It was a quiet evening. The leaves rustled softly in the breeze as the moon slowly rose. Inside the house, little Aric slept peacefully in his crib, while Adrian sat nearby, watching over him.
Celine approached quietly. "Adrian," she whispered, brushing his shoulder. "I just need a little air. The garden… it'll help me breathe, even if only for a few minutes."
Adrian's golden eyes searched hers. He hesitated. "Celine… it's not safe out there."
"I'll be careful. I promise," she whispered.
After a long pause, he finally sighed. "Fine. But don't stay long… and be careful, love."
Celine gave a faint smile and stepped outside. The garden was cool and peaceful. The scent of flowers drifted through the night air. She closed her eyes, letting the breeze wash over her. For a moment, she felt free.
Then the peace shattered.
A low voice cut through the stillness.
"Well, well… walking alone at night, little mother."
Celine opened her eyes. Damien stood at the edge of the garden, blending with the shadows, his smirk cruel and sharp.
Her heart pounded, but she forced herself to stay calm. "What do you want, Damien?" she asked firmly.
His gaze burned into her. "The child. Tell me where he is."
Celine's hands curled into fists. "I would rather die than tell you where my son is."
For a moment, Damien's eyes narrowed. Then fury twisted his face. With a snarl, he lunged at her, his claws flashing in the moonlight. He slashed her arm, knocking her to the ground.
"Ahhhh!" Celine screamed, clutching her bleeding arm.
Damien loomed over her. "Then die, if that's what you choose," he hissed.
Inside the house, Adrian heard the scream. His wolf instincts flared instantly. His golden eyes burned as he dashed out the door, moving faster than the eye could follow.
Outside, he saw her—Celine on the ground, blood pouring from her arm, Damien standing over her with a cruel smile.
"DAMN YOU!" Adrian roared, his voice full of the beast within. His body shook with rage.
Damien smirked. "Ah, the mighty Adrian. Just in time to watch her break."
But Adrian didn't wait. He slammed into Damien, tackling him with bone-crushing force. The earth seemed to shake beneath them.
He pinned Damien against the garden wall, claws inches from his throat. "How… dare you touch my woman!" Adrian growled, every word filled with lethal intent.
Damien spat blood but laughed. "You can't protect them forever… not her, and not the child."
Adrian's eyes blazed. "She is mine. My heart. My soul. My family. And if you ever touch her again… I swear by the moon—I will tear you apart."
Celine winced in pain, holding her arm, but her eyes stayed on Adrian. In his fury, she saw not just a wolf or a warrior—but the man who loved her enough to burn the world for her.
For the first time, Damien's smirk faltered. He realized Adrian's rage was more than power—it was love turned into a weapon.
The garden seemed alive with tension.
Adrian's claws pressed against Damien's throat, rage almost blinding him. Celine struggled to her feet, blood staining the grass.
Then Damien laughed—a deep, mocking laugh. "You think you've won? You left him alone."
Adrian's fury paused. "What do you mean?"
A shadow moved in the trees. A massive black wolf stepped forward, eyes glowing like embers. Damien flicked a look at it—a signal.
The beast charged toward the house.
Celine's heart stopped. "Aric… he's alone in there!"
Adrian's eyes widened in horror. He released Damien instantly. "No!" he shouted, sprinting toward the house. Celine ran beside him, despite her pain, blood dripping onto the grass. "Please… not my baby!"
Damien followed, laughing. "Go ahead… see for yourself."
They slammed open the door and ran into Aric's room—and froze.
The crib was overturned. Sheets were torn. The air felt heavy, unnatural.
Celine's scream caught in her throat. Adrian's heart pounded, claws sliding out as his wolf threatened to break free.
They stood frozen, staring in horror at something they never could have imagined.