Page 51 of Sun's Roar

Sol touched his chest where the sensation centered. “It’s stronger than before. It’s like...” He searched for the right words. “Like she’s acknowledging the bond.”

Pride swelled in his chest. His Luna was proving every bit as fierce and intelligent as he’d known she would be. The connection felt sharper—a beacon he could follow with her pointing the way.

“I can track her faster because she’s helping me now,” Sol declared, striding toward the door. “We’re hunting tonight.”

Joshua nodded, falling in step behind him. They had barely reached the castle’s rear entrance, ready to strip and shift, when the sound of running footsteps made them turn. A young pack member—Eli, barely sixteen—sprinted toward them, his eyes wide with urgency.

“My Prince!” the boy called out, skidding to a halt before them. His chest heaved with exertion, sweat beading on his forehead.

“What is it?” Sol demanded, the alpha authority rumbling in his voice.

The boy straightened immediately, responding to the command. “My Prince, I... I think I know something...”

“What do you know?” Sol demanded, stepping closer to the young pack member. “Tell me everything.”

Eli straightened his shoulders, still breathing hard. “I was patrolling the eastern boundary like you ordered last week. I climbed the ridge to get a better view and?—“

“Skip to the important part,” Sol growled.

The boy swallowed. “A pack of wolves, at least thirteen, maybe more. They’re moving through the forest toward our territory from the east. And one of them—a big gray—had something on his back. Two females. One with red hair.”

Sol’s heart thundered in his chest. Helena. His Luna.

“How far?”

“Three miles, maybe four. They’re moving fast, but carefully. Trying to stay hidden.”

Joshua stepped forward. “Victor’s making his move. Bringing the fight to us.”

“Good. Let him come to me,” Sol said, a savage grin spreading across his face.

A thrill of anticipation rushed through Sol’s blood. His wolf clawed and growled beneath his skin desperate to get out for the chance to tear into Victor’s throat. But the alpha leader in him knew better. This wasn’t just about his revenge—his entire pack was at stake. And Helena.

“Joshua, issue the silent alarm. I want every able-bodied shifter ready for battle in five minutes. Position half our forces in the forest—hidden—and half defending the castle grounds.”

Joshua nodded sharply and sprinted away.

Sol turned to Eli. “You did well. Now get Mitesh and the elders into the safe room with the children.”

The boy’s face fell. “But I can fight?—“

“You’ve already proven your worth today. Now do as I command.”

As the boy ran off, Sol closed his eyes, focusing on the mate bond. The connection felt like a taut string between them, vibrating with Helena’s emotions—fear mingled withdetermination. He sent his own feelings through the bond—strength, courage, and a promise.

I’ll protect you always, Luna.

The castle and the adjacent territory erupted with activity after Joshua issued the silent alarm. Pack members poured from doorways and across the castle grounds, some already stripping down to shift. Sol strode toward the main courtyard where his fighters were assembling.

“Victor thinks he can take what’s mine,” Sol announced, his voice carrying across the yard. Every head turned toward him, eyes bright with loyalty and fierce determination. “He’s coming to our home with an army at his back and my Luna as his prize.”

A low, collective growl rose from the gathering.

“But he’s forgotten something important,” Sol continued, rolling his shoulders as power radiated from him in waves. “This is Sunflare territory. We are the flames that consume all who threaten what’s ours.”

The courtyard filled with shouts of agreement and wolf howls piercing the evening air.

Mitesh hurried unexpectedly to Sol’s side, clutching an ancient leather-bound book. “My Prince, if Victor has the Luna, we must?—“

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