Claimed by the moon

: Strangers

ngs. She stood by the window, gazing out at the sprawling grounds of the Moonshadow estate. Beyond the meticulously main

She tensed, expecting Liliana or even Darius, but the doo

ith sandy blond hair and warm hazel eyes. Though his features were gentle, there was

" he added, setting the tr

, her voice uncertain

straightening. "I'm on

ong his jawline. He didn't look like a typical servant-there wa

"do you know what's going on h

one. "It's not my place to question the Alpha's decisions," he said, lowering his

ened. "Is there a

ted. "Trust is earned here, not given. B

d in the hallway. Julian stiffened and quickly excused

r Th

tch endlessly, each one leading to another grand room or corridor. She passed portraits of stern-looking me

broad-shouldered man who was carrying a stack of books. H

p voice tinged with amusement.

r cheeks flushing. "

earby table. "I'm Caleb, the estate librarian. Well

ulders and warm, amber eyes that crinkled at the corners when he smiled. He had an a

ad historians," Ava said,

"But Darius values knowledge, and the Black

re old and worn, the titles faded but still legible. The Rise

o all day?" she ask

ecords, track alliances, and... well, occasionally a

ned. "Te

ay, not everyone is thrilled about your presence here. Darius may be Alpha, but even he has to

rned. "So I'm n

ecause Darius commands it. Others... will take more convincing. My

spond, a sharp voic

al

oaching, her golden eyes sharp

iliana said, her gaze flicking

sson," Caleb said lightly, though Ava not

"How thoughtful. But the Alpha has requested Ava's presence i

on of Darius. She nodded mute

who gave her a small, encouraging nod. It wasn't m

aining grounds behind the estate. Wolves of various sizes and colors were spar

nother man-a tall, muscular figure with jet-black hair tied back into a neat braid. T

said as she drew closer

"A pleasure," he said, though his

" Ava said dryly, earning

spend your days here from now on. If you're going to live

eated, her voice rising

. "Against anyone who dares