**Chapter 10** Sara moved quietly through the darkened woods, her footsteps muffled by the soft carpet of fallen leaves. The full moon bathed everything in its silver glow, illuminating the path ahead while casting long, eerie shadows that danced around her. From the distance, laughter and jubilant cheers echoed from the pack's gathering area, filled with the joyous celebration of the unmated werewolves discovering their destined partners. But amidst the joy, a heaviness settled in Sara's chest. She paused to sit upon a weathered stone, the coolness seeping into her skin, and hummed a soft tune, lost in thought. Ever since her fateful encounter with Killian, her world had shifted dramatically. The memory of him—his strength as he freed her from that coffin, the way he cradled her in his arms as he carried her home—sent warmth flooding her heart. But it was complicated; there was something cold about him, an aura that sent shivers through her, as if warning her to stay at bay. Even the thrill of attraction tangled with the fear he inspired made her heart ache. "What is it about him?" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. With a sigh, she started to rise, but a sudden, piercing cry made her halt. It was unmistakable—a baby's wail echoed through the trees, pulling at her curiosity. She hesitated, battling with the instinct to ignore it, but as the cries grew louder, an unsettling suspicion began to stir in her gut. "Who would leave a baby in a place like this?" she thought, a frown creasing her brow. Steeling herself, she stepped deeper into the woods, her heart racing with the burgeoning sense of dread. The further she ventured, the more elusive the cries became, as if the forest conspired to keep her from discovering the source. Anxiety gnawed at her; she was aware of the enemies she had made since arriving at the pack—a diamond stone curse here, an attempted kidnapping there. Now, drawn by the plaintive cries of a child, she couldn’t help but suspect a trap. "This is a trick. I won't fall for it," Sara declared defiantly, turning to retrace her steps. However, as she pivoted, her breath caught in her throat at the sight of two hulking figures flanking a delicate woman who stood confidently between them. “Who… who are you? What do you want?” Sara stammered, her voice trembling as she took a step back. The woman—her face shrouded in a black handkerchief—locked eyes with the men, who nodded in silent communication. In an instant, they surged forward, seizing Sara and dragging her deeper into the woods, where no sound could escape. Desperation clawed at her throat as she screamed and begged, but their grip only tightened as they tossed her roughly onto the forest floor. "I am not here to harm you, but to issue a grim warning," the woman said, stepping closer, her dark gaze fixing on Sara with an unsettling intensity. “I’ve heard Killian has brought you into our pack as his Luna,” she continued, a cruel smirk curling her lips. Sara felt a chill run down her spine. "What does she mean?" she thought as she listened. The woman leaned in, her voice low and poisonous. “You need to understand: only I can stand by Killian’s side. I am his true mate. If you refuse to heed my advice and continue to interfere, your fate will be sealed—you will die.” Her words dripped with malice, and fear curled in the pit of Sara’s stomach. There was a primal instinct to shrink away, to submit to the fear that threatened to swallow her whole. But amid the terror, a fierce determination ignited. Killian—her heart still yearned for him despite the woman’s threats. The more she thought of him, the more resolute she became. “Do you think I’ll cower in fear?” Sara retorted, her voice steadying. “The moon goddess has chosen me as Killian’s mate and the Luna of this pack. You’re not afraid of the consequences for disregarding her words?" The woman let out a harsh laugh. “Oh, how deluded you are! The moon goddess must be mad to choose you. You don’t even belong to this pack,” she sneered. Sara felt a surge of defiance. “I don’t care who you are! Killian belongs to me, and I will fight for him,” she declared, her voice rising as rage coursed through her. “I won’t back down! He is my mate, and I am his Luna!” A flicker of shock crossed the woman’s face. Her eyes widened in disbelief at Sara’s audacity. Seemingly enraged, she signaled the men to strike Sara. They grabbed sticks, prepared to unleash violence upon her. But just as they threatened her, something extraordinary happened. With a surge of raw energy, Sara reached out, gripping one of the sticks with both hands. In that moment, a golden aura erupted around her form, luminous and powerful, making the two men stumble back in confusion and fear. Panic seized their hearts as they realized that this was no ordinary woman before them; this was a Luna, awakened by emotion and rage. With a primal scream, she released a wave of energy that sent the men flying into the trees. Disbelief washed over her as she stared at her palms—an echo of her Luna powers manifesting once again. “It’s happening again,” she thought, recalling the surge she had felt earlier in the market. As the dust settled, a familiar scent wafted toward her, coaxing her thoughts into swift clarity. The smell belonged to the woman—no, it was the same scent she had been unable to detect earlier. Realization struck Sara like lightning. “The kidnap… it’s her!” Her heart raced as she forced her gaze upward to meet the woman’s eyes, now filled with pain and fury. Sara’s pulse quickened, and she steeled herself for the battle ahead. The truth was coming to light, and she would not let fear dictate her fate any longer. Not now, not ever.