The Alpha’s Shadow Luna のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 41 - チャプター 50

 I sprinted through the corridors, my boots pounding against stone, not caring about the startled looks from wolves I passed. I could hear Cain behind me, his heavier footsteps echoing, but I was faster. Fueled by panic, and something feral something … I couldn't name. More like something I wouldn’t name.I burst through the arena doors, already shifting mid-stride. My bones cracked and reformed, my human shape melting into my wolf in a heartbeat. My black fur bristled as I hit the arena floor on four paws and launched myself forward.Keanu's dragon was preparing another blast of fire, golden light building in his throat, aimed at where Darien was struggling to stand.I darted in front of Darien's lycan, planting myself between them, and felt Andromeda rise.

 "If you are still needed?" His silver eyes flashed with confusion. "What does that mean? Leah, we are mates. You aren't going to deny that. Not after that kiss. Surely you know—"I reached out and grabbed his hand, stopping him mid-sentence. His skin was warm against mine, the tingles of the bond racing up my arm. "I will return as long as there is a reason for me to return.""There will always be a reason." His voice was fierce. "You are the reason.""Darien." I sighed, knowing I needed to tell him the truth. Needed to stop dancing around it. "I know we are mates. My wolf confirmed it.""Thank the gods." Relief flooded his expression, and he pulled me closer, his hands coming up to frame my face. "Then you understand. You feel it too. This connection

LeahAfter we landed, we took a taxi back to my pack. I pressed my forehead against the cool window, watching the familiar landscape roll past. Trees I’d grown up climbing. Roads I’d driven on a thousand times. Everything looked the same, but I felt like a completely different person.My chest ached with a deep, hollow pain that made it hard to breathe. Like someone had reached in and carved out something essential. The mate bond hummed quietly in the background, stretched thin across the distance but still there. Still connecting me to Darien even as every mile took me farther away.I would never see him again. The thought crashed over me in waves, each one threatening to pull me under. He would meet with the other lycan faction. He would consider the proposal. He would choose duty over a mate. It was the logical choice. The right choice.But gods, it hurt.“So.” Keanu’s voice pulled me from my spiral. “I’ve been thinking. For safety reasons, we should probably say I’m your friend vi

 Before I could respond, the door flew open with such force it nearly ripped off its hinges. Shane stumbled into the room, catching himself against the door frame.“What the hell was that?!” He looked between all of us, confusion etched on his face. “The door was sealed. I couldn’t get in. I felt magic—”“I was able to heal the Alpha.” The witch doctor’s voice was calm, almost smug. “Surprised myself, honestly.”She caught my eye and gave me the tiniest smile, a look of understanding passing between us. She knew to keep Keanu’s secret. I was grateful for that.“Thank you,” I said softly. “What do I owe you for your services?”

DarienI stood at the window of the meeting room, staring out at the snow-covered landscape without really seeing it. We had chosen a neutral area to meet at so that one side didn’t feel uncomfortable. My chest ached with a hollow emptiness that made it hard to breathe. The mate bond that was once so strong was now stretched thin, barely more than a whisper now. But it was still there. Still connecting me to Leah.I missed her. Gods, I missed her so badly it felt like I was missing a limb. Every instinct I had screamed at me to go after her. To show up at her pack and refuse to leave without her. To choose her over everything else.But I was a king. And kings didn't have the luxury of following their hearts."Darien." Cain's voice pull