Lucas POV
The quiet hum of the library's air conditioning system provided a soothing backdrop as I browsed through the shelves, feigning interest in the endless rows of human literature. I'd never had much patience for their writing—too simplistic, too far from the realities of our world—but the library served its purpose as a secure meeting place. Cameras monitored most areas, yes, but their very presence meant people kept to themselves, heads down, avoiding eye contact. Perfect for anonymity.
Two weeks have passed since
Lily POV"Just your professor?" she repeated incredulously. "A girl in my class walked into the campus gym last month and—" She leaned closer conspiratorially, pulling out her phone. "She took a picture."The image on her screen showed Professor Morrison in workout clothes, and I had to admit the view was... impressive. He was clearly in excellent physical condition, with well-defined muscles and the kind of physique that suggested serious dedication to fitness. His dark hair was damp with sweat, and even in the candid photo, t
Lily POVI turned in my chair to see Beta Liam and Celeste standing near the coffee shop entrance, both looking surprised to find me there. Liam's expression was blank, but I could see concern in his eyes. Celeste looked curious and perhaps slightly amused as she took in my breakfast companion."Oh," I said, suddenly feeling like I'd been caught doing something wrong. "Hi, Beta Liam. Celeste."
Lily POVI was up and dressed before dawn, slipping out of the house before Emma made her usual morning rounds. The truth was, I needed a moment to feel like myself again. Between the constant supervision, the formal meals, the scheduled lessons, and the weight of everyone's expectations, I felt like I was slowly losing my identity, becoming someone I didn't recognize.I left a note on my pillow for Emma to find: Gone to
Kai POV“Mom, that’s just speculation. No one really cares about these things nowadays, please believe me.”But she wasn’t hearing a word I was saying. Instead she continued…"They probably think there's something wrong with our bloodline," she continued dramatically. "That we're somehow defective or cursed—which, ironically, isn't entirely inaccurate
Kai POVThe door to my office opened again, and I looked up to see my mother entering with her characteristic purposeful stride. Her sharp eyes swept the room with obvious suspicion, as if she could detect the lingering traces of my phone conversation with Lily through some maternal sixth sense.Behind her followed Healer Odin, his weathered face bearing the same concerned expression he'd worn since this whole curse situation had begun. He carried his familiar medical bag, which could only mean one thing—more blood samples for whatever experimental treatments he was developing."Are you finished here, Beta Liam?" my mother asked, her tone polite but carrying the unmistakable tone of dismissal.Liam nodded quickly, gathering his papers. "Yes, Luna Helen. I was just leaving."As soon as the door closed behind him, my mother's demeanor shifted from formal pack leader to concerned parent. She crossed the room and enveloped me in one of her overwhelming maternal hugs, the kind that had com
Kai POVI felt my throat constrict with tears at the thought of speaking with Lily. Even my thousand pleas had fallen to the ground with Celeste and my grandparents. All I asked for was to convince, Lily to drive past the main pack house building and just stay in the car. She didn’t need to know I was there, I just wanted to see her. But everyone keeps telling me, that staying awa