Chapter 3 A New Dawn, A New Name

The forest was silent, save for the crunching of leaves under Amara's boots. Her breaths came in sharp, ragged gasps, clouds of white mist rising in the night air. The moon, once a symbol of peace and promise, now glared down at her like a silent judge. Each step forward felt like dragging a mountain behind her. Her arms wrapped protectively around her stomach, shielding the child that had become her last tether to life.

Blood soaked the edge of her cloak from a cut on her leg, and her vision swam from exhaustion. Behind her, the howls of Bloodfang warriors echoed through the trees, closer now. Kieran had let them come. Had let them hunt her.

A sob rose in her throat, but she swallowed it. No more tears. She wouldn't cry for him. Not after what he'd done.

Branches clawed at her skin, low-hanging limbs slapping her face like reminders of her failure. Yet she pushed forward, her mind replaying the last words she'd heard before fleeing;

"You should have never trusted an Alpha to protect an omega."

She didn't know who said it. Maybe it was Lena. Maybe it was Kieran's father. Maybe it was her own voice, cruel and bitter, from somewhere deep inside.

Suddenly, her foot caught on a root. She stumbled and fell hard, her hands digging into the dirt to break her fall. Pain shot through her side, and she bit down on her lip until she tasted blood.

Get up, Amara. Get up.

She forced herself to her feet and stumbled forward again. Then, through the thick fog, she saw it, a faint light.

A cottage.

She didn't know who lived there, and didn't care. All that mattered was shelter. Safety. Even if only for one night.

She knocked once, twice, then collapsed against the door. Moments later, it creaked open. A kind-faced woman with wild gray curls and eyes like storm clouds peered down at her.

"By the Moon... child, you're burning up," the woman whispered, helping her inside.

That was the night Amara met Moriah.

Five Years Later

The rogue village known as Black Hollow buzzed with life. It was hidden deep in the neutral territories, tucked into the cradle of snow-capped mountains and thick pines. No pack dared to enter its borders uninvited. Not anymore.

At the heart of the village stood a training field. Warriors of all shapes and sizes sparred beneath the mid-morning sun. And in the center, a boy no older than five moved like a storm.

His name was Lucas.

He darted left, avoiding a teenager's swing, then twisted mid-air and slammed the older boy onto his back with startling precision. The crowd watching let out a low cheer.

"Again," Lucas said, stepping back.

The older boy groaned and got to his feet, shaking his head with a grin. "You're going to be the death of my pride, pup."

Lucas just shrugged, golden-brown eyes flickering to the edge of the field. Mara stood there, arms folded, her long dark hair pulled into a tight braid. She wore black leathers and a scar along her jawline that hadn't been there five years ago. She was no longer the omega Amara.

Now, she was Mara Black, leader of Black Hollow.

Lucas jogged over to her, his chest heaving.

"I didn't lose today," he said with a proud grin.

Mara crouched, brushing sweat-soaked hair from his forehead. "You did well. But remember, strength without control is chaos."

He nodded solemnly. "Yes, Mama."

A howl pierced the air, distant but urgent. Mara's expression hardened. She stood and turned as a tall, broad-shouldered man ran toward her. Jace, her second-in-command.

"Scouts returned," he said, panting. "We have a problem. A patrol spotted Bloodfang warriors on the western ridge. They're not just passing through."

Lucas's eyes widened. "Bloodfang?"

Mara turned to him. "Go inside. Now."

"But I can...."

"Lucas."

Her tone left no room for argument. With a reluctant nod, he jogged toward their home.

Jace waited until the boy was out of earshot. "Could they know about him?"

Mara exhaled slowly. "It's possible. Kieran hasn't stopped looking. And with Lena whispering poison into his father's ears, I wouldn't be surprised if they've finally put the pieces together."

Jace growled. "Let them come. We've held this territory for five years. They won't take it without a fight."

But Mara wasn't just worried about Kieran.

She had felt it two nights ago. A tremor in the bond. A warning. Lucas's power was growing, and shifting. The night she found him surrounded by scorched earth, his eyes pitch black and his body trembling, haunted her still.

Her son was not just powerful.

He was dangerous.

Mara sat by the fire, staring into the flames. Lucas slept peacefully in the corner, his small frame curled under thick furs.

"You should rest," Jace said softly, bringing her tea.

"I can't," she murmured, taking the cup.

Jace sat beside her, his voice low. "We always knew this day would come. Kieran was never going to forget."

"He can try to take me," Mara said. "He can even try to kill me. But he will not touch Lucas."

Jace hesitated. "You still feel the bond, don't you?"

Her silence was enough.

"Mara... if he comes here, and he begs forgiveness... what will you do?"

She turned to him, eyes blazing. "I will bury him with my own hands."

Jace nodded, though the sadness in his gaze lingered.

Suddenly, Lucas stirred. He sat upright, eyes unfocused, his small hands clenched.

"Mama... fire... too much..."

She was at his side in seconds. "Breathe, baby. Focus. Remember what we practiced."

His body began to tremble, faint black flames licking the tips of his fingers.

"The tree, Lucas. Picture the tree. The roots under your feet. You're grounded. You're safe."

Lucas closed his eyes. Slowly, the flames died.

Mara pulled him into her arms, heart pounding.

"I couldn't stop it," he whispered.

"But you did," she whispered back. "And that's what matters."

Meanwhile...

In the Bloodfang Pack's council hall, Alpha Kieran stood alone, gripping the hilt of his sword. Maps were strewn across the table, scouts' reports piled high. But his mind wasn't on war.

It was on her.

He had felt the bond flare three nights ago. It had nearly brought him to his knees.

"She's alive," he whispered. "Lucas is alive."

Behind him, Lena entered quietly.

"You should be preparing for war, not daydreaming about the past," she said coldly.

Kieran didn't even turn. "Why did you lie to me, Lena?"

She froze. "What are you talking about?"

"You told my father Amara was carrying a rogue's child. You knew it was mine."

Her eyes narrowed. "So what if I did? You were supposed to be mine. You are mine. That omega was beneath you."

Kieran turned, his gaze like frost. "She was my mate. And you had her hunted."

Lena stepped back, but her lips curled. "It doesn't matter now. The boy is a threat to all of us. You've seen the reports. His power is unnatural."

"He's my son."

"Then do your duty as Alpha. Kill him before he kills us all."

Kieran stared at her.

And for the first time in five years, he made a decision from the heart.

"Prepare the warriors," he said, his voice low. "We march at dawn."

Lena smiled.

But he wasn't marching to destroy.

He was going to Black Hollow.

To find Amara.

To find Lucas.

To undo the mistake that had haunted him every night for five long years.

Whether they would ever forgive him... he didn't know.

But he would die trying.