SHANE BLACKTHORN

I lean my head back on the platform behind me, letting the heat from the water soothe my muscles. After days of relentless training, this was exactly what I needed to unwind.

The sound of footsteps echoes through the room, followed by the creak of the pavilion doors opening. My jaw tightens with irritation. "Did I not say I didn't want to be disturbed?" My voice is sharp, cutting through the stillness.

"Sorry, sir," the guard—Rylan—drops to his knees. "Luna Leah is here to see you."

I sigh, feeling the tension return. Of course, she'd show up now. I pull myself out of the water, letting it cascade off my body. The tub I'm in is more like a small pool, sitting in the center of the room. White marble walls and large windows make it clear—I live in a mansion. Everything around me screams wealth, power, and royalty. I hated it.

One of my attendants rushes over, holding my robe open for me. I step into it, shaking the water from my hair and pushing it back out of my face.

"Did the mating ceremony take place without my knowledge?" I ask coldly, my voice laced with sarcasm.

"Sir?" Rylan looks confused, scratching his head. He glances at me, not sure how to respond.

"You said 'Luna Leah,' so I'm wondering when the ritual got completed without my approval."

"I apologize for the mistake, sir."

"Tell her I do not wish to be disturbed," I wave my hand, dismissing him.

"But she insists, says she won't leave until she sees you."

I roll my eyes. "Fine, send her in." I walk towards my study, feeling Kygara, my wolf, stir inside me. He whines in the back of my mind, and I mock him. "You chose her," I mutter, making him quiet down.

Leah walks in with that usual glint of mischief in her eyes. "My lord, I'm honored that you've—"

"Spare me the theatrics and just say what you want," I cut her off, annoyed.

"Fine." She crosses her arms. "Will it kill you to come visit me in the pavilion once in a while?"

"I'm busy."

"We're going to be bonded soon. Swearing vows to each other under the moon and the moon goddess herself—"

"I know how the mating ritual works," I interrupt, my tone sharp. Her persistence grates on my nerves.

"Don't you think we should spend time getting to know each other first?" she asks, and I know she's right. We should be spending time together before the ceremony, but I just can't bring myself to do it.

I reach for the cigarette pack on my desk, lighting one up. Without a word, I shake the pack in her direction, offering her one. She sighs but steps forward, taking it from me. She picks up the lighter from my desk, and holds it out for me. I light it for her, our hands briefly touching.

I walk to the window, staring out at the city. The cigarette smoke swirls in the air around me, offering a brief distraction from the thoughts flooding my mind. I feel Leah's hands wrap around my waist, her body pressing against mine. I pull away, and she steps back, her face clouding with hurt.

"You're right." I say, trying to steer the conversation. "We should spend time together. Meet me at the city square at eight." I'm desperate to change the subject, but she's not so easily swayed.

She steps closer, her hand reaching for the strings of my robe.

"We shouldn't do this. Let's wait until we consummate our bond at least," I warn, feeling the tension rise between us.

"But you were willing to do it with her that night," she snaps, her voice filled with venom.

I laugh, low and cold. "Don't tell me you're still jealous about that."

Her expression hardens, but she forces a smile. "Why would I be jealous? You're mine now. You'll spend the rest of your life with me. Why should I care about some plaything you used to waste time with?"

"Plaything?" I scoff. "I thought you two were best friends. She was desperate to save you that night. I wonder what she'd think if she heard you now." I smirk, knowing I'm pushing her buttons.

She ignores my comment, a smile creeping back onto her lips. "I'll see you at the city square. Can't wait," she says, her tone sweet as she takes her leave.

I can't help but smile as she walks away. Leah always changes the subject when Millie comes up.

Millie, the one who haunts my every thought. The girl who had managed to unknowingly ensnare me just as deeply as she done Kygara.

I was just as captivated by her as Kygara was. And due to Kygara's stubbornness, I was convinced, she had to be my mate.

At first, I thought she might be from a banished family, one who fled to the normie town to escape, but I couldn't sense any magic from her. No wolf, no power. Just a human.

Yet, the mate pull was undeniable.

It started six years ago, during my first trip to Allister, that weak human town. I hated their kind. They took our resources and gave us nothing but secrecy in return. I had no interest in establishing relations with them—until I saw her.

I visited often after that, watching her from the shadows. She was oblivious, of course, but I found solace in her simplicity. The way she tucked her hair behind her ears, her expressive reactions to the taste of coffee—it was all so... calming.

I even had Caelum make me a camouflaging potion, so I could watch her in places I shouldn't have. Like her bedroom. I wasn't a weirdo, I just liked seeing her asleep—vulnerable, quiet. She was my escape when the pressures of being Alpha became too much.

This was my routine, until one day...... the potions stopped working and she started to notice me. It was like a game we played.

I'd made arrangements for her here, in Lupinmere. Her quarters were filled with lilies and daisies, her favorite. I even had the city's best florist decorate the pavilion, and after several attempts, I managed to recreate the coffee she loved.

I was confident I could make her adjust, get used to life in Lupinmere. I wondered if she'll be able to handle the duties of Luna as a human.

She would have to face some backlash, She would be the first human Luna to exist. That wasn't a problem though, I was confident I could tear apart anyone who was rude to her.

But that night, I learned it was all an illusion.

A knock on my door pulls me from my thoughts. "Come in," I call out, and Verran, my trusted second-in-command enters.

"Did you look into what I asked?" I ask, gesturing for him to close the door.

"There are no records of Esme the witch having a child or a lover. After her banishment, she fled to Allister for refuge," he says. I shake my head. "And the other matter?"

"Still no leads, sir. She's nowhere to be found."

I scowl. "How does a human just disappear from a locked cell?"

"Our allies in Allister say it's like she vanished into thin air. Maybe she's learned magic from her mother."

"Impossible," I snap. "I would have sensed it. She's human."

"I'll keep investigating, sir," he says, bowing before leaving.

Could she have used the Isilaven stone I dropped that day? But how? Even I would struggle to activate half a stone, and I'm an Alpha with years of training. The only beings who could do that with ease are Fae's with their unlimited supply of life force. Humans couldn't survive the portal either; So how could she with no magic and no training survive?

The thought was absurd, and yet..... here she was in Lupinmere.

I chased after her but she slipped away. She must have had help. Could Esme still have allies here?

There were too many questions, but the cursed pull I felt toward her remained as strong as ever... I thought I'd broken it the night I killed that witch, Esme. Was I wrong? Is Millie the one I need to kill to end it all?

"Sorry, Leah. Date night's over," I mutter, running ahead and shifting into my wolf form.

Kygara and I need this release—before we drove ourselves mad.

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