KAIDEN“Kaiden?”Calantha’s smile vanished as soon as she saw me. Her eyes widened, filled with shock and confusion.Even with the alcohol still fogging my head, I kept walking toward them. My eyes stayed locked on Cross, who looked annoyingly calm. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I snapped as I reached them.Calantha stood frozen beside us, completely thrown off by my sudden appearance here.“My King.” Cross greeted with a small bow, then stood straight again, a smug smile tugging at his lips.That smile. It made my blood boil.I clenched my fists hard at my sides, seconds away from breaking his face. But then a voice in my head reminded me…This isn’t why you came here. Don’t ruin it more with Calantha.“I ran into the Luna at the restaurant nearby,” Cross said, holding up a brown paper bag that smelled of food. Calantha held one too. “It felt wrong to let her walk back alone by this hour of the night. I was just being helpful.”His voice was calm, almost casual. But I
CALANTHA I had never seen Kaiden like this before and honestly, it scared me.He was looking at me like I was something priceless, like I meant the world to him. Like he was searching for something in me. That look in his eyes wasn’t the one I was used to. Kaiden’s eyes were always cold, sharp, and unpredictable. But now, they were soft and vulnerable. And that confused me.I didn’t expect him to show up at my doorstep. After everything. After all the silence. He didn’t stop me when I walked away, he never called, and never came after me. That made it clear that he didn’t want me. And I had forced myself to believe that. To believe that I was the fool for thinking we could have been something more.And now here he was, in my space, kissing me in the places he knew I liked to be kissed. Trying to wake up the same feelings he once buried deep inside me. Was this his plan? To make me feel everything all over again, just so he could walk away once more?That was why I gently pushed him
CALANTHAI sat stiffly on the couch, the TV series playing but my mind elsewhere. Although it was my favorite show, I couldn’t focus. Kaiden was seated so close beside me, and I felt his gaze on me every few seconds. The tension between us was overwhelmingly thick.After he had eaten the soup I made, he refused to go to bed and insisted on watching TV with me. I tried to convince him otherwise, but his stubbornness won. So here we were, side by side, barely any space between us. I doubted he was even watching, with the way his eyes kept drifting straight to me.Clearing my throat, I scooted over to create some distance but he slid right after, closing the gap again.“Are you kidding me?” I snapped, turning on him. Despite my frustration, he stayed unnervingly calm.“Everything okay?” He asked, pretending not to know what he was doing.“Cut the act.” I growled and backed up toward the couch’s edge. He followed.“Ugh, stop it!” I hissed, and this time his lips twisted into an amused sm
CALANTHAThat night, I couldn’t sleep. Even though Kaiden was in the living room and I was in my bedroom, knowing we shared the same roof left me restless. I tossed and turned, burying my face in my pillow with a frustrated groan.What the hell was wrong with me? I had vowed to move on, yet here I was, still feeling his presence so much, enough for it to even disrupt my sleep.Finally, I gave up on my bed and crept out for warm milk in the kitchen, hoping it would calm my nerves and finally put me to sleep. My feet hesitated in the hallway as I passed the living room where Kaiden was sleeping. I hated how anxious I felt just walking by his space.Once I stepped inside the living room, I froze at the sound of Kaiden’s harsh breathing and restrained whimpering. He was lying on the couch, shivering and murmuring names I didn’t recognize.“Raya… No… Please… No… Liam… No…”My heart thundered and I realized that he was in the grip of a nightmare. And a horrible one at that.I rushed to him
THAT SAME DAYSHADOW MOON PACK: ALPHA SLADE’S PACKHOUSEThe guards bowed their heads as Hera entered the packhouse, flanked by her handmaidens. As they passed, every servant and maid halted work to lower their heads in respect. Hera, as chief priestess of the capital pack, was accustomed to this display of honor and the quiet fear it inspired.A guard led her through the grand hallway to the guest chamber, where Alpha Slade sat in earnest conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Grant. Her handmaidens waited outside and the moment the Grants spotted Hera, they rose and bowed their heads. Hera inclined her own in return, then offered a formal nod to Alpha Slade. His expression was too calm, and the faint curve of a sinister smile touched his lips.“Finally. The chief priestess shows up,” Alpha Slade said, motioning to the seat beside him at the table. Mr. and Mrs. Grant sat to his left. “Please, have a seat.”Hera walked to the table but instead of taking the seat he offered, she chose the fart
CALANTHA Kaiden and I were now at the quiet corner of a café, both of us dressed to go unnoticed. I was wearing baggy joggers and an oversized hoodie pulled low over my face. While Kaiden was in a leather jacket and a cap angled to shadow his features. Our disguise seemed to work as no one seemed to recognize us.As we sat waiting for our order to arrive, Kaiden kept tugging at his cap. At first, I tried to ignore it but later, I couldn’t help myself any longer.“You’re acting suspicious while trying not to look suspicious.” I muttered, shaking my head.He shot me a self‑satisfied grin. “I’m too handsome to hide completely. If someone looks close enough, they’ll spot me.”I rolled my eyes at his show off, just as our breakfast arrived. The server set steaming trays in front of us and hurried off. My stomach rumbled as I began to salivate.“Ooh, this looks amazing. I’m starving.”“You’re not starving. You’re just a glutton.” Kaiden said calmly, lifting a mug of coffee to his lips. W
