로그인KellanI smile wider as I turn and move to my wardrobe. There, I pull out my black hood and slim, silent shoes.I slip the hood over my head, adjusting it carefully in the mirror. The dark fabric blends perfectly with shadows.What better time to learn the truth about Aeron's scandalous heritage than tonight?If he truly carries Grimward blood, the council that seems to cherish him greatly today will destroy him themselves.Sera will also turn away, for the scandal would be great upon her.Then the throne and Aeron's Luna will be mine for the taking.I take one last look at myself before heading for the door. My hand rests on the handle.The packhouse is quiet, but I am certain danger waits in every corridor. Just one mis-turn, and I am dead.But the prize is too great to ignore.Besides, if have successfully outsmarted them all to get into my chambers, then I can do it again with the aid of a night hood and slim shoes.I open the door a crack, peer into the empty hallway, and slip ou
KellanThe victorious smile on my face vanishes completely the moment I step out of Helena's chamber. It is replaced by a cold knot of suspense twisting in my gut.Every nerve in my body goes on edge now.I knew pushing Helena too hard was risky, but I had no choice. If I had been gentler and more submissive, she might have arranged a safe escape route to my quarters. Helena always finds a way around this sort of things.But now I am on my own, left to navigate this minefield of guards without her help.The packhouse at this hour feels like a breathing trap. Extra vigilance has been doubled.Warriors patrol almost every turn and corridor, their senses visibly heightened.If they see my face tonight, they will not hesitate to come against me. Then, I would be dragged before Aeron as a prime suspect, and no amount of lies would save me then.I move quickly but carefully down the first hallway, keeping my shadows where the dim lights don't reach.To my advantage, my wolf's scent is still
Helena I watch with a slow, deliberate smile spreading across my lips as Kellan absorbs my words.His face is drained of all color.Good. Let him squirm and taste the full weight of his failure.I take one measured step closer to him, my emerald robe brushing softly against the polished floor."Well, Kellan? What do you have to say now?" I ask in a low tone.For a moment, he simply stares at me blankly, eyes wide like a cornered sheep.Then something shifts suddenly. He shakes his head slowly and takes a bold step forward–close enough that I instinctively take one step back."You wouldn't dare expose me," he says, his voice coming out low but laced with venom. "Because exposing me means exposing yourself too, Helena. I am dead sure Aeron would eagerly believe me when I name Julian and Lucian as the sole orchestrators of the ambush."He pauses, that victorious smile deepening. "And I am equally sure the twins wouldn't hide from a war once their step-brother draws the first sword."He
Helena My eyes remain fixed on Kellan as he stands at the center of my dimly lit chamber.The air feels thick with the scent of fear-sweat and the faint metallic tang of old blood still clinging to him.Aspyn lingers near the door, arms crossed.I watch every twitch of Kellan's face and every flicker in his gaze. He avoids looking directly at us, his eyes darting to the floor, the walls, anywhere but my face."Speak," I command in a low tone. "Why is Aeron still alive?"Kellan shifts his weight, wincing slightly."Aeron's wolf....it overpowered me," he finally says in a hoarse voice. "The fight was chaos. Bullets flying everywhere. But he attacked nevertheless, hitting my men one after the other."He coughed. "And when I finally had the chance to shoot at his skull–his wolf moved against me. It was stronger than anything I've seen. I ran before it could relish the joy of tearing me apart."I tilt my head, studying him. "Well, I don't believe you."Aeron steps forward with narrowing e
KellanI offer no reply to the driver. His large eyes linger on me a second longer before he turns away with a low, mocking chuckle.I push the car door open and step out into the cool night air, my legs still unsteady. Then I close the door gently behind me, the soft click echoing louder than it should in the quiet.The car instantly pulls away, tires crunching over gravel before disappearing into the darkness.Now, I stand alone near the outer borders of Nightbane Pack. To escape the Grimwards was one thing, and to walk back into Nightbane alive is another entirely.My life now hangs like a threat, and every shadow feels like it could be the one that ends me.I cross the narrow path and head toward the massive gates. As I draw closer, my stomach drops.The gates are firmly closed, its heavy iron bars gleaming under the moonlight. Not a single warrior stands in plain sight.This doesn't surprise me. I know they are hidden–watching from elevated posts or behind trees. Right now, they
KellanI bow my head in fear. "Please...spare my life. I won't fail you again.""Of course you won't," Julian replies with a sneer. "Not when you're dead!"He glances at Lucian right then and they both laugh loudly.Then he turns back to me. "Report to our mother the moment you reach Nightbane. You should know that she is the only reason we have not killed you off yet. She vouched for you."I nod once, throat tight. Then I follow the strange beast out of the chamber. He leads me through winding corridors and out of the main building into the cool night air.There, I see a black car with its engine already running."Help yourself in," the beast growls as he slides into the driver's seat.I climb into the back, every moment sending dull aches through my healing body.We drive away from the main structure and into a sprawling region filled with countless tents–the breeding camp of the Grimwards.Through the window, I see beastly figures moving between the tents–hulking shapes, some carry







