Chapter 20: The Temple of the First Wolf

A heavy silence settled over the chamber.

No one spoke after Cedric revealed the existence of the Order of the Eclipse.

The crackling fireplace was the only sound.

"I thought they were a myth," Ethan finally said.

"Most people do," Cedric replied.

"That is exactly how they survived for centuries."

Jaxon looked down at the faded map.

"If the Order has the original map..."

"They're already heading for the Lunar Crown."

"Then we're running out of time," Sable said.

Cedric nodded grimly.

"The Temple of the First Wolf lies deep within the Crescent Mountains."

"No army can reach it easily."

"Only a small group has any chance."

A knock echoed through the room.

"Enter," Jaxon called.

The door opened, revealing Jasper.

His expression was calm, but his eyes were unusually serious.

"I believe we're all discussing the same problem," he said.

Ethan instinctively stepped between Jasper and Jaxon.

"You weren't invited."

"No," Jasper replied with a faint smile.

"But time is more important than manners."

Jaxon motioned for Ethan to stand down.

"Speak."

Jasper placed another ancient scroll on the table.

"This was hidden beneath the throne room."

"It wasn't stolen because no one knew it existed."

Cedric carefully opened the scroll.

His eyes widened.

"This is..."

"The second half of the map," Jasper finished.

"The thief only has one piece."

"Without this..."

"The temple cannot be found."

Jaxon studied Jasper carefully.

"Why show us?"

"Because if the Order reaches the Crown first..."

"None of us remain Alphas for very long."

"We'll all kneel to whoever wears it."

Sable crossed her arms.

"Assuming the legend is true."

"After today," Jasper answered.

"Do you still doubt it?"

No one replied.

The evidence was becoming impossible to ignore.

"So what's your proposal?" Jaxon asked.

"A joint expedition."

"Small."

"Fast."

"Quiet."

"Too many warriors will attract attention."

"Who goes?" Ethan asked.

Jasper looked around the room.

"Alpha Jaxon."

"Sable Embers."

"Myself."

"Beta Ethan."

"Alpha Cedric."

"And one guide who knows the Crescent Mountains better than anyone alive."

"Who?"

"An old hermit called Magnus."

"If he's still alive."

Cedric smiled faintly.

"Magnus always survives."

"He once spent an entire winter alone in those mountains."

"Then it's settled," Jaxon said.

"We leave at first light."

That evening...

The palace was unusually quiet.

Most guests remained inside their chambers.

Guards patrolled every corridor.

Sable stood alone on a balcony overlooking Crimson Keep.

She couldn't stop thinking.

The mate bond.

The Lunar Crown.

The Order of the Eclipse.

Everything had changed within a single day.

Footsteps approached behind her.

"Couldn't sleep?" Jaxon asked.

"Too many questions."

"Same here."

They stood side by side beneath the moon.

"Do you trust Jasper?" Sable asked.

"No."

"But I believe he wants the Crown as little as I do."

"For now... our goals happen to be the same."

Sable nodded slowly.

"And after this is over?"

"Then we'll decide whether we're allies... or rivals."

She smiled softly.

"Honest answer."

"It's the only kind I know."

For a long moment, neither spoke.

The cool mountain breeze drifted through the balcony.

'Tell her,' Drax whispered.

'Not yet.'

'You're afraid.'

'Yes.'

'Of rejection?'

'No.'

'Of losing her before she ever has the chance to choose.'

Sable suddenly reached for his hand.

Jaxon looked at her in surprise.

"Whatever happens tomorrow..." she said quietly.

"We'll face it together."

The silver mate bond shimmered faintly around their joined hands.

Neither pulled away.

Far beyond Crimson Keep...

High within the snow-covered Crescent Mountains...

A hooded figure climbed a narrow stone staircase carved into the cliffs.

Ancient ruins slowly emerged through the thick mist.

Massive wolf statues stood guard over a forgotten temple.

The hooded figure removed the stolen map from beneath a dark cloak.

He smiled.

"After two hundred years..."

"The Temple of the First Wolf has finally been found."

The enormous stone doors began to rumble open.

From deep inside the mountain...

A powerful silver light spilled into the night.

Something ancient...

Had awakened.