Chapter 3; A Dangerous Game

" Are you alright, Selene?"

The moment the question left Kieran’s lips, her fear wavered.

She had braced herself for accusations for suspicion , for something more sinister. But rather, his voice carried genuine concern.

Selene swallowed, forcing a nod. “ I .. I’m fine. ”

Kieran studied her for a bit longer before a small smirk spread across his face. “ You always were a terrible liar. ”

she let out a shaky breath. “ I didn't come here for small talk, Kieran. ”

His smirk faded. “ No, you didn't”

Selene stepped forward, her fingers curling into fists. “ You said you knew how to stop the rogues.  If that’s true, then tell me. We ca n’t keep losing warriors like this. ”

Kieran crossed his arms, his expression darkening. “ I heard about the attack. 

Rylan’s pack took heavy losses. ”

Selene’s stomach twisted. The memory of the pack clinic, the smell of blood, the pained groans of wounded warriors, it was all still fresh.

“ We need a solution, ” she pressed. “ You said you know how to put an end to this. ”

Kieran sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “ I do. ”

Her eyes narrowed. “ Then why haven't you done anything? ”

Silence stretched between them.

Kieran held her gaze , his own unreadable. “ Because the rogues haven't crossed my borders. ”

Selene’s breath hitched. “ What? ”

“ They haven't touched Shadowfang territory, ” he said simply. “ So I let them be. ”

Anger surged through her. “ You let them kill innocent wolves because they haven't touched your wolves? ”

His jaw tensed. “ My responsibility is to my pack first, Selene. Just as Rylan’s is to his.”

Selene clenched her teeth. “ Rylan is too proud to ask for help, but if you have information that could stop these attacks, also tell me. I’ll take it back to him. ”

Kieran’s flickered with something unreadable. Then he shook his head.

“ I’ll tell you everything you need to know, ” he said. “ But not here. The woods aren't safe. ”

Before she could protest, he reached for her hand, tugging her forward.

“ Come with me. ”

Selene wrenched her hand back. “ Where are we going? ”

Kieran exhaled. “ To my pack. It’s safer there. We can talk freely. ”

She hesitated “ I need to get back before Rylan returns. ”

Kieran’s eyes darkened. “ I can’t help you if you don’t trust me. ”

Selene’s pulse pounded in her ears.

She knew this was dangerous.If Rylan found out, will he forgive her? But this was for the interest of the pack. A chance to safety.

Kieran must have sensed her hesitation because he softened his voice. “ I promise we’ll talk quickly. You’ll be back before anyone realizes you’re gone. ”

Selene inhaled sharply. Then nodded.

***

Shadowfang’s borders weren’t far.

Kieran led her through the woods, taking a hidden path known only to those of his pack. They moved swiftly, the moonlight barely touching the narrow trail.

By the time they reached Shadowfang territory, Selene’s nerves were frayed.

The packhouse loomed ahead, its dark structure blending into the night. They approached cautiously, avoiding the main entrance.

Just as they neared the house, a legionnaire stepped forward.

“ Halt. ”

Selene’s breath caught.

Kieran didn’t falter. He stepped in front of her, his posture radiating authority. “ It’s me. ”

The warrior stiffened. “ Alpha Kieran. ”

Selene kept her head down, thankful for the oversized hood covering most of her face.

The warrior hesitated before bowing slightly. “ Apologies, Alpha. I didn’t realize it was you. ”

Kieran waved  him off. “ You’re dismissed.”

The warrior gave a sharp nod before stepping aside.

Kieran placed a hand on Selene’s back, guiding her forward. “ Come on. ”

They got to a quiet room in the pack house. At the corner, the fireplace hissed and crackled.

He gestured towards a couch and she sat.

“Let's get to it.”

Kieran poured a drink from a crystal decanter. “ You’re always so impatient.”

She shot him a glare. “ People are dying, Kieran. I don’t have time for games. ”

He smirked, handing her a glass. “ Drink. ”

She frowned . “ I’m not here to …. ”

“ It’s just wine, ” he said smoothly. “ You look tense. Relax. ”

Selene hesitated before taking a cautious sip. The liquid was sweet, smooth, and oddly calming.

She took another sip .

Kieran leaned against the table, watching her. “ You know, I missed this. ”

She arched her brow. “ Miss what? ”

“ Talking to you, ” he said simply. “ Before Rylan, we …”

“We’re not talking about the past, ” she cut in.

He sighed. “ Alright. ”

She took another sip .

Her vision blurred slightly.She frowned , blinking hard.

Kieran’s voice sounded distant now.

Her limbs  felt heavy.

“ Selene? ” His voice was soft. Concerned.

Selene opened her mouth but words failed her. Tiredness wrapped it's claws around her

She nodded her head backward and her eyes drooped. 

The glass shattered to the marble floor.

And she went blank.

***

Her eyes fluttered open, and fear seized her.

She wasn’t in the room from last night.

She was in a large bed.

She sat up sharply, her heart racing.

Quickly, she checked herself, completely clothed. Nothing felt off. But still

She squeezed her temples, trying to piece together what had happened.

The last thing she remembered was..

The wine.

Kieran.

Her pulse thundered.

Had he —?

The door burst open.

A young maid stepped in, bowing her head. “ Good morning, Luna Selene. ”

Selene stiffened at the title.

The maid continued, “ Alpha Kieran sends his apologies. He was called away for an urgent meeting. But he instructed me to escort you back safely. ”

Selene’s blood ran cold.

She had been unconscious all night. How was that even possible? 

Yes, she knew she was exhausted the previous night. But it wasn't enough to just sleep off in the middle of an important conversation.

Rylan would be back by now.What would she tell him?

Her hands trembled as she slid out of bed.

She had made a terrible mistake. Worst of it all, she didn't even get a chance to get what she came for.

As she followed the maid out, one thought burned in her mind. What had Kieran done while she was asleep?