Autumn gave way to winter, and winter to spring. The months passed in a blur of training, therapy, and gradual healing for Maria. Her sessions with Dr. Eliana continued three times a week, her combat training with Gabriel daily. Each full moon brought a conscious transformation that became progressively easier, less frightening. Each day brought new skills—both physical and mental—that built her confidence.

  But beneath the surface of her growing strength, the question remained, festering like an unhealed wound: How could she save her pack?

  On a warm spring afternoon, Maria sat in the garden—repnted after her destructive episode months earlier—with a book of wereanimal history open in her p. She had read it before, but certain passages drew her back repeatedly. Descriptions of pack structure. The responsibilities of alphas to protect their members. The unbreakable bonds formed through shared adversity.

  Gabriel found her there, lost in thought rather than reading. He settled on the bench beside her, respecting the silence until she was ready to speak.

  "How do you do it?" Maria finally asked, closing the book. "How do you live with the knowledge of what's happening in the blood farms? How does anyone?"

  Gabriel considered her question carefully, as he always did. In the months since her alpha awakening, he had never once dismissed her concerns or offered empty ptitudes.

  "Each of us finds our own answer to that question," he said. "Some compartmentalize—they separate what they can control from what they cannot. Some work for incremental change within the system. Some simply turn away, unable to face the suffering."

  "And you?" Maria pressed.

  "I created this territory as a model of what could be," Gabriel replied. "I treat those under my care with dignity. I share what I've learned with others who might listen. It isn't enough—it never will be—but it's what I can do with the power I have."

  "Baron Cassian does the same," Maria noted.

  "Yes, though his approach differs from mine. He works more directly within the existing political structures, pushing for reforms from within."

  Maria plucked a leaf from a nearby bush, turning it over in her fingers. "None of it will help my pack. Not in time."

  Gabriel's expression was grave. "Sadly, there is no perfect solution, Maria. Nor do we have the power to change things in the short term. The system that exists has deep roots and powerful protectors. The most we can do is help those we can, while ensuring that the methods we use won't compromise our future efforts."

  "You mean I shouldn't just go kill Lord Constantine," Maria said bluntly.

  Gabriel's eyebrows rose slightly. "Is that what you've been considering?"

  Maria shrugged, not meeting his eyes. "Sometimes. When the rage gets too strong."

  "If you did, you would likely be captured and executed," Gabriel said, his tone matter-of-fact rather than judgmental. "Lord Constantine has substantial security, alliances with other powerful nobles, and the legal right to eliminate threats to his person. Your death would help no one, least of all your pack."

  "I know," Maria admitted. "But sometimes it feels like the only action I could take."

  "It's natural to want immediate results when those we care about are suffering," Gabriel said. "But sting change requires strategy, patience, and timing. Even the most powerful vampires must work within certain constraints."

  Maria nodded, having heard variations of this wisdom from both Gabriel and Dr. Eliana over the months. She understood the logic, even as her heart rebelled against it.

  "Show me the lock release again," she said, standing abruptly. Combat training had become her refuge when emotions threatened to overwhelm her.

  Gabriel recognized the deflection but accepted it, rising to demonstrate the technique they had been practicing. Maria had proven to be a quick study in combat, her wereanimal strength and reflexes giving her advantages even in human form. They moved through a series of maneuvers—locks, escapes, strikes designed to incapacitate rather than kill.

  "Your progress has been remarkable," Gabriel commented as they concluded the session. "Few learn so quickly."

  "I'm motivated," Maria replied simply.

  That evening, unable to sleep, Maria paced her room. The full moon was still two weeks away, but she felt restless, agitated. The wolf stirred within her, responding to her emotional state even without the moon's influence.

  Her pack. Her responsibility. Months of therapy had helped her process her trauma, understand her nature, even begin to control her transformations. But none of it had brought her closer to helping those still trapped in Blood Farm #17.

  She had to do something. Pnning. Research. Anything but this endless waiting.

  Maria pulled out the maps Gabriel had provided at her request—detailed youts of the territories surrounding his estate, including Lord Constantine's domain. She spread them across her desk, studying the roads, the boundaries, the terrain. If she were to attempt a rescue—a real one, not a suicide mission—what would she need? How many allies? What routes?

