Moonborn: Rise of the Wolfless Luna

Bella was running as fast as she could through the forest.

Thick smoke curled through the trees, clouding her vision and burning her lungs. Her legs trembled beneath her, weak from the wolfsbane still coursing through her system.

She stumbled and stopped by a fallen tree, panting hard. Her hand clutched her chest as she whispered in a shaking voice, "Moon Goddess, please... Please help me escape this nightmare."

A distant wolf's howl echoed through the trees.

Bella's eyes widened in fear. Her instincts kicked in. She pushed herself up and ran again, her bare feet bleeding, her body aching, but her will to survive stronger than ever.

Not far behind, two guards stumbled through the underbrush.

"How the hell is she still running that fast after all that wolfsbane?" Tim shouted, frustration and disbelief mixing in his tone.

Mike caught up beside him, placing a hand on Tim's shoulder. "Alpha Roland gave us a direct order. We have to bring the maid back alive, at all costs."

Tim cursed under his breath, trying to keep up.

But Mike suddenly froze, eyes wide as he pointed ahead. "Wait... That's Moonshadow Pack territory."

Tim skidded to a stop beside him. "Shit. We can't cross into their land.

Mike nodded, breathless. "We find another way around. Fast."

Meanwhile, deep inside Moonshadow Pack territory...

Alfred Black, the Alpha of the Moonshadow Pack, stood near the edge of a steaming pool of water nestled between ancient rocks. He was shirtless, blood crusting around a wound on his side, his body still bruised from a recent border ambush.

Night had fallen. The moonlight danced on the water.

His Beta, James, stood nearby, his voice low and serious. "Alpha Alfred, the perimeter is clear. No one will disturb you. Please rest and let your body heal."

Alfred gave a small nod. "Make sure no one finds out my wounds are acting up.

"Understood." James bowed and left the clearing.

Alfred slowly stepped into the warm water, wincing slightly as the heat touched his wounds. He leaned back against the stone wall, letting his body sink.

Silence.

But just as he closed his eyes... he heard a splash.

He snapped to attention. "Who's there?" he growled.

He turned quickly and saw a young woman stumbling into the water. She looked terrified, her face pale, eyes unfocused. Her dress was torn and dirty, and she looked like she hadn't slept in days.

Bella.

Her body trembled as she stared at him. She stepped toward him slowly, her voice weak. "Please... I've been drugged. Will you help me?"

Alfred stepped forward cautiously. "How did you even get in here?"

Bella's eyes fluttered. Her head spun.

He was warm.

His presence seemed to melt away the fear inside Bella. Though her limbs trembled and her mind was hazy, she felt calm, safe, and even. But she didn't understand why.

Without thinking, she leaned in and pressed her trembling lips against his.

Alfred pulled back, startled by the sudden kiss. "You're