CALANTHA “Apologize.”The men froze, not saying anything at first. Then their shocked faces contorted, and they burst out laughing, now looking at Kaiden like he had just said the most ridiculous thing ever. But while they laughed, Kaiden’s face stayed the same.Not angry. Just calm and straight. But out of everyone here, only I knew how dangerous he could be whenever he wore that look."He said to apologize!" One of the men — the one who had tossed me the napkin and seemed like their leader — laughed loudly with his group."He’s really got some balls, doesn’t he?" he added, making the others laugh even harder. But even with all the mocking, Kaiden didn’t move. His straight face stayed the same, and his leg stayed stretched out in front of them, keeping them from moving forward.Knowing where all this could end, I decided to step in and let it all go."That’s okay, Kaiden," I said quickly, forcing a small, fake smile as I tried to get up from my seat. "I’m fine. It’s just a little st
CALANTHA When we got back to my apartment, Kaiden kept his word and we ordered breakfast. As we ate, I couldn’t stop talking about how good he was at fighting. Even though I had stayed at the packhouse for a while before I left, I had never actually seen him fight. So, watching him handle those men at the café was new for me and without meaning to, it made me admire him even more.“Did you see how you grabbed that first guy and elbowed him?” I said, food still in my mouth as I waved my hand around, trying to show the move. Kaiden just ate calmly, looking a little bored, but I didn’t care.“I always heard you were a great fighter,” I said, grinning from ear to ear. “But I didn’t know you were this good. You fought like it was the easiest thing in the world and you didn’t even break a sweat! And I’m sure that was just a little of what you can really do, right?”Instead of answering, Kaiden rolled his eyes and lifted some food toward my mouth with his fork. His face was blank, bored.“E
CALANTHA“Guys, don’t you think the Lycan King changed his mind because of my warning?” Eloise asked proudly, her voice light as she helped me unpack clothes from my bag.“Oh please, don’t flatter yourself,” I replied, laughing. Eloise joined in, both of us giggling.We were in my new chamber. I was standing with Eloise while Nyx sat quietly on my big king-sized bed, helping with the clothes too. I had called them over the moment Kaiden told me I would be returning to the packhouse and reclaiming my role as Luna. He had even moved me into a new chamber—bigger, closer to his, and just as grand as his own. It truly looked like a room fit for a queen.Still, everything felt surreal. It took me forever to believe this was really happening. Even now, I was struggling to take it all in. I was back in the packhouse, being treated better than ever. Really unbelievable.“I still can’t believe it,” Eloise said, shaking her head. “I’m just glad Kaiden finally stopped running from his feelings
CALANTHAAs soon as the limousine stopped, Bradley stepped out and opened the door for me. I didn’t move right away. I just sat there, confused and unsure.Was this a mistake? Did Kaiden really tell them to bring me here? Or did Bradley misunderstand him somehow? Because this was honestly the last place I expected to be.“My Luna?” Bradley’s gentle voice pulled me out of my thoughts.“Sorry.” I murmured and finally stepped out of the car, my heels clicking softly against the stone path as I landed on the packhouse grounds.I looked around slowly, taking in everything. The place felt strangely familiar—almost like coming back home. Even though it never truly was my home, something about it felt oddly comforting. Maybe I had grown used to it during the short time I had lived here.The packhouse was alive with movement. Servants rushed around, decorating and preparing for the upcoming tournament. My brows pulled together slightly. Was that why Kaiden brought me here? To help out?As I k
CALANTHAA COUPLE OF HOURS LATERI let out a frustrated sigh as I stood in front of the full-length mirror, staring at the dress I had on. It was a long, thin spaghetti strap dress. Simple, not flashy—but somehow, it still felt like too much.That was what bothered me. I didn’t know if I was overdressed or underdressed for wherever Kaiden was taking me.He had messaged me earlier, telling me to get ready because his guards were coming to pick me up. When I asked where we were going, he only said it was a surprise.And now, here I was, stressing about what to wear without having a clue what the occasion was.With a groan, I turned to my closet and began searching through my clothes again, for what felt like the hundredth time. Finally, my hand stopped on a floral, flared dress that ended just at the knees. A small, relieved smile appeared on my face.This was perfect! Not too plain, not too fancy. Just simple, stylish, and elegant.I quickly changed into it, tied my hair into a loose,
