Chapter 8

“Father, I was only considering several possible strategies.” Kael’s voice was calm. Too calm for someone standing before Alpha Aldric. His back was perfectly straight, his hands resting at his sides, while his expression remained composed. Yet the faint tension in his jaw betrayed the pressure he was under. Kael knew better than anyone that one wrong move could have fatal consequences. Not for him. For Aurin. Alpha Aldric sat behind his dark wooden desk, his sharp gaze fixed on his son. His eyes were cold enough to make even the strongest alpha feel exposed. Aldric had always been frighteningly perceptive. A slight movement of the shoulders. A change in breathing. The smallest shift in someone's eyes. Nothing escaped him. For years, Kael had never managed to hide anything from his father. Until now. Kael's power had grown rapidly. He had learned how to control his emotions, conceal his thoughts, and suppress his scent whenever necessary. And right now, he needed every bit of that control. Because if Aldric discovered that Kael had found Aurin first… the girl would never be free again. “Strategy?” Aldric finally asked. One word. Yet it was enough to make the room feel colder. “Yes.” “Strategy for what?” Kael hesitated for a fraction of a second. “To find the Luna Doble.” Aldric leaned back in his chair. “And what have you found?” Kael stared straight ahead. “Not enough to be certain.” A lie. Aldric's eyes narrowed. “If you discover anything—even the smallest detail—you will tell me immediately.” His voice became more serious. “The future of our entire pack depends on that girl.” Kael lowered his head. “Of course, Father.” Aldric said nothing more. But as Kael turned toward the door, his father's voice stopped him. “Kael.” He froze. “Do not make me regret trusting you.” Kael clenched his fists at his sides. “I won't disappoint you.” He walked out. The door closed behind him. Only after he was far enough away did Kael finally release the breath he had been holding. His expression changed. Cold. Serious. And for the first time, unmistakable worry appeared in his eyes. Aurin. If his father found her first, everything would be over. Kael walked toward the balcony and stared at the forest stretching into the distance. One thought continued to circle through his mind. If Aurin truly was the Luna Doble… the entire world would hunt her. The alphas would want her power. The packs would want her blood. And those who feared her would want her dead. Kael closed his eyes for a moment. He didn't know when his feelings had changed. At first, Aurin had only been a target. Then she became someone he needed to protect. And now… Kael opened his eyes. “I won't let anyone touch you.” Even if that person was his own father. The following morning, Aurin walked toward the café with a light step. For some reason, the morning felt different. The cool breeze brushed against her face, sending a few strands of hair across her cheeks. She quickly tucked them behind her ear, a small smile forming on her lips. The past week had been strange. Very strange. Ever since two mysterious men had entered her life, everything seemed to have changed without any explanation. There was Raven. The annoying man who somehow always appeared at exactly the right moment. And then there was Kael. The cold man she had only met a few times, yet whose gaze always made Aurin feel as if he knew something about her that even she didn't know. Aurin sighed. “Why am I thinking about them this early in the morning?” She shook her head and quickened her pace. But when she reached the café, her smile immediately disappeared. The front door was still locked. Yet she could hear someone humming inside. Aurin frowned. She unlocked the back entrance with her key. The moment she stepped inside, the familiar scent of coffee welcomed her. And sure enough… Raven was already there. The man was wearing a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. A café apron was tied around his waist, and he was wiping down the tables as though he were a permanent employee. The moment he saw Aurin, a mischievous smile appeared on his face. “Morning.” Aurin stared at him in disbelief. “You again?” “I'm happy to see you too.” “I never said I was happy to see you.” “But your face says otherwise.” “My face is telling you to leave.” Raven chuckled. Aurin walked past him toward the changing room. “If you keep doing this, you're going to end up taking my job.” “I wouldn't mind.” Aurin stopped. “What?” Raven leaned casually against the counter. “I like this place.” “This isn't your home.” “I know.” “So