Lahat ng Kabanata ng Howl of the Cursed Luna: Kabanata 71 - Kabanata 80

Nox’s POV The woman lingered, waiting for my response. I glanced at the bruises on her neck, faint but undeniable. The evidence of force, of dominance, all too familiar in a place like this. “Are you shy, Alpha Nox?” Finneas broke the silence, his tone almost—almost mocking. “Funny, the great Nox scared of a woman. I’ve heard tales of your pillaging, how the whores sing songs in your name.” I met his gaze evenly. “That was a long time ago.” He chuckled, but I wasn’t focused on him anymore. Then my lips curled. She liked it, wanted it, if I may say, or maybe it was all asking just as mine. “I don't have a liking to being watched. Maybe some privacy would do.” I asked, turning to look at the male across who holds the command here. Finneas threw his head back and laughed again. “So, you are shy!” He looked around the room as if sharing a joke with invisible friends. When he saw I wasn’t amused, he finally waved a hand dismissively. “Fine, for our honored guest, o

Willa’s POV “You’re up early,” he said, his voice steady but still had its edge. I stepped further into the study, catching his attention as he stood before his desk, the same clothes from last night still clinging to him. He looked worn—and stressed, his usual sharp features shadowed with faint fatigue. Hunter had already left, and from what I’d overheard, Nox had just demanded a council meeting. Whatever had gone down with the rogues last night had probably set off such demand. I folded my arms, meeting his gaze. “I am. Not that I slept much, seeing as someone decided to spring some new rules on me.” His face flickered, a tiny crack in that armor, though he smoothed it away. I didn’t give him the satisfaction of pretending I hadn’t noticed. “So here I am, checking in to see how your little rogue meeting went. Guess they were friendly enough?” He let out a short, low laugh, barely lifting one corner of his mouth. “Friendly? That’s hardly the word,” he replie

Nox’s POV I’d spent more than half an hour soaking in the icy water, trying to wash off the heat of the night, the tension that had clung to me. Cold water, cold wine, and more than a few curses muttered under my breath as I tried to unwind. Needed it after the night I’d had. I knew what the rogue leader wanted—a test, to see if I’d stoop to bedding a rogue. And I’d given him exactly what he expected. Just enough scent and spectacle to play the part. A convincing ruse. Now, he thought he had me, held by a bargain that gave me just enough leverage over him. For now, I’d play his game. Before Willa, none of it mattered – pack, rogue, omega – they were all the same to me. Just another cog in the lust of heat. In the machine I controlled. But she? She wasn’t something to be controlled, couldn’t be. The goddess had finally thrown a mate my way, and it was someone like her – someone as defiant as a wildfire. The bond was maddening, gnawing at m

Willa’s POV I was furious, seething in a way that had my skin practically buzzing. He couldn’t even answer me—couldn’t admit the truth. I should have seen it coming, yet part of me, the foolish part, wanted it to be real. I wanted him as my mate. I wanted to believe there was a chance, some version of a happy ending where I got my pack, my life, maybe even him. But Nox? Vad had said he’d softened, but I was starting to see who he really was. Damn it. "I guess the bargain was never part of this—your scheme," I said, my voice dripping with bitterness. Silence. His lack of response was all the answer I needed. I turned, determined to leave this mess behind, but he grabbed my arm. “Willa, wait.” I spun around, fury radiating from me. "What do you want, Nox? Tell me. You couldn’t even answer my questions, which tells me everything I need to know. So what is this about? What do you want?” “Because I care!” His voice boomed, catching me off guard.

Willa’s POV I couldn't move. It wasn't just sex. It wasn't just the act itself—no, it was deeper than that. In a way, it broke through the hatred I had carried for what I’d become. Despite the stories and curses that had chased me, here I was, and none of it seemed to hold power over me with him. Maybe the goddess had a hand in this, or perhaps Nox was simply untouchable by fate. But whatever the reason, I’d done it with him. It was as far as I’d let myself admit. Too good. Too real. Nothing else would ever compare, yet I had no idea where this left us. Maybe there was no reason to worry about that now. I’d said it myself. No title. Nox lifted me off the table, cradling me in his arms. He’d managed to pull on his pants and slip me into his shirt. I couldn’t help but glance back at the table, a grimace forming as I pictured the council’s faces if they ever found out. How could I sit through another meeting, knowing what we had just done on that table?