The forest-always alive with whispers, rustles, and distant howls

d, even though I did

his side, black in the moonlight. I tore a strip from my cloak, pressing it against the wound, whisperi

"Not here. Not before I

Crescent Moon Pack. My bond ceremony was hours away. And here I was, knee

ly, his lips part

ing harder on the wound. "Y

ice catching fire-locked on mine. Something ancient and electric pulsed between u

rasped. His voice was rough, dee

another body on my con

laugh that turned into

ed. "Ex

use you feel it too." His hand shot out, gripping my wrist-

I didn't. My pulse thundered, and the air

d of footsteps echoed through t

gua

h caught

h him-it wouldn't matter who I was. Darius'

at the stranger.

up but collapsed again,

ll do it

ler than Darius, heavier too, his skin fever-hot despite the chill. My legs trembled as I dragged h

voices wer

nt something

a said to stay alert

ely covering his mouth. His breath came ragged against my palm, warm and uneven. The scent

ath. The rogue's eyes never left mine. When the voic

hispering. "Rogues don't cross Cresc

n gave a faint sm

not an

neath it. "I didn't come to start a fight, Luna.

ethi

meo

d down my s

lack again, consciousness slipping away.

came from. It simply felt right. The moment I said it, somethin

ld have called the guards. I should have run. Instead, I wrapped my cloa

on the outskirts of the border-one I used to sneak to as a child when I wanted to be

ed it with trembling hands. Each touch made the connection betwe

hours later, I was h

't be here,"

startled. "

something flickered there-something like curiosity, pain,

I alrea

oth bitter and beautiful. "Y

tell

era

rough me, confirming what my he

st offered him something precious-my re

he repeated, like he was tastin

tightened.

ened. "And when that happ

isn't the s

sharp, assessing. "Then what

? Love? To feel something real-something that didn't come wi

answer. I d

tead, standing abruptly.

time. "Don't come back," he said quietly. "The next

r mercy," I said,

ng and deep, and said, "No.

have meant anyt

y heart could b

arations-the scent of flowers, the hum of excitement. Darius stood near the steps, giving orders

ound mine

ked. His tone was calm,

"Just... clea

shouldn't wander alone before the ceremony. T

skipped.

round me. He brushed a strand of hair from my face, his fingers

rs," he said, softer now. "After to

my heart whispered a t

ng alre

side Darius in my silver gown, my hands trembling beneath the fabric. The Moon's light

honored. I shou

e color of stormlight and the wa

kin, I felt the bond take root-but instea

od beside my mate, my sou

ith the

g his name unde

er