The family led Tasha through a narrow corridor lit by torchlight, the air heavy with incense and burnt herbs. At the center of the circle, chalked symbols glowed faintly as the summoning completed. The fire snapped high, blue and violent, and from the smoke stepped a woman with blue hair, flowing, and sharp ears that curved like a bat's. Her eyes darted to each one of them before landing on Tasha.
"You summoned me for this?" she hissed, voice edge with static. "For a fragile, little human? I was enjoying a lovely evening!"
The family shifted uneasily, But Tasha stepped forward. "You know who I am. Evening stroll is over. I need your help."
'Why should I help you?" she spat. "You're just a human. A weak one."
"You've said that before."
Tasha swallowed, her heart pounding, but she didn't back down. "I'm not as weak as you think." she said, her voice cutting through the silence. "If you help me, you and your people will have a proper place here when all is well again. Not being bored in your fantasy island."
She laughed. "Bored? Who told you that?"
"We all crave freedom as humans."
"You've got fire little Luna." she leaned close. " But who knows if he will become a monster when his chains fall. He will have to decide whether to return to you, or tear you apart."
The witch tilted her head slowly, her sharp grin widening as though she tasted the challenge in the air. She stepped closer, circling Tasha like a predator sizing up prey. "I'll accept the challenge. But first, you need to get out of this chains."
Veyra raised her hands, and the room flared up with light and thunderstorm. Warriors crept forth, taller than human, but each carried a weapon.
"My men," she said, her voice thick with pride. "Each one can tear through solders before they fall. They will walk with me, and cut down anything that dares to block our path."
She turned, her blue hair swaying in the firelight. "Kieran and Sera will go with the Luna. She will need protection while I deal with Marla.
Sera face paled. "But the Alpha could be dangerous. Even for the Luna."
She snapped her fingers, and her strange warriors lined up like shadows came to life. "Stay close to him, Luna. If you fail, the Alpha will take more than our heads."
The moon had risen high. Shadows stretched long and restless as Tasha, Sera and Kieran crouched low, slipping through the narrow back gate Nico showed her. The iron groaned faintly when pushed, and for a moment she feared the sound might rouse the entire house. Her breath hitched as her boots sank to the cold floor, the cool night air brushing against her cheeks. Sera had given her a leathered pants, the material whispering with each careful steps. It wasn't her style. She preferred something faster, sharper, a gun. But a gunshot would be too loud. The corridors loomed silent as they crept inside, the grand halls eerily familiar yet suffocating under the weight of betrayal. At the far end of the hallway, a guard stood lazily against the wall. Before she could think of a new plan, Sera placed a steady hand on her arm.
"Let me handle this," she whispered, her eyes glinting with an idea.
Tasha nodded, gripping the axe tighter in her palms. Her heart drummed as she watched Sera slip forward. When the guard turned at the sound of faint footsteps, Sera gasped softly and stumbled, clutching her side like a wounded lady in distress and the guards expression softened. In a swift movement, She spun, landing a sharp blow that sent him crumpling without a sound.
"You're brilliant," Kieran whispered as he caught her by the waist, planting a quick, playful kiss against her temple. She swatted at him lightly, cheeks flushed, but her smile lingered.
"Focus." Tasha murmured, her voice hushed yet weighted with urgency. "You can kiss later."
They pressed on, the halls tightening around them with every step. The air grew colder as they climbed. The once warm abode was the opposite. She could feel the bond tearing in. Kael was here, somewhere above them, chained and suffering. Her heart thumped wildly, threatening to break free from her chest as they reached the top floor of the house.
And then she saw him. He was chained upright against the wall, silver biting into his flesh, spread wide as though crucified. Sweat traced down his bare chest, and the sound of his strained breathing filled the silence. His head lifted slowly, weakly until they found hers.
"You shouldn't be in here," he rasped, voice raw, heavy with warning. "Remember the rules..."
Her throat clenched, but she stepped closer. Her hands shook as she reached out, brushing her finger tips over his cheek, then down to the hard line of his jaw. His skin burned under her touch, fevered and pained.
"Kael..." she breathed, his name breaking against her lips.
He growled low, fighting the chains. "Leave now."
Her mind told her to run. But her heart refused. "No. I came with your people. You need to stand and fight, Kael. Stand for your people."
For a heart beat, she saw fire in his eyes. The chains rattled as his body fought to rise, but the silver burned him down, dragging it into weakness. "Step back."
She had just begin to move when a sharp, mocking clap shattered the moment. Marla emerged from the shadows, her wrinkled hands pressed together. Lucien trailed behind her with smugness.
"How sweet," Marla crooned, sparks of black power dancing between her fingers. "The little Luna who thinks words of love can break spells."
Her palms shot forward, releasing a blast of power straight towards Tasha. Kael roared, his wolf erupting beneath his skin. He surged forward, breaking the chains, the silver searing into him as his body ached in agony, but he still shielded her.
"Kael!" Tasha cried, reaching for him.
Marla's magic pressed harder, crushing, and his body writhed under its weight. His growl turned to a roar of pain.
"Enough, Marla."
The command cracked through the air like thunder. Blue light surged into the room, colliding with Marla's dark magic. Veyra stood at the center, power sparkling from her hands.
"Traitor," Marla reeled, her smirk tightening.
"We all know you and your little dog wouldn't stand a chance against him if he wasn't held with silver. You're a coward, Marla."
Lucien strode forward. "Kill them, Marla. Show then what you've got."
Her power flared, but Kael was at her side swiftly. A sickening crack echoed, and Marla's body fell limp at his feet, her smirk finally gone. Lucien's eyes widened in horror.
"No!" He shifted and disappeared, shoving past guards in a blind panic.
"After him!" Kael's voice thundered and his body shifted fully. His pack moved instantly, shadows streaking after the fleeing brother.
Tasha stood frozen, her heart hammering, her throat tight with disbelief. Kael shifted, his wolf still simmering under his skin. His chest heaved, every line of muscle glowing with sweat and power. Tasha reached for him, cleaning his sweat tinted with blood. His eyes, golden fire moments ago soften as the searched hers with desire. For a moment, neither of them moved. The bond hummed between them, pulling tighter, hotter. Her forehead brushed against his, and his wolf couldn't resist her.
Kael's mouth claimed hers, hard and hot, a growl rumbling through his chest as he scooped her to his chest. Her lips parted, helpless against his fierce press of his hunger and she melted into him.
She was his now.