Eyes locked, their heartbeats pounding like drums of war, Aurora faced the cloaked figure who held the key to breaking their curse. The moon's eerie light cast a silvery shimmer on her alphas, their determination as tangible as the tension in the air.

"Who are you?" Aurora's voice quivered, but her eyes burned with resolve.

The figure chuckled, a sound that reverberated through the ancient forest. "Oh, dear Aurora, don't you recognize an old friend?"

A chill ran down her spine as recognition dawned. "Luna?"

The Moon goddess's laughter danced in the wind. "You've come a long way, my brave child."

Damien stepped forward, his jaw set in a hard...