After shifting back into my human form, a wave of weakness crashed over me. Pain radiated from every part of my body—the injuries Lilly sustained in the fight left me battered and trembling.
I coughed, tasted blood, and collapsed against the dirt-covered ground. My body ached in protest, and even lifting my head felt like a herculean task.
For a long moment, I simply lay there, breathing heavily, my only thought being that we were alive.
Whoever had saved us had vanished as quickly as they had appeared, leaving me with nothing but the lingering shock of survival.
I forced myself to gather what little strength I had, gripping the trunk of a massive tree to help steady myself. My legs trembled violently, but I refused to collapse again.
I reached out with my mind, seeking Lilly's presence. But there was only silence, broken by a faint, pained growl. My chest tightened with worry.
"Lilly? Are you alright?" I whispered, heart hammering.
> "Don't worry… I'm alright," came her weak voice in my mind.
A sigh of relief escaped me. "I told you not to fight," I scolded softly. "We should have run. But you didn't listen. Look at you now—you're weaker than me."
My fingers brushed against the fresh cuts along my arm and side as I spoke, my chest aching with a mix of worry and guilt.
Lilly wasn't just a friend—she was my companion, my confidante, my sister in all but blood.
> "We don't run, Livia. Kleo taught us better than that," she replied.
I fell silent. She was right. My old mentor had drilled into us that running was never an option when your pack or your life was on the line. But that didn't make this any easier.
"But… you got hurt," I whispered, my eyes tracing the moonlight reflecting around the trees.
> "Getting hurt is part of our life, Livia. Don't be sad for me. But I'll need rest—maybe a few days before I can fully recover."
I nodded, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Alright… just take care of yourself, Lilly."
Pain radiated through my side and back as I adjusted my position, leaning heavily against the tree. I closed my eyes, letting out a shaky breath.
The night was silent, save for the distant rustle of leaves in the wind. But then—another sound, faint but deliberate, made my pulse spike.
"Good to see you're still alive," a deep voice said. I looked up sharply and froze.
A man stood there, his presence commanding and unreadable. My brows furrowed in confusion.
"Who… who are you?" I asked cautiously, my body still trembling.
"I'm Beta," he replied simply.
My eyes roamed over him. Scratches marred his chest and arms, and he wasn't wearing a shirt.
My mind immediately connected him to the massive wolf that had intervened during the fight. Could this be him?
"You… you're the one who helped us?" I asked, disbelief threading my voice. "Thank you… if you haven't—"
"I was following orders," he interrupted, cutting my words short.
I frowned. So it wasn't out of kindness, but duty. My mind raced. Who would order someone to protect me?
Aldrake?
Impossible. If it were Amber, she wouldn't care to save anyone. Thinking of him sent another pang of heartache through my chest.
"Who… who ordered you to help me?" I asked.
"You'll find out soon enough. Stand up. I'll guide you out of this forest." He held out a rough, worn t-shirt.
I quickly slipped it over my bruised and bloodied body, feeling the sting of scratches across my arms. Leaning heavily against the tree, I rose slowly, dizzy from exertion and pain.
"Can you walk?" he asked.
"Yes… I can manage," I said through gritted teeth.
Step by the trembling step, we moved through the forest.
After what felt like hours, we reached the edge of the forest. The Beta pushed aside branches, revealing a narrow hole in the high wall that allowed passage.
I almost stumbled, my leg throbbing from Lilly's bite, but he caught me with ease.
"T-thank you," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.
We emerged into a small clearing, and a modest cabin came into view. A black car was parked beside it, gleaming under the moonlight.
And then I saw him—the man who had guided me out of the party and helped me navigate the forest. He stood there, his posture relaxed, his eyes cold but alert.
My heart skipped. Could he be the one who had ordered the Beta to assist me? Beta approached him with a subtle bow, confirming my suspicion.
"You survived," he stated plainly, not questioning, merely observing.
"I… we almost didn't make it without your man's help," I said shakily, preparing to leave. "I need to return to the pack house—"
"You need medical attention first. Your wolf is severely injured, and your body isn't far behind," he interrupted, striding toward the cabin.
I hesitated, but followed. Inside, the space was dimly lit, filled with herbs, potions, and old books. Clearly, this was no ordinary home—it belonged to a healer… or a witch.
I sank into an empty chair across from him. He was busy with his phone, and I couldn't help staring.
He had a strong, disciplined physique, and a face that made it impossible to look away.
"Stop staring," he commanded suddenly, and I flushed, looking down.
I tried to distract myself. "W-who owns this place?"
"An old witch. She'll treat you and your wolf," he replied, lighting a cigarette. The smoke curled lazily toward the ceiling.
I swallowed hard. "Why… why are you helping me? You don't even know me."
"And who doesn't know the Luna of the Moonlight Pack?" His words froze me.
He knew who I was. Knew my rank. Knew everything. But how?
Before I could ask more, the old woman arrived. Her long black robes brushed the floor, her eyes sharp and assessing.
Her skin was wrinkled, her fingers adorned with long black nails, and her gaze pierced through me.
"A Luna? And unaccepted, no less," she said softly, holding my wrist. I flinched at her words. My secret had been revealed.
Turning to Aldus, she asked respectfully, "Why bring her here, Your Highness?"
"They need medical attention," he replied.
With deft movements, she gathered herbs and a thick old book, preparing her remedies. "Can you shift into your wolf form, even briefly?" she asked.
"I… I can't," I said. "Lilly is too weak. She can't take over."
"That's alright," the witch said, beginning her work.
Minutes later, after tending to my wounds, she smiled kindly.
"You're a Luna without the bond to your mate. Near the third full moon, this neglect can weaken your wolf severely—worse, it could lead to her death. Find your true partner before it's too late."
Her words settled heavily on me, echoing through my mind long after the cabin fell silent.