The Luna Rebirth

phin

houlders stiff with tension, his expression unreadable. The bond that once tethered us

night, sharp and demanding. "What truth co

my cards close to my chest. Yet, there was no denying the power

asured, delivered with the vulnerability of someone wh

g in his amber eyes. "You were cast out? Thi

defiance surging. "Then maybe you should look closer. Not

ed behind his eyes, a flicker of warning I didn't mis

" he demanded, s

threatening to drown me. I clenched my fists to steady myself, my

ence was ans

y tone unmistakable. "But I'm not here to prov

ou walk away?" His voice d

t stop me if

still, his presence a storm threatening to engulf me. My wolf itched to ri

dangerous game, ro

ss we'll se

-

ran

anything I'd ever seen in a rogue. Most would crumble under

lding. Her words had been calculated, deliberate, designe

ion slipped from my lips

st forming a smile. "Ju

ully crafted lie, and yet, I couldn't shake the fee

my mind. "She's hiding something," he

n was, *what*? And why was she so determined to st

mand was out before I c

y flickering in her expression. "W

he truth? So do I. But you're no

something softer. Finally, she nodded,

-

phin

d last set foot here, but everything was still achingly familiar. The stone pat

ble. Kieran didn't acknowledge them, his focus fixed forward. The authority

, my voice steady despite the

'll

ng it would get me nowhere. Instead, I focuse

others, its walls lined with intricate carvings depicting the pack's hist

ior was warm, the air thick with the scent of cedarwood. It hadn't

s tone leaving no

ht, every muscle taut. Kieran crossed the room to

rom me?" I asked, b

is gaze piercin

lost on me. "I al

. You walk onto my pack's land, claiming you were cast out, throwin

. "You don't have to t

jaw tightening as he studied me. Fi

his pack... it's not as loyal to you as you think. There a

" he de

," I admitted, though

s evident, but he

. "Something that started long before I arrived. Wolv

ists clenching at his sides. "You d

k." The words slipped out

, suspicion flaring. "Wh

ng I had said too much.

is presence overwhelming

sed to back down. "That's a questi

-

ran

told me to press further, to demand answers until she broke. But the

y patience," I sa

eplied withou

and irritation. Astrid-or whoever she tru

nspoken words. Finally, I turned aw

e," I said, glancin

shot up.

o with you," I clarified. "Yo

"Consider it a chance to prove yourself. If you're

stead, she folded her arms, her gaze steady. "Fine. B

n me-something dangerous. I ignored it, focus

e appeared, and I was deter