I yearn to tell him everything — about Kael’s child, about the Celestial Flame, about the power Kael is on the verge of wielding.
But I swore never to betray Shadow Ridge. Never to betray the pack of my parents.
How can I break that promise?
Just then, we reach Lucian’s cabin.
I stop short, my breath hitching.
“Lucian…it’s amazing,” I breathe.
The stone walls rise strong and unshakable. Sunlight filters through towering windows, casting golden light across sprawling gardens.
It’s a sanctuary. A place of power. A home.
Lucian wraps his arm around my waist. “I’m glad you like it,” he says softly, voice laced with pride. “I want this to feel like your place. A second home.”
My heart clenches. A home.
I let out a quiet, almost wistful laugh. “I haven’t felt at home since…well, since I was a child.”
The confession slips out before I can stop it.
The words settle between us, heavy with realization.
I lived with Kael for three years, but it was never home.
Lucian watches me, his gaze gentle, searching. “What happened when you were a child?”
I inhale sharply. The memories rush in.
“My parents…they died when I was young. They were warriors, fighting against Darkfang, actually.”
A bitter laugh escapes me. The irony isn’t lost.
“They were part of Shadow Ridge’s forces in the War of Fangs. They died in the final battle.”
Lucian’s body goes still. His hand drops from my back.
His jaw tightens. His face darkens.
“The Battle of Bloodmoon Ridge?” he asks.
A flicker of something dangerous flashes in his eyes.
“Your parents…what were their names?”
I shiver as I say them out loud for the first time in years.
“Alara and Darius Hale. They were in the Shadowguard.”
Lucian’s expression shifts, something unreadable tightening his features.
“Talia…you parents aren’t who you thought they were.”
Lucian’s voice catches, falters.
He hesitates, bracing himself.
“They weren’t born in Shadow Ridge.”
He exhales, his grip on my hands tightening.
“They were born in Darkfang, Talia. They were Darkguard warriors.”
The words hit like a thunderclap.
Lucian watches my face carefully, his voice steady, deliberate.
“They were captured during the War. Along with your brother. And you.”
I stagger back, my pulse roaring in my ears.
“No,” I whisper. “No, that’s not true.”
“You were a baby when it happened. Shadow Ridge took you. Threw your family in their dungeons. Your father…” His jaw tightens. “Your father was in line to become Alpha of Darkfang.”
A wave of nausea rolls through me.
Lucian’s grip tightens around my fingers, grounding me as the world tilts beneath my feet.
“My father was his Primary Beta,” he continues. “He tried to free them. Tried to save them.”
My breath catches. “Then what happened?”
Lucian’s gaze darkens. “He failed.”
A ringing silence fills the space between us.
“My father became Alpha in your father’s place.”
The words land like a blade.
Lucian steps closer, cupping my hands in his. His warmth should steady me. It doesn’t.
I shake my head, my voice barely above a whisper.
“But my grandmother — she raised me.”
Lucian’s expression tightens.
“Your grandparents died in the famine,” he says quietly. “During the War.”
Something fractures inside me.
I stare at him, my mind racing.
“Then who was she?” My voice breaks. “Who was the grandma who raised me in Shadow Ridge?”
Lucian’s arms catch me just before I hit the ground.
She goes limp in my arms, her body collapsing against me.
Panic rips through my chest.
I scoop her up, cradling her close, my heart hammering.
I take off running, pushing deeper into the forest, moving faster than I ever have before. Branches whip past. The wind howls.
But all I can hear is her shallow breath.
I can’t let another Luna die under my power.
The trees part, revealing a hidden lake.
I drop to my knees, laying her down carefully on the cool earth.
Then, without hesitation, I strip her clothes away.
Her skin is flushed, feverish.
I pull off my own shirt, scoop her into my arms, and carry her into the water.
The moment we touch the surface, the sacred waters stir. A soft, silver glow pulses beneath us.
I hold her against me, letting the lake swallow us whole.
I tighten my grip. “Breathe, little wolf. I’ve got you.”
Her lashes flutter, her fingers gripping my forearms.
Then — her eyes snap open.
“Lucian?” Her voice is soft, bewildered.
Relief floods through me.
“You fainted,” I murmur, brushing wet strands of hair from her face. “The sacred waters of Lunara’s Oracle saved you.”
I press a kiss to her forehead, feeling her pulse beat strong beneath my lips.
“Don’t worry, little wolf,” I whisper against her skin. “I know you have questions burning inside you about your past. We’ll unearth them all.”
I set her down gently, watching as she floats, the water licking at her bare skin.
Her supple breasts rise and fall, bobbing lightly on the water, dewy and perfect.
Goddess, she is exquisite.
