chapter 8

I didn’t know how long I had walked or the directions I had taken.

Am I lost? I froze, fear gripping me. There’s no way I will survive a Skinwalker raid alone.

I sat with my back against a tree, scared of running into those Skinwalkers. I curled into myself, shutting my eyes as countless thoughts raced through my head.

Will they really come for me?

What if Drake and his company had left?

I don’t think anyone would remember me.

Tears stung my eyes as I tried hard to contain the pain in my heart.

Is my waiting worth it? Nobody had ever really cared for me.

Though Drake was nice to me, does that mean he wants me as his mate? Who would want a mute as their mate—not just a mute, but the weakest one of all?

From a distance, a loud howl reverberated through the forest. The ground trembled beneath my feet, as though a small earthquake had just occurred. I stood up abruptly, feeling a push in my chest. The howling came again, and it called to me.

I had heard an Alpha's howl before, but nothing was as loud, magnificent, and compelling as this one. I could feel its raw power; it hit me like a tidal wave.

From afar, I spotted a black, familiar wolf.

Drake’s Beta! He came for me. He sent someone for me!

I looked behind him. Why isn’t Drake here?

The wolf rushed toward me. His height nearly reached my ribcage, unlike Drake’s wolf, whose height was at my shoulder. Huge, right? I know.

"Where’s Drake?" I signed frantically.

"You need to come with me," he said, tilting his head for me to climb onto his mighty wolf form.

There were bloodstains here and there. I couldn’t help but touch them. His wounds might have healed quickly since they aren’t just wolves but Lycans, but he still looked tattered and worn out, probably exhausted from the fight. I couldn’t imagine how Drake would be.

I mean, he fought countless Skinwalkers. Ordinary wolves would have died from an ambush of three to four Skinwalkers.

"You should rest a bit," I said, patting his fur gently.

"We don’t have time, Luna Ember. We need to get out of here." To my surprise, he was able to mind-link me.

I didn’t know why, but his wolf seemed agitated, scared of something. He wouldn’t stop looking around, as though something might appear out of nowhere and snatch me away.

He wasn’t even scared when the Skinwalkers attacked us in the car.

What is he so scared of?

I wanted to resist and ask more questions, but the fear of him getting angry and leaving me behind made me give up.

"Hang on tight. By the way, my name is Erik," he said, introducing himself.

His speed was unlike anything I had ever seen. With every passing ten minutes, another heavy, unusual howl echoed through the forest, making Erik more agitated. His speed increased.

"Aren’t we going back to the car?" I meant to ask, tapping his side.

"You want to ask why we aren’t going back to the car, right?" Although he couldn’t see me, I nodded.

For some time, silence reigned between us. Just as I was about to give up on getting an answer, I heard him in my head.

"Your mate will tell you himself."

"Tell me what?" I asked, tapping him frantically now.

What does he mean my mate will tell me? Is he injured? Did something happen to him?

I thought the powerful howl I heard in the forest belonged to Drake.

Erik didn’t say anything more, and silence fell again.

My hands were growing tired, and I was beginning to feel giddy when he announced our arrival.

I looked up to see a massive black gate, with various Lycans and wolves running around. Their long, sharp canines bared threateningly at Erik as their eyes fixed dangerously on me, like I was some kind of snack they were eager to devour.

I assumed they were questioning him about the stranger he brought.

To my surprise, after what felt like forever—because I thought they might jump at my throat at any moment—they all bowed their heads. The enormous gate opened with a loud, crackling noise.

Before me stood a magnificent white castle. Beside it was an estate arranged neatly, with black and white rooftops.

My jaw dropped as I watched children run around happily, carefree, while their parents watched over them.

They were all dressed in rich attire. Compared to my old pack, where everyone tried to oppress each other, this place felt surreal—too calm, like a fairytale.

Without wasting time, Erik took me to the castle.

Outside, countless maids waited in line. They rushed to help me down from Erik’s back.

They brought him a large robe, and he immediately shifted back into his human form.

One of the maids took my hand and was about to lead me away when a thought struck me.

Drake! Where’s Drake?

I rushed back to Erik, who looked startled by my sudden approach.

"Where’s Drake?" I signed, my breathing hitching.

"I saw the car parked outside, but he’s nowhere to be found!"

Erik watched me closely. For a moment, I thought he didn’t understand sign language.

I’m doomed. How will I communicate with the people here? Will I always have to make signs in the air? Tears stung my eyes, threatening to fall.

Everything reminded me of Lily. If only she were here with me.

"He will come to you when he’s ready," Erik said coldly.

My heart constricted, as if pierced by several sharp, long nails. the world felt like it was spinning in my head, realization hit me hard. I staggered backward, gripping my chest, while Erik watched me with an expressionless face.

Drake doesn’t want me.