The gathering under the full moon had worked beautifully. For a while, at least.
The light we created together by joining our hearts and hands pushed Nyxar's evil whispers far back into the shadows. Packs across all the territories felt genuine hope returning to their lives again. Wolves stopped leaving their homes and families. Some who had fled in fear even came back, drawn by stories of the light. Smiles returned to faces that had been grim. Training sessions grew stronger and more focused. Love became louder and more defiant than the doubt.
But deep down inside, I knew the truth. This peace was only temporary.
Nyxar was far too smart and patient to be defeated so easily. He was ancient and cunning. He simply waited in the darkness, building his power slowly and methodically.
One full month passed in relative quiet. But it was too quiet, unnaturally so. Then everything started unraveling again.
