SUBTERFUGE: Throne of Shadows

ires of Silver Vale Pack's ancestral keep, the Blood Moon hung low in the sky, its crimson glow casting an eerie light over the land. The moon's presence was n

er banners adorned with the sigil of the Draven family-a howling wolf encircled by a crescent moon-hung from the vaulted ceilings, their edges shimmering like liquid m

ze Evelyne Draven, daughter of the revered Alpha Regent Magnus Draven, as the Luna Regent of Silver Vale. The assembled nobles, warriors, and allies from neighboring packs fil

ial gown, a masterpiece of black velvet and silver embroidery, clung to her figure like a second skin, the fabric catching the torchlight and scattering it in dazzling patterns. Her eyes, a stri

om. His amber eyes, sharp and penetrating, swept over the assembly with the authority of a leader who had ruled for deca

or the past, celebrate the present, and embrace the future. Tonight, my daughter, Evelyne Draven, will ascend as Luna R

that something was amiss. Her gaze flickered to the edges of the hall, where shadows seemed to writhe and twist unnaturally. Among the sea of faces, one stood out-Dorian Vale, a once-trusted ally an

ted like a thunderclap, silencing the crowd in an instant. Clad in dark, battle-worn armor and wielding weapons that gleamed with cruel intent, a contingent of assass

onium

ever the warrior, sprang into action with a guttural roar. His body contorted and expanded, fur sprouting from his skin as he shifted into his majestic lupine form-a t

the murky recesses of betrayal, found its mark. The weapon pierced Magnus's heart with a sickening crunch, its enchanted tip burning through

urring with tears as she watched the light fade from his eyes. The world seemed to slow, each moment stretching into an eterni

. survive.

fire in her chest that burned brighter than the pain. She clutched his paw, her te

ather's most loyal guard and a mentor whose gruff exterior belied a fiercely protective heart. His face was

oarse but commanding. "There's no time

he hall was a battlefield, the air thick with the scent of blood and the sounds of clash

his words dripping with malice. "Silver Val

the concealed passage, the stone walls closing in around them as they fled deeper into the keep. The d

her father, his strength and wisdom, his unwavering love for their pack. She thought of Dorian, his betrayal

thought burned brighter

avered, his presence a steady anchor in the storm. Finally, they emerged into a hidden chamber, its walls lined wi

rrow. "Dorian will stop at nothing to secure his power. You are the last

he had no choice but to flee, to bide her time and gather her strength. She would return;

the passage, sending a chill down Evelyne's spine. Orion's eyes n

muttered. "Go, Duches

er eyes blazing with defi

ulnerability breaking through his stoic exterio

. She turned and fled down the passage, her footsteps echoing in the darkness. Behind her, the sound of steel meeting

s the land. Evelyne paused for a moment, her chest heaving as she gazed up at the moon. It was no longer a symbol of

as also

e day, under the light of the Blood Moon, she woul

a determination that would carry her through the darkest of nights. The Blood Moon watched silently, a