Chapter 8: The Traitor Within

The castle erupted into chaos.

The deep warning horn echoed through every corridor as soldiers rushed toward their assigned positions.

Servants hurried frightened nobles into secure chambers.

The peaceful atmosphere that had surrounded the kingdom only moments earlier vanished completely.

Inside the royal war room, a massive map of the kingdom covered the center table.

Generals, commanders, and advisors gathered around it.

Aero entered without wasting a second.

'Report.'

One of the scouts stepped forward.

'The Black Fang Pack crossed the Frost River before dawn.'

'How many?'

'Approximately three thousand soldiers, Your Majesty.'

'Their commander?'

'Alpha Darius himself.'

The room grew noticeably quieter.

Magnus frowned.

'The Alpha personally led the army?'

'Yes.'

'He never leaves his capital unless something is extremely valuable.'

Aero studied the map carefully.

'Their destination?'

'Straight toward Silver Moon Castle.'

'No attacks on nearby villages?'

'None.'

'No prisoners?'

'None.'

'No supplies stolen?'

'None.'

Rowan slowly folded his hands.

'Then their objective isn't conquest.'

'It's Serena,' Aero concluded.

No one argued.

Every person inside the room reached the same conclusion.

Magnus looked toward the king.

'How could they know about her this quickly?'

'Someone informed them.'

'A spy?'

'Or a traitor inside the castle.'

The words settled heavily over everyone present.

Aero's golden eyes swept across the room.

'From this moment forward, no one enters or leaves the castle without my permission.'

'Yes, Your Majesty,' several commanders answered together.

'Double the guards at every gate.'

'Seal the underground passages.'

'And quietly investigate every member of the royal staff.'

Magnus nodded.

'I'll personally handle it.'

Aero looked toward Rowan.

'Not a single word about Serena leaves these walls.'

'Understood.'

Meanwhile, Serena stood near the window of her chamber.

She could see soldiers running through the courtyard below.

Archers climbed onto the castle walls.

The peaceful kingdom she had admired yesterday suddenly looked like it was preparing for war.

A knock sounded on the door.

Lily hurried inside.

'Please stay away from the windows,' she said nervously.

'What's happening?'

'The northern alarm has been raised.'

'Is someone attacking?'

Lily hesitated.

'No one is telling the servants much.'

'But everyone looks frightened.'

'Should I be worried?'

Lily forced a small smile.

'His Majesty won't let anything happen to you.'

'You sound very confident.'

'Because he never fails to protect his people.'

Serena looked back toward the courtyard.

For reasons she couldn't explain, Lily's words comforted her.

Aero might be distant.

He might be frustrating.

But somehow she believed he would keep his promise.

An hour later, Magnus arrived outside Serena's chamber.

'His Majesty wants you moved.'

'Moved where?' Serena asked.

'Somewhere safer.'

'Safer than the royal palace?'

'Believe it or not... yes.'

He escorted her through several unfamiliar hallways.

Eventually they stopped before a large stone wall.

Serena frowned.

'There's no door.'

Magnus placed his hand against one of the carved wolf symbols.

With a low rumble, part of the wall slowly slid open.

'Hidden passage?' Serena whispered.

'Very few people know about it.'

'That's... actually pretty cool.'

Magnus allowed himself a small smile.

'Come.'

They walked through a narrow tunnel lit by blue crystals embedded in the walls.

The air felt cool and surprisingly fresh.

'Where does this lead?' Serena asked.

'The Moon Sanctuary.'

'What's that?'

'The safest place in the kingdom.'

'Safer than the castle?'

'Much safer.'

After several minutes, the tunnel opened into a breathtaking underground chamber.

A crystal lake reflected hundreds of glowing stones hanging from the ceiling.

Ancient white pillars surrounded a circular platform engraved with silver symbols.

'This is beautiful,' Serena whispered.

'Only the royal family may enter here,' Magnus explained.

'Then why bring me?'

'His Majesty's orders.'

Serena slowly walked toward the crystal lake.

The water looked almost alive.

As she reached out to touch its surface...

The entire lake suddenly shimmered with silver light.

'Magnus...'

'Don't move.'

Ancient symbols across the floor began glowing one after another.

A soft female voice echoed throughout the sanctuary.

'The Child of Another World has returned...'

Serena froze.

'Did you hear that?'

'Yes,' Magnus answered quietly.

Before either of them could react, the silver light formed into the faint outline of a woman wearing flowing robes.

Her face remained hidden beneath a glowing hood.

'Guardian of the Moon...'

The mysterious figure looked directly at Serena.

'Your time grows shorter.'

'Who are you?' Serena asked.

'The last Keeper of the Gate.'

'What gate?'

'The one connecting both worlds.'

'Can you send me home?'

The spirit remained silent for several seconds.

'Only when the Alpha King's heart accepts its true destiny.'

'What does that even mean?'

'You'll understand when the final seal breaks.'

The glowing figure slowly disappeared.

The sanctuary returned to complete silence.

Magnus stared at the empty space where the spirit had stood.

'In twenty-five years... I've never seen the sanctuary awaken.'

Before Serena could respond, footsteps echoed through the tunnel.

Aero entered, his expression more serious than ever.

'Magnus.'

'Your Majesty.'

'We've confirmed it.'

'Confirmed what?'

'There is a traitor inside the castle.'

Serena felt a chill run down her spine.

'How do you know?'

Aero looked directly into her eyes.

'Because someone just attempted to unlock this sanctuary from the outside.'