FOUR

The path back to the Silver Crest Pack was long, quiet, and awkward. The Gamma walked ahead of me, silent and brooding. Every now and then, I glanced at him, hoping he’d say something, but he kept his eyes fixed forward, as if I didn’t exist.

The silence wasn’t the kind that let you think clearly. It pressed down on me, making the air harder to breathe. I tried to distract myself with thoughts of Damian, clinging to the belief that his father would accept me. Damian loved me—I was sure of it. His father just needed to see reasons with him , and then everything would work out. The stranger beside me? He was just a precaution. Nothing more.

I clung to those thoughts, letting them calm my nerves.

But then I’d catch the Gamma’s piercing gaze. His eyes, so sharp and calculating, made my skin crawl. It wasn’t fear—it was something else. He looked at me like I was some silly child playing a game I didn’t understand. I hated that look, and I hated that he didn’t even try to hide it.

Finally, I couldn’t take the silence anymore. “What’s your name?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly.

He glanced at me, his expression unreadable, and then he grunted. That was it—a grunt. I felt my cheeks burn with frustration, but I bit my tongue. This man was dangerous, and I wasn’t about to push him too far.

We continued walking until we came across a small hut on the side of the road. A man stood outside, his arms crossed over his broad chest, watching us approach . The Gamma stopped abruptly and turned to me. “Stay here,” he said, his voice low and commanding.

I froze in place, nodding.

The Gamma walked over to the man, and they spoke in hushed tones. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but their expressions were serious, almost grim. My stomach churned as I watched them. Who was this man? How did the Gamma know him? Were they planning something?

After what felt like forever, the Gamma returned. His expression gave nothing away. Without a word, he resumed walking, and I scrambled to follow. My thoughts raced as I tried to piece together the purpose of the meeting, but his silence only deepened the mystery.

As we walked, I couldn’t help but study him. Everything about him screamed danger. His sharp jawline, cold eyes, the faint scar on the side of his neck spoke of a life filled with violence . He didn’t care about the politics of packs or the power struggles that came with them. He cared about the kill, and nothing else.

Finally, we reached the outskirts of the Silver Crest Pack. The Gamma stopped, turning to face me. “When you’re ready to begin the mission, find me here, there’s a hut ahead,” he said, his voice firm.

I barely had time to nod before he disappeared into the shadows, leaving me alone. His absence was a relief, and I let out a shaky breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. The air felt lighter without him.. His presence was suffocating, like a storm cloud hovering over my head .

But now I had to focus. Tomorrow, I’d see Damian. The thought made my heart race. I could be the future Luna of the Silver Crest Pack—or I could give in to the mission the moon bane wants .

I walked toward home, the setting sun casting long shadows on my path. By the time I reached our tiny house, night had fallen, and the familiar smell of our tiny house greeted me.

My mother sat in her usual chair, her face looking more alive than it had in days. When I got home, My mother was sitting in her chair, looking better than she had in days. “Sirella, you’re back,” she said with a tired smile.

“I’m back,” I replied, forcing a smile of my own as I slipped out of my cloak.

I washed up quickly scrubbing away the grime from the journey and started making dinner. The familiar routine was comforting, considering the uncertainty of tomorrow.

The weight of everything I’d learned hung heavy on me, but I couldn’t tell my mother —not yet. She’d been through enough, and I didn’t want to add to her worries.

We ate in silence, the soft clinking of our spoons filling the room. My mother didn’t ask any questions, and I was grateful. After dinner, she went to bed, but I couldn’t sleep. I tossed and turned, my mind racing with possibilities.

What if Damian’s father said no? What if my father was right, and Damian didn’t really love me?

No. I couldn’t think like that. Damian loved me. He had to.

Eventually, exhaustion took over, and I drifted off just as the first rays of sunlight broke through the window.

The next morning, I woke up feeling like I hadn’t slept at all. My eyes were puffy, and my body felt heavy. My mother noticed right away.

“You look tired,” she said, her voice soft. “Did you sleep at all last night?”

“Not really,” I admitted, forcing a small laugh. “Just nerves, I guess.”

She nodded, not pressing further. I busied myself with breakfast, trying to keep my hands from shaking.

Then there was a knock at the door.

My heart stopped.

Who could it be? The Gamma? No, he didn’t know where I lived—or at least, I hoped he didn’t. Could it be Damian? Was he here to tell me the good news himself?

I opened the door, my heart racing. But it wasn’t Damian, and it wasn’t the Gamma. It was a man I didn’t recognize, dressed in formal clothes.

“Can I help you?” I asked cautiously.

He bowed slightly. “I’m from the palace,” he said. “I’m here on behalf of Alpha kane’s son, Damian.”

Hope surged through me, so strong it almost brought tears to my eyes. My heart soared. This was it—the news I’d been waiting for.

He handed me an envelope, heavy and thick. My hands trembled as I opened it, expecting a letter, an invitation—something that confirmed Damian’s love for me.

Instead, I found a bundle of money and a note.

“Thank you for your services,” it read.

The words blurred as my vision filled with tears. My chest felt like it was caving in, each breath harder to take. “What is this?” I demanded, my voice breaking. “What did Damian say? Is this all he sent?”

The man hesitated, looking anywhere but at me. “I’m just the messenger,” he said quietly before turning to leave.

“No!” I shouted after him, but he didn’t stop.

Tears streamed down my face as I clutched the envelope. This couldn’t be happening. Damian loved me. He promised we’d be together. This had to be some kind of mistake.

“No,” I whispered to myself while I wiped my tears, shaking my head. “It can’t end like this.”

Slamming the door, I grabbed my cloak and stormed out, ignoring my mother’s worried voice calling after me. My heart was shattered, but I wasn’t giving up. Damian owed me an explanation, and I was going to get it.