64

Selene stood at the edge of the war room, arms crossed tightly over her chest. The tension in the room was suffocating, thick with the unspoken truths none of them dared to voice. Maps were scattered across the heavy wooden table, illuminated by the flickering glow of candlelight.

Lucian leaned against the far wall, his expression unreadable. His eyes flickered toward her, studying, calculating. “Bloodmoon is preparing for something,” he said, voice low. “Scouts report increased movement near the borders. Kieran is fortifying their defenses.”

Selene’s heart clenched at the sound of his name. She hated that it still had power over her, that even after everything, he could still make her feel.

She straightened, pushing away the ache inside her chest. “Let them fortify,” she said coolly. “It won’t change what’s coming.”

Beside her, Elias, one of Darkfang’s senior warriors, exchanged a glance with another pack member. “Selene, this isn’t just about war anymore. Bloodmoon is divided. Kieran is losing control.”

Lucian exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “And yet, despite everything, he still holds enough loyalty to be a threat.” His gaze slid back to Selene. “And we both know why.”

Selene’s muscles tensed. “Don’t.”

Lucian’s lips curled. “You’re the reason, Selene. He doesn’t fight for Bloodmoon—he fights for you.”

The words slammed into her, but she didn’t let them show on her face. She had spent years perfecting the art of indifference, and she wouldn’t falter now.

“Kieran made his choice,” she said finally. “And so did I.”

Lucian stepped closer, voice dangerously soft. “Then why do you still look for him in every shadow?”

Selene’s pulse pounded in her ears. She didn’t. She couldn’t.

She turned away, gripping the edge of the table. “Enough.”

Lucian studied her for a long moment, then sighed. “You should be careful, Selene.”

She frowned, glancing over her shoulder. “Of what?”

Lucian’s expression darkened. “Of what happens when a wolf is desperate.”

The air in the room grew heavier.

Because deep down, Selene already knew the truth.

And she wasn’t sure she was ready for what came next.