~Matteo POV~
The stranger claiming to be the fifth brother stood in the estate's foyer, his serpent-and-crescent tattoo glowing under the dim lights. His eyes were too much like Lucas's, and it set my wolf on edge. Annalyn was beside me, clutching the focus stone, her heat scent mixing with tension as Lucas, Calix, and Ezra flanked us, ready to pounce. This guy—calling himself Elias—had some nerve showing up, claiming to be Gideon's brother and tied to the Moon Alpha.
"Who the hell are you, really?" I asked, crossing my arms. "And don't give me that 'fifth brother' crap without proof."
Elias smirked, leaning against the wall. "Proof? I'm standing here, aren't I? Born under a blood eclipse, banished at birth. Mom's journal should've mentioned me."
Annalyn's eyes narrowed. "It did. But why show up now? What do you want?"
He shrugged, his voice calm. "To help. The shadow council's after you, Moon Alpha. I know their plans."