stop acting like you own it.” Raven smiled. “I don't own it.” He paused. “I'm just making sure it's safe.” Aurin turned around. “Safe from what?” Raven didn't answer. His gaze suddenly shifted toward the window. The smile disappeared from his face. Aurin followed his gaze. There was nothing unusual. Only a few people walking along the sidewalk. “Raven?” “Nothing.” His smile returned. But Aurin didn't believe him. There was something in his eyes. Something that made a chill run down her spine. Nara entered carrying several glasses and immediately approached them. “Morning, Aurin.” “Morning.” Nara glanced at Raven, then at Aurin. A knowing smile spread across her face. “You two are getting closer.” Aurin immediately flushed. “Don't start.” “I'm only stating the obvious.” Raven looked amused. “I think she's right.” Aurin glared at him. “Be quiet.” Raven laughed. The day passed normally. At least, it did until evening. Night had fallen when Aurin finally left the café. The rain had stopped only moments ago. Wet streets reflected the dim city lights, making everything look strangely blurred. Aurin pulled her jacket tighter around herself. She wanted to get home as quickly as possible. But after taking only a few steps… she heard footsteps. Tap. Tap. Tap. Aurin quickened her pace. The footsteps followed. She glanced over her shoulder. Nothing. No one. Aurin frowned. Maybe she was imagining things. She continued walking. A few seconds later… the footsteps came again. This time, closer. Aurin stopped. “Who's there?” No answer. Her heart began pounding. She tightened her grip around her phone. Then a voice came from behind her. “I told you not to walk home alone.” Aurin nearly screamed. She spun around. Raven stood several meters behind her. Aurin released a breath of relief, only to glare at him. “You!” “Me.” “You nearly scared me to death!” “That means your heart is still working perfectly.” “Raven!” He laughed softly. But a few seconds later, his expression changed. His eyes shifted toward something behind Aurin. “Don't move.” Aurin frowned. “Why?” Raven walked closer. “We're not alone.” Aurin swallowed. “What?” Raven stopped directly in front of her. “Behind you.” Aurin slowly turned. A shadow moved at the end of the alley. Then came the sound of a branch snapping. Crack. Aurin took a step backward. Raven immediately stretched out one arm, keeping her behind him. “Who's there?” Silence. Then someone stepped out of the darkness. A tall man wearing a black jacket. Part of his face was hidden beneath the shadows. His eyes immediately fixed on Aurin. Raven's expression hardened. “Leave.” The stranger smiled. “Finally. I found her.” Aurin froze. “Found who?” The man didn't answer. Instead, he looked at Raven. “So you're the one hiding her.” Raven stepped forward. “Don't come any closer.” The stranger laughed. “You can't hide her forever.” In the blink of an eye, Raven disappeared from his position. Bang! The stranger was thrown against the wall. Aurin covered her mouth. She hadn't even seen Raven move. He was too fast. Raven grabbed the man's collar. “Who sent you?” The stranger laughed despite the pain. “He already knows.” “Who?” “Alpha Aldric.” Raven froze. At the same moment, Kael had just stepped out of a car when his phone vibrated. One message appeared on the screen. Luna Doble located. Kael's head snapped up. “Aurin…” He turned toward his men. “Where?” “Southern district.” “Go. Now.” Meanwhile, Raven was still holding the stranger by the collar. “How did you find her?” The man smiled. “You can't hide her forever.” Raven tightened his grip. “Answer me!” “The entire pack has been searching for her for years.” His gaze slowly shifted toward Aurin. “And now she's awake.” Aurin frowned. “What does that mean?” The stranger smiled. “Luna Doble.” Aurin went still. The name felt strange. Yet the moment she heard it… a sharp pain suddenly exploded inside her head. “What…” She grabbed her head. “Aurin?” Raven immediately released the man and rushed toward her. “Aurin, look at me.” “I…” Her breathing became ragged. Strange sounds began filling her mind. Crying. Screaming. Someone calling her name. Then a woman's voice. Aurin… run. Aurin's eyes widened. “Who are you?” Raven grabbed both her shoulders. “Aurin!” But she couldn't hear him. Her body suddenly began to tremble. A burning sensation spread from her chest toward her neck. Then… a faint golden light appeared beneath her skin. Raven's eyes widened. “What…” The stranger laughed. “She's awakened.” Aurin stared at her hands. A strange pattern was slowly appearing across her skin. A symbol. