The morning sun filtered through the window, casting warm stripes across the floor. Luxian stood, suitcase in hand, guilt pressing against his chest like a weight.His father eyed him over a mug of coffee. “Another trip? Damien’s company again?”Luxian nodded. “Just a quick one. Finalizing a deal. Damien wants me there.”His father’s gaze lingered, suspicious. “You sure you’re well enough?”“I’m fine,” Luxian forced a smile. “Ken’s coming too. He’ll nag me into taking my meds if I forget.”His father sighed. “Call me when you get there. Every night.”“Deal,” Luxian said softly, turning away before the lie could crack his voice.⸻Outside, Ken leaned on the car, spinning the keys around his fingers.“You told your dad?” he asked.“Half the truth,” Luxian muttered. “He thinks I’m doing spreadsheets.”Ken smirked, but it didn’t last.“What about you?” Luxian asked. “You tell your family?”Ken shrugged. “They won’t care.”Luxian frowned. “That’s not an answer.”Ken paused. “Look, they’re…
Third Person POVThe sun had barely risen, casting soft orange streaks over the sleepy city streets, when Luxian and Ken stepped out of the café. Their laughter lingered in the air — easy and light — after last night’s chaotic movie night.“I still can’t believe Ashiel threw popcorn at the TV when the villain died,” Ken grinned, sipping from his drink.“Honestly, I’m shocked the screen survived,” Luxian chuckled. “He’s like… chaos with caffeine.”They turned onto a quieter street, heading toward the park. The morning air was crisp, birds chirping faintly. Nothing seemed out of place.Until it was.Luxian felt it first — that prickle at the back of his neck.Ken noticed the change. “What is it?”“Someone’s following us,” Luxian whispered.Seconds later, two dark figures stepped from an alleyway. Their clothes looked casual — too casual. Still. Calculated. One of them moved fast, reaching under his jacket.“Run,” Luxian hissed.They took off.The chase lasted barely ten seconds before o
Third Person POVThe doorbell rang right on time.Luxian swung the door open to reveal Cris, tall and intimidating as always, dressed down in a black tee and jeans — still managing to look like he could kill someone mid-movie and make it elegant.Damien stood beside him, his raven-black hair slicked back, coat draped like a mafia boss — which, in many ways, he was.Behind Luxian, Ken leaned to the side and waved, his easy smile faltering the second his eyes met Cris’s.“Ken?” Cris blinked.“Cris?” Ken echoed.Luxian stood between them, eyes bouncing back and forth like he was watching a silent tennis match. Damien brushed past the tension and stepped into the living room like it was his own house.“You two know each other?” Luxian asked.“We’ve met,” they both replied at the same time.Awkward silence.Before anyone could say more, a loud bang echoed behind them — followed by the sound of snacks hitting the floor.“I told you not to forget the candy!” came a dramatic, cheerful voice.
Luxian – POV Sitting on my bed, I stared at the ceiling,still thinking about what Lucy had said. That she and Damien weren’t true mates. That their bond was created… manufactured. A soul bond, not a mate bond. I didn’t know if I should tell Damien. It would change everything between us. Ruin whatever fragile ground we were building. “I’ll tell him… when the time is right,” I whispered, sinking deeper into my bed. Dad came in and sat next to me. “How’s your body, Lu?” “I’m doing really well,” I smiled, hoping he wouldn’t see through it. He nodded. “We need to go for your check-up tomorrow.” My smile faltered for a second—but I forced it back. He couldn’t know. He couldn’t know I only had two months left. “I’m fine, Dad. Honestly.” He narrowed his eyes, concerned. “You sure?” “Totally. Hey, how about we host a movie night tonight?” I asked quickly, trying to shift the conversation. Dad lit up. “That sounds amazing! Let’s invite Ken and your boss.” My face twitched. “I
Third Person – POV Cris didn’t sleep much anymore.Not because he couldn’t—but because every time he closed his eyes, he saw Damien bleeding in the woods. Eyes black. Mind slipping. Teeth bared like something feral.He hadn’t said anything that night. But he’d seen something.Something more than the effects of wolfsbane.Something that hadn’t gone away.Something Damien was still hiding.⸻In the meantime, Cris threw himself into the hunt for Leif.It was easier than facing Ken.He ignored his calls. Left texts unread. Pretended the mate bond didn’t burn through him like wildfire.But every morning before work, Cris would stand by the tree near Ken’s street,watching him go on his jog, just to make sure he was okay.He’d even posted two men to follow Ken from a distance.To protect him.Even while pushing him away.Cris couldn’t afford to bring Ken into this. Not now. Not with Damien unraveling, and Leif still loose. Too many lives were already tangled in the dark.⸻WEEKS LATERCris
POV: Third Person⸻Weeks Turn Into Months…They found nothing.No sign of Leif.No trail. No whisper. Only shadows where he’d been.Luxian continued working as Damien’s secretary, the routine becoming a quiet refuge. He and Damien had agreed to try again—to rebuild their friendship from the ashes.A second beginning.Less pressure.Still heavy with everything unsaid.Cris trained like a machine. Relentless. Emotionless. Ken remained just out of reach, but still in his dreams every night.He hunted Leif like it was all he had left to control.And Damien?Damien fed only when absolutely necessary.The wolfsbane burned in his bloodstream like a curse, but he endured it—refusing to touch Luxian until he knew the monster wouldn’t take over.But the more he stayed away…The more he found himself watching Luxian.Unseen. But close.⸻Luxian – POVI watched Damien reading through a file, his jaw tight in concentration.He looked different now.Stronger.Younger.More… dangerous.Something ab