Luna’s eyes snapped open, her breath coming in sharp gasps. She sat up abruptly, her body tensed for a fight. The dimly lit chamber around her was unfamiliar—dark stone walls, velvet curtains, and an overwhelming scent of old blood and something else... something ancient.Her heart pounded as she tried to push herself off the bed, but a deep, amused chuckle made her freeze."Easy, little angel."She turned sharply to see a man lounging in a grand chair, one leg draped over the other. His long, dark coat had intricate gold embroidery, and his piercing eyes gleamed under the candlelight. There was a lazy smirk on his lips, a dangerous kind of arrogance that made her feel both wary and unsettled."Where am I?" she demanded, her voice firmer than she felt."My castle." he said smoothly. "You passed out in my arms. Quite the dramatic entrance, really."Luna bristled at his smug tone. "Who are you?""Valerius." He tilted his head, watching her like a predator would its prey. "Lord of this c

As they sat in the dimly lit chamber, the scent of freshly cooked meat and warm bread filled the air. Aldric had left them alone to eat, sensing that Noah wasn’t keen on his presence.Noah pushed his plate away, his appetite gone. "I can’t believe we’re trusting werewolves." His voice was low, but the bitterness was unmistakable. "You know what they did, Elion? You know what they did to my father?"Elion leaned forward, giving him a steady look. "Tell me."Noah took a shaky breath. "It was years ago. My father was traveling through the borderlands when a rogue werewolf—mindless, savage—attacked him. He didn’t even stand a chance. We never even found his body, just his blood-stained sword. That was all that was left of him." His hands clenched into fists. "And now you expect me to just sit here and trust them?"Elion sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Noah, I understand your hatred, but Aldric and his pack aren’t rogues. They have honor. They’re nothing like the beast that kille