  The questions were overwhelming, but the act of asking them gave her a sense of purpose. She jotted notes in the journal Dr. Eliana had encouraged her to keep, sketching rough pns, listing resources.

  A knock at her door interrupted her thoughts. Gabriel rarely disturbed her this te.

  "Yes?" she called, closing her journal.

  Gabriel entered, his expression more animated than she had seen in months. "I've received a communication from Archduke Lucius," he said without preamble. "It... changes things."

  Maria straightened, immediately alert. "What kind of communication?"

  "Orders," Gabriel replied, holding up an official-looking document bearing an ornate seal. "I am to unch a territorial war against Lord Constantine and conquer his nds for myself."

  Maria stared, certain she had misheard. "A war? Against Constantine?"

  "Yes. The orders are explicit. Baron Cassian is to assist, and Archduke Lucius's 'pets'—the wereanimals in Cassian's territory—are given permission to participate." Gabriel handed her the document. "Including you, if you choose."

  Maria's hands trembled as she took the paper. The nguage was formal, full of references to territorial rights and noble obligations, but the core directive was clear: Lord Constantine had fallen from favor, and Archduke Lucius had authorized his removal.

  "Why?" she whispered. "Why now? What happened?"

  "The document doesn't specify," Gabriel said. "But the timing is... suspicious."

  "You think this is about me?" Maria asked incredulously. "About my pack?"

  Gabriel shook his head. "Not entirely. Archduke Lucius rarely acts on a single motivation. But your parents have been in Cassian's territory for years, even though they belong to Archduke Lucius. They've no doubt spoken of you, of your situation. And Baron Cassian has made no secret of his desire to see Lord Constantine's blood farms reformed."

  Maria read the document again, still disbelieving. "This says we can attack immediately. That Constantine won't have official protection."

  "Yes. Archduke Lucius has withdrawn his support, which means other nobles will hesitate to ally with Constantine. It's... unprecedented."

  Maria looked up from the paper, meeting Gabriel's eyes. "I need to go with you. When you attack. I need to be there."

  Gabriel nodded. "I anticipated that. Which is why I've already begun preparations. Baron Cassian will arrive with his forces in three days. Your parents are among them."

  "My parents?" Maria hadn't seen Thomas and Sarah since their first visit months ago, though they had exchanged letters regurly.

  "They've been training with Baron Cassian's security forces," Gabriel expined. "Your father was particurly insistent on participating."

  Maria's mind raced. This changed everything. A sanctioned attack, with vampire nobles leading it, meant access to resources, legal standing, protection from reprisals. It meant a real chance to free her pack.

  "I need to prepare," she said, turning back to her maps with new purpose. "I need to know exactly where everyone will be in the blood farm. The yout, the guard rotations, everything."

  "We have much of that information already," Gabriel said. "Baron Cassian's intelligence network is quite thorough. I'll share everything with you tomorrow."

  "And I'll need to speak with my parents when they arrive," Maria continued, already pnning. "They'll know more about wereanimal group tactics. And Dr. Eliana—I should talk to her about how to help the resources once we free them. They'll be traumatized, confused."

  Gabriel watched her with an expression that might have been pride. "You're thinking like a leader," he observed. "Like an alpha."

  Maria met his gaze. "I am an alpha. And they are my pack. Even if they're human."

  The next three days passed in a whirlwind of preparation. Maps were studied, pns formuted, contingencies considered. Maria threw herself into the work, focusing her long-simmering rage and frustration into practical action.

  When Baron Cassian arrived with his forces, Maria was waiting in the courtyard alongside Gabriel. The convoy of vehicles was impressive—armored transport trucks, SUVs with tinted windows, even a few military-style vehicles. Baron Cassian himself stepped from the lead car, his tall frame and military bearing immediately recognizable.

  "Viscount Gabriel," he greeted formally, before turning to Maria with a slight bow. "Alpha Maria."

  The title still felt strange to her, but she accepted it with a nod. "Baron Cassian."

  "Your parents are eager to see you," Cassian said, gesturing toward one of the vehicles. "They've been invaluable in our preparations."

  Thomas and Sarah emerged from an SUV, their expressions a mixture of excitement and concern as they approached. Maria noted changes in them since their st visit—they moved with greater confidence, wore combat-ready clothing, carried themselves like soldiers rather than civilians.

