Midnight Queen's POV
I stood on the balcony of my refuge, hidden deep within the misty mountains where no wolf pack dared to trespass. Below me, dozens of my hybrid troops trained in the courtyard, their unnatural movements a testament to my power. Some leaped impossible heights, others turned limbs into weapons. My dream army.
Five centuries of planning, of waiting, of sacrifice all for this moment.
"My Queen." My attendant bowed deeply as she neared. "The ritual chamber is prepared as you ordered."
I turned, letting my hood fall back. Most feared to look upon my face a face that had once been beautiful, now marked with the cost of dark magic. Silver scars traced patterns around my ruby-red eyes, the price I'd paid for life.
"And the twins?" I asked.
"The boy was swept away by the Shadow River. Our scouts search for him now. The girl grows stronger her fire has evolved."
