56

The night air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth as Selene rode through the Darkfang territory, her thoughts a tangled web of strategy and memories she wished she could forget.

She had made her decision.

She was going to force Kieran to choose.

Not just between her and his pack—but between the past and the future.

It was a dangerous game, one that could unravel everything she had worked so hard to build.

But she had no other choice.

Because if she hesitated now, if she let herself falter for even a second—she would lose everything.

And Selene Nightshade did not lose.

She pulled the reins of her horse, slowing as the edge of Bloodmoon’s territory came into view. The guards were stationed further out than usual, no doubt on high alert after the recent border skirmishes.

Selene took a steady breath.

This had to be done carefully.

She was not here as an enemy.

Not yet.

With slow, deliberate movements, she dismounted, keeping her hands visible as she stepped forward.

It didn’t take long before a sharp voice cut through the silence.

"Halt!"

Selene stilled, lifting her gaze to meet the golden eyes of a Bloodmoon warrior. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and armed—but hesitant.

Because he recognized her.

Selene didn’t smile. Didn’t show any weakness.

"I need to see Kieran," she said evenly.

The warrior stiffened. "You expect me to just let you walk in?"

Selene tilted her head. "I expect you to tell your Alpha that I’m here. Whether I walk in or force my way in is up to him."

The warrior hesitated.

Then, after a long pause, he turned and disappeared into the trees.

Selene exhaled, her fingers flexing at her sides.

Now all she had to do was wait.

And pray that she wasn’t making the biggest mistake of her life.

The Moment of Truth

It didn’t take long.

Minutes later, the sound of approaching footsteps filled the air, heavy and unrelenting.

Then—

He appeared.

Kieran.

Selene’s breath hitched despite herself.

It didn’t matter how much time had passed.

It didn’t matter that they stood on opposite sides of a war.

Because he was still him.

Still the man she had once loved.

And that?

That was the most dangerous part of all.

Kieran’s golden eyes locked onto hers, burning with too many emotions to name.

"Selene," he murmured.

Her chest tightened.

But she couldn’t let herself feel.

Not now.

Not when there was so much at stake.

She lifted her chin, her voice steady.

"We need to talk."

Kieran exhaled, his gaze never leaving hers.

"Then let’s talk."

And just like that—

The real battle had begun.