  "Maria," Sarah said, stopping short of embracing her, still respecting the boundaries Maria had established. "You look... different."

  "Stronger," Thomas agreed, pride evident in his voice. "Your alpha nature has awakened."

  Maria nodded. "A few months ago. I've been training."

  "We can see that," Sarah said. "Baron Cassian said you'll be joining the operation."

  "Yes," Maria confirmed. "I need to be there. For my pack."

  Her parents exchanged gnces, and Maria realized they understood completely. They had lived as "pets" under vampire rule for years—they knew about responsibility to those left behind.

  "We'll fight alongside you," Thomas said simply.

  The group moved inside to Gabriel's main hall, converted now into an operations center. Maps covered tables, communications equipment hummed in corners, and vampires and wereanimals alike worked side by side in pnning groups.

  Nara was there too, her amber eyes finding Maria immediately. They hadn't seen each other since Maria's first days at Gabriel's estate, when Maria had still believed wereanimals were cursed humans. Their st interaction had been... tense.

  "Alpha Maria," Nara greeted her, using the same title Cassian had. "It's good to see you again."

  "You too," Maria replied awkwardly. "I'm sorry about... before. When I first came to Cassian's territory."

  Nara waved a hand dismissively. "You didn't know what you were. And now you do." Her expression softened slightly. "Your parents have told us about your progress. It's impressive."

  Before Maria could respond, Gabriel called the group to order. The pnning session that followed was detailed and comprehensive. Attack vectors were assigned, communications protocols established, medical teams prepared for potential casualties.

  Maria listened intently, asking questions when necessary, offering insights about Blood Farm #17's yout and personnel. Her months studying maps and reports had made her as knowledgeable about the target as anyone present.

  "Freeing the resources is our primary humanitarian objective," Gabriel stated, pointing to the blood farm structures on the main dispy. "But we must be prepared for resistance. Lord Constantine's security forces will not surrender easily, even without noble allies."

  "Many of the guards are former military," Maria added. "They're well-trained and well-armed."

  "Which is why timing is crucial," Cassian interjected. "Our forces will hit Constantine's main compound simultaneously with the blood farm attack. By dividing his security response, we improve our chances at both locations."

  The pnning continued well into the night. By the time they adjourned, Maria felt both exhausted and exhirated. For months, she had dreamed of saving her pack. Now it was becoming a reality.

  As the others dispersed to rest before the operation, Gabriel drew Maria aside.

  "Are you certain you want to participate directly?" he asked quietly. "You could coordinate from here, where it's safer."

  Maria shook her head firmly. "I need to be there. They need to see me—to know I came back for them."

  Gabriel studied her face for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. But stay close to your assigned team. This will be dangerous, even with Archduke Lucius's sanction."

  "I know," Maria said. "But it's worth the risk."

  As dusk approached, the assault force gathered in the courtyard. Vehicles were loaded, weapons checked, communications tested. Maria found herself in a transport with her parents, Nara, and several other wereanimals from Cassian's territory.

  "Remember your training," Thomas told her quietly as they waited for the signal to depart. "Let the wolf's instincts guide you, but keep your human mind in control."

  Maria nodded, feeling the familiar stirring of the wolf within her. Not a full transformation—not yet—but a readiness, a heightening of senses and reflexes.

  Gabriel appeared at the vehicle's window. "We move in ten minutes," he said, his normally gentle demeanor repced by a commander's authority. "Stay with your teams. Follow the pn."

  "We will," Maria assured him. Then, after a moment's hesitation, she added, "Thank you. For everything."

  Gabriel's expression softened briefly. "Save your pack, Alpha Maria. Bring them home."

  The convoy began to move, engines growling in the twilight darkness. Maria looked back at Gabriel's estate—the pce that had become her sanctuary, her training ground, her home—before turning her gaze forward.

  Toward Blood Farm #17. Toward Lord Constantine's territory.

  Toward her pack.

  The moon was rising as they crossed the territorial boundary. In the darkness, Maria could see the outlines of buildings she had never thought to see again—the sterile structures of Blood Farm #17, where she had spent eighteen years believing herself cursed, where humans still suffered under vampire rule.

  Where her pack waited, not knowing liberation was coming.

  The radio crackled with Gabriel's voice, calm and commanding: "All units in position. Commence Operation Nightfall."

  The vehicles accelerated, and the assault began.