Chapter 194: Hard Hazel.
*~Hazel’s POV~*
Soon enough, everyone had gathered where I wanted them. The entire pack of Blue Moon sat before me in the clearing, their eyes fixed on me. Klaus and Leon stood in the middle of them like twin pillars, their stares hard and unreadable as they watched me.
A voice rose from the crowd. "Where is our Alpha?"
"Your Alpha is currently not available," I said, my voice steady. "But in his absence, I will be taking over. I will be the Alpha."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the wolves like a wave.
"Calm down and listen to your Alpha," Klaus commanded. His tone cracked across the crowd like a whip. He glanced at me, and I held his gaze. We exchanged a single, silent nod before I stepped forward.
"He has made me the Alpha for now," I announced.
"Impossible!" one wolf snarled. "Alpha Cayden would never appoint someone without telling us—the wolves of Blue Moon!"
I inhaled slowly, fighting the surge of power that wanted to break loose. Try not to lose it, I told myself.
"There’s no need for him to tell you," I said, voice dropping into something colder, heavier. "Even without the title of Alpha, I am your Luna and Beta’s wife. And with or without that title, I can still tell you what to do and what not to do."
The wolf opened his mouth to speak again, but my aura snapped like a blade. "If I hear another word from you," I said softly, dangerously, "you will be sent out. And trust me, it will not be easy for you if I send you out."
Silence fell like a stone.
I straightened. "Recently, our old nightmare has returned. I assume you all know the name Dahlia."
The effect was immediate. Every single wolf went still, hearts pounding so loudly I could almost hear the thundering beats in my ears. That was the effect I wanted.
"She’s back," I continued. "And this time, she’s stronger. She has more power, more armies. To bring Dahlia down, we must be united. If we divide, we will fall. But if we stand together..." My voice deepened. "...we will hold an absolute power no one can take from us."
"Are you with me?" I asked.
Only a few responded, hesitant.
"You’re not with me?" I said, voice darkening. "Fine. Watch as she comes and takes over your pack. Watch how your wives, your children, your families are crushed. Watch her claim New Orleans, your homeland, your city. Are you really going to stand by and do nothing?"
The crowd shivered, a rumble starting deep in their chests. The tension inside me boiled hotter, my wolf pushing at the edges of my skin.
"So," I roared, "who is with me?"
A howl erupted—first one, then another, then the entire pack until the sound filled the air like thunder.
Good.
I gestured to my aunt for Klaus and Leon to follow me. We slipped into a corner, away from the murmuring wolves, and stopped. I turned to them sharply.
I pointed at Leon. "You. Ensure every wolf is accounted for, properly trained, well‑equipped, and well‑fed. We don’t know where Dahlia is yet, but once we do, we’ll travel to her. I don’t want anyone weak or faltering. I want them to stand strong. You know what kind of enemy Dahlia is."
Leon nodded grimly.
I turned to Klaus. "Father, assist Leon in everything he’s doing. And also..." my voice softened, "...my father is still in the chamber up there. I know you’re my father and we’re not exactly on speaking terms, but promise me you’ll keep him safe. Once this is over, we’ll decide what to do with him."
He held my gaze, then nodded and followed Leon out.
I exhaled and made my way back to the room where Lilith and Anna were waiting. They had stopped whatever they were doing. My confused look must have asked the question for me, because Lilith spoke at once.
"I found the spell," she said. "I’m ready to go down."
"What did I say before?" I asked sharply.
Lilith hesitated. "It really is where we have to go... but you’re leading the wolves there. It shouldn’t take more than an hour, right?"
"That’s the problem," she said. "I’m not sure how long it will take. It may take forever, Hazel. I don’t want to risk it. I’m the mother. I should be the one to take the risk."
"No," I cut in, voice rising. "My boys have already risked everything. Absolutely not. I’ll be the one to go. Don’t worry, Mother. Just stay behind and trust me. I’ll go and bring them back with my own hands."
Before she could answer, Alice burst into the room. "I’ve found her location!" she announced.
"You see?" Lilith said quickly. "Go fight Dahlia. I’ll bring them back."
"I can do both!" I snapped. "Look, I’m sorry. I promised myself I’d do this on my own."
I turned to Alice. "Give me a minute. Let me go get my husband back."
But Alice’s expression was grave. "Wherever she is now, she may not stay there long. You know Dahlia—she never remains in one place. It took everything for me to find her this time. You might have to choose one or the other."
I drew a deep breath. Killing Dahlia... finding my husband... which came first?
"Dahlia can wait," I whispered. "I’ll go get my husband."
I turned to Lilith. "Let’s go. Make it happen now."
Alice opened her mouth as if to speak, then stopped. Silently, she guided me to where the triplets’ bodies lay. She placed my hands over them, then met my eyes.
"Lie down," she said. "Lie with them. Close your eyes. Pretend you’re dead. You’ll drift off to wherever they are."
I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself there. My heart thundered against my ribs. The sensation of falling—of my soul sliding loose—made my breath hitch.
When I opened my eyes again, everything was different.
The air was brown‑gold, like a faded dream. Dust clung to my boots. The place felt like one of those strange, whimsical lands a child imagines and forgets the next morning—except I was living it now.
Ahead of me, three figures sat in a circle around a fire, warming themselves.
The familiarity struck me like a blade.
Cyrius. Caspian. Cayden.
My heart slammed against my chest. Oh my God.
I immediately screamed their names, and they all turned to me. Cyrius was the first to get up. He squeezed his eyes to see me well and he yelled.
"Hazel?"