KAIDENTHE NEXT DAYAfter rounding up my meeting with the elders about the tournament plans, which was now just around the corner, Bradley and I decided to take a walk around the packhouse to check how the preparations were going.Inside the grand hall, the chandeliers had been replaced with floating orbs of flame, glowing softly in warm, shifting colors. Servants moved around quickly, still making final touches to the setup. I nodded to myself, pleased with what I saw.As we walked further, Bradley signaled a maid over with a flick of his fingers. She was carrying a tray of pastries and walked over gracefully, bowing her head before us. Bradley picked up one of the pastries—a hot cross bun—and shoved it straight into his mouth. Then, he grabbed two more before motioning for the maid to leave. His cheeks were full as he chewed noisily.I gave him a look of pure disgust, which slowly turned into a glare as he held one out to me with an awkward, guilty smile.“No, thank you.” I said, l
CROSSAfter walking Calantha back to her apartment and making sure she was safely inside—even though she clearly didn’t want me to—I left again. This time, I drove. The place I was heading to was far, and walking wasn’t an option.It took nearly thirty minutes to get there. I parked in front of an old building deep in the woods. There was nothing else around. Just towering trees and the silence of the night pressing in. Most people would be scared to be here, but not me. I had lived like this before, alone and hidden for three long years during exile. Plus, this place wasn’t new to me.As I walked toward the building, I noticed glowing eyes watching me from the shadows. The coven’s security. They didn’t move until they were sure it was me. Then one of them stepped forward and opened the heavy doors.Inside, the room was wide and dimly lit. A few young men and women in black sat on worn-out couches. Their faces were hard. Their bodies were bruised, arms and legs in slings. Others, no
CALANTHA “Oh gods…” I breathed out, rushing to Cross. He was on the ground, trying to push himself up even though blood was still flowing from the stab wound in his side.I dropped to my knees beside him, my heart pounding with fear. His face was pale, and I could hear how hard and uneven his breathing was.“You can’t get up yet,” I said quickly, reaching out to steady him. “You’re still bleeding.”He winced but didn’t stop trying. His hand pressed over the wound, trying to slow the bleeding.“How did you even know I was here?” I asked, frowning in confusion.“I was out for a run,” he said between heavy breaths. “I saw you… I’ve been behind you this whole time.”“Oh.” I whispered, guilt sinking into my chest. Just like the other night he had escorted me home from the food stall to make sure I was safe, he had done it again tonight.He interrupted my thoughts. “Let’s go already.” He said, pushing himself up again.But I didn’t move. I just stared at him.This was my fault. He was hu
CALANTHA I didn’t know how long I stood frozen, locked in a silent staring match with the group of masked intruders.But I was the first to snap out of it. Without even thinking twice, I turned and ran.“Stop her!” One of them yelled, and the rest immediately started chasing after me.My heart pounded hard in my chest as I pushed myself to run faster, my legs burning with effort. I just needed to get away, and make it back.But of course, I wasn’t fast enough.“Get back here, you little…” I felt someone grab the back of my hoodie and yank it. The hood slipped off, and panic flooded me. I twisted and struggled, trying to break free, but the man flung me aside with ease. I hit the ground hard, scraping my hand. A sharp pain shot through me, and I let out a low grunt.“Who the hell are you?” I demanded, backing away on the ground as the group circled me. They all wore black, their faces hidden behind masks, their eyes cold and cruel.“The Luna,” the one who had shouted earlier said as
CALANTHAThe woman was running, holding a baby tightly in her arms. She was breathing hard, glancing back with fear in her eyes. I could see everything through the eyes of the baby she was holding, even though the woman’s face looked a bit blurred. She ran through the woods, stumbling over branches but quickly getting back on her feet. Her long white dress dragged along the forest floor as she moved, her face wet with tears and panic.Behind her, a group of incredibly tall men dressed in white robes chased after her. They held long staffs, and they looked terrifying.The woman turned her head again, gasping for breath, her eyes wide with fear. But just as she looked forward again, the hem of her dress caught on a broken branch.She fell to the ground with a heavy thud. But even as she hit the earth, she protected the baby in her arms, cradling the child’s head so it wouldn’t get hurt.“Give us the child,” one of the men ordered. They stood over her now, their staffs raised like weapo
KAIDEN“The tournament organizers, led by the High Priestess, have begun preparations,” Bradley reported calmly. “From what I’ve seen in the mails sent to you, several high-ranking figures will begin arriving in our pack starting tomorrow. The Vampire King is among them. His crowned prince will be participating in the tournament as well.”My hand froze mid-sentence, the quill pausing just above the paper. I had been drafting formal invitations to other royals across the realm, but Bradley’s last words caught my attention.“The Vampire Prince?” I asked, glancing up at him with a slight frown. “Didn’t he take part in the last tournament with me?”Bradley nodded. “Yes, my King. Like you, this will be his second, and final tournament.”“Interesting.” I muttered, eyes returning to the letter I had been writing.Back then, the Vampire Prince had proven himself a worthy opponent. He was tactical, fierce, and unpredictable. He had made the games challenging, not just for me but for the entire