I had no idea

Luna's POV

The morning light filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the forest floor. I hadn’t slept much after last night-my mind was still reeling from everything that had happened.

Kael had been by my side when I needed him most, and his kiss... I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The way he kissed away my tears, the tenderness in his touch-it was a kindness I never expected.

I sat up from the makeshift bed of leaves we’d built in the cave and saw Kael preparing to leave. His back was to me, but I could see the tension in his shoulders.

“You ready?” His voice was quieter than usual, as though he was trying to sound more distant.

I didn’t respond immediately. Part of me wanted to stay hidden, to forget everything that had happened outside the cave. But I couldn’t ignore the gnawing sense that I needed to know more.

I needed answers about what my father had done-and why Kael was so determined to protect me.

“Yeah,” I said finally, standing up and dusting off my clothes. “Let’s go.”

Kael didn’t turn to look at me but instead walked toward the entrance of the cave. I followed him silently, feeling the weight of the forest pressing down around us.

There was something so beautiful about this place-so different from the life I had known in the pack.

As we ventured deeper into rogue territory, the air grew heavier, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were being watched.

The dense trees made everything feel darker, and I couldn’t help but wonder how long we would survive out here before my father’s men caught up with us.

Kael seemed unfazed, walking with ease. But when he glanced at me over his shoulder, I caught a glimpse of something else in his eyes-a vulnerability, a weariness.

“Are you okay?” I asked softly, not sure if I was just trying to ease the tension or if I genuinely cared.

Kael’s lips twitched into a faint smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m fine.”

I wanted to press him for more, to ask what was really going on behind his guarded feeling, but I didn’t. I knew better than to push too hard.

We kept walking in silence, the crackling of leaves beneath our feet the only sound.

But then, we heard voices-a low murmuring in the distance. I froze, instinctively stepping closer to Kael, my pulse racing.

He held up a hand, signaling for me to stay quiet. Slowly, he crouched down, motioning for me to do the same. I followed his lead, my breath shallow as we made our way toward the source of the voices.

As we crept through the underbrush, I saw them-several rogue wolves gathered around a campfire, they didn’t look friendly.

“Kael,” one of them called, his voice dripping with disdain. “You finally decide to show up?”

Kael stood tall, his posture tense, but his expression unreadable. “I didn’t abandon anyone,” he said, his voice cool but laced with a hint of frustration.

The rogue who had spoken took a step forward, his eyes narrowing. “Oh, really? After everything we’ve been through, you just leave? No explanation? No warning?”

The others murmured their agreement, their gazes hard and suspicious.

I couldn’t help but glance at Kael, unsure of what to say or do. He had told me so little about his past, but it was becoming clearer that he had a history with these wolves-one that wasn’t exactly friendly.

“I had my reasons,” Kael said quietly, his eyes hardening. “And I don’t owe you any explanations.”

One of the rogues, a younger wolf with sharp eyes and an even sharper tongue, scoffed. “What’s this? You’re still holding on to that pathetic little loyalty to them?” He nodded in my direction. “You’re not one of us anymore, Kael. Not after what you did.”

I felt a shiver run down my spine at his words. My gaze flicked from Kael to the others, and then back again. What had Kael done? Why were they all so angry with him?

“Enough,” Kael growled, his voice low and dangerous. “I’m not here to talk about the past. I’m here for one reason, and one reason only. You’re going to tell me what you know about the Blood Pact.”

The mention of the Blood Pact sent a ripple of unease through the group. The rogue who had spoken earlier sneered at Kael, his lips curling in disgust.

“Blood Pact?” He laughed bitterly. “You really think we’re going to tell you about that?”

I glanced between them, confused. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. I stepped a little closer to Kael, my heart pounding in my chest.

“What is the Blood Pact?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

One of the rogues-the one who had been sneering at Kael-turned to me with a look of disdain. “Do you even know who you’re really promised to, girl?” he spat, his eyes narrowing. “Ask him about the Blood Pact.”

Kael tensed beside me, his jaw clenching. He shot me a warning look, but it was too late. The words had already been said, and now I was more confused and frightened than ever.

I turned to Kael, searching his face for answers. “What is the Blood Pact?” I demanded, my voice shaking with a mix of fear and anger.

Kael didn’t answer at first. Instead, he took a deep breath, his eyes dark with a mixture of pain and regret.

He looked as though he was wrestling with something, like a part of him wanted to keep the truth from me. But I could see it in his eyes- this wasn’t something he could hide from me anymore.

After a long pause, Kael finally spoke, his voice barely a whisper. “It’s a bond forged in blood. A deal made between your father and the rival packs.”

I stared at him, my heart sinking in my chest. “A deal?” I repeated, feeling the weight of his words.

Kael nodded slowly. “A deal that could change everything for you. For both of us.”

Before I could say anything else, the rogue wolves began to move closer, circling us. Their eyes were filled with a dangerous hunger, and I knew the situation was about to escalate.

Kael’s hand brushed against mine, his grip firm but reassuring. “We need to leave,” he said, his voice low and urgent.

But I couldn’t take my eyes off the rogue who had spoken earlier. His words echoed in my mind: Do you even know who you’re really promised to?

And I didn’t. I had no idea.