The Death of his Luna

ng the windows, but it's the urgency in Lian's voice that pulls me fully from the fog in m

s words are sharp, serious, and

don't want to admit. I'm not prepared for another cris

with me," he says, already turning to le

uiet space. The smell of the earth and wolves fills the air as we pass by rooms I've never seen and those I'd

ched in tension. He stands near the window, his back turned to me, but I can fee

pression unreadable. There's something off about him, something I can't quite place. His jaw is tight

tone to remain even, despite the way my in

want to bring you into this, Elira, but I'm out of options." He hesitates, his words trailing off into

hat?" I ask, stepping

ened with something I can't deciphe

struggling to comprehend what he's just said. My thoughts race ah

t, the word feeling

. We've had too many attacks along the eastern boundary, and now I've found evidence. They'

ight of his words. "But why tell me this? I'm ju

now. "I need you to help me. The pack doesn't trust me anymore. After

voice steady despite the fear rising in

ng to the surface, "I lose everything. The pack, my leadership, every

ught of Kael losing control, of everything falling apart, feels like something I can't ignore. The pack needs

softer now. "You don't t

ond before he looks away. "I don't trust anyon

This is about something bigger, something that could destroy everyth

ze flicking to the door. "I do

igure it out?" I ask, raising

s. The pack listens to you. You have a way of connecting with them. I need

t the rogues anymore. It's about trust. His trust, and the

t insistent. "This isn't about loyalty to me. It's about loyalty to the

ity. But there's none. There's only the hardened expression

ow deep down I won't. I don't want to, but I'

er too, Elira. This is bigger than both of us. The pack will never accept me

it. The pack's survival, Kael's survival,

ision leaving my mouth befo

.relief, maybe? It's gone before I can be sure.

me," I say, my voice almost a whisper. "

than I've heard it, "I need someone who doesn't have their o

I want to hear. But in that moment, I realize that maybe Kael isn't as

y voice steadier now. There

again. "We watch everyone, and we wait for the

l stop them befo

moment, his expression unr

ore it's