The Way

walls.

I awoke to the soft rustle of fabric and the warmth of a thick, soft blanket cocooning my body. The room was dimly lit by a few flickering candles, their light casting long shadows that danced across the My head throbbed with the remnants of pain, and the world around me felt oddly serene, far removed from the chaos of the forest and the battle I had barely escaped from.

As my vision cleared, I saw a man standing at the foot of the bed, his presence commanding immediate attention. He was extraordinarily handsome, with a strong jawline and high cheekbones that spoke of a lineage steeped in power and prestige. His eyes were a piercing shade of silver, sharp and intense as if they could see right through to your very soul. His hair, dark and wavy, framed his face perfectly, adding to the aura of dominance that he radiated. He stood tall and confident, every inch of him exuding an alpha‘ s authority.

“Good, you‘ re awake,” he said, his voice deep and smooth, carrying an undertone of authority that was impossible to ignore.

I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me to remain still. “Where am I?” I managed to ask, my voice weak but steady,

“This is the Bloodfang Pack‘ s infirmary,” he replied, his gaze never leaving mine. “I’m Alpha Kieran Nightshade. I found you in the woods and brought you here while I was hunting. You were in pretty bad shape.”

Bloodfang. The name alone carried weight, and I knew of their reputation well. The Bloodfang Pack was the Silverclaw Pack‘ s rival, known for their immense wealth and power. Even though they were enemies, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of gratitude.

“Thank you, Alpha Kieran,” I said sincerely, trying to push through the lingering haze of pain. “I didn‘ t expect to find myself here, but I appreciate your help.

He nodded curtly, his expression impassive. “I did what was right. You were in no condition to fend for yourself. The healer has been working on you all day; you should remain here until you‘ re fully

recovered.‘

“I understand,” I said, though my mind was already racing with thoughts of escape. “I’m Aria. I’m the Luna of the Silverclaw Pack.

Kieran’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Silverclaw, you say?” His tone held a hint of surprise, though it was quickly masked by his usual cold demeanor. “Why were you on the run?”

I smiled bitterly and meaningfully said, “Let’s say… I was betrayed.”

The days I spent in the Bloodfang Pack’s territory felt like a strange, surreal reprieve from the chaos that had consumed my life. I’d grown used to the quiet surroundings and the care of their healer, but beneath it all, the urgency of my situation never left me. I knew I needed to leave soon.

One evening, as the fading light of dusk painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, Alpha Kieran visited me in the infirmary. His presence was commanding.

“I think… I owe you an explanation,” I began, my voice trembling slightly as I looked “You‘ ve been kind even after knowing that I was from Silverclaw Pack. We’re… rivals after all.”

up at him. Kieran settled into a chair, his eyes fixed on me with curiosity. “Go ahead. I’m listening.”

35

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “My name is Aria, as you already know, I am–no, I was the Luna of the Silverclaw Pack. My mate…

I stopped, feeling my connection with Alpha Thorne deep inside, but there was one thing I realized since I arrived here… We’re no longer connected by any bond. It happened when I used the

the Moonstone. To be able to heal my wolf, the Moonstone had to cut everything that was causing my power of wolf’s suffering away.

I faked a cough before I continued, “Alpha Thorne, my former mate, never truly wanted me. He was pressured into our union because of pack alliances, and it was always clear that he preferred my sister, Morgana, over me. Upon hearing that, Alpha Kieran’s brow furrowed in interest, and he leaned in slightly. “Morgana?”

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