyra.
Aldric stood before them.
"I could order you to kneel."
The leaders stiffened.
"But I won't."
He removed the royal crown.
"I spent years believing a crown made a king."
He placed it on the ground.
"A kingdom is not protected by fear."
The pack leaders looked at one another.
Elyan stepped forward.
"The old ways failed us."
Elena followed.
"The future doesn't have to."
One leader finally lowered his head.
Then another.
The northern packs agreed to return.
The final battle had not been won with weapons.
It had been won with trust.
When they returned to Moonstone, the people celebrated.
But Elena noticed something strange.
The ancient silver wolf stood beyond the palace gates.
Watching.
Waiting.
She approached it.
The wolf lowered its head.
Then Elena heard the Moon Voice one final time.
The first destiny is complete.
She looked toward the sky.
The second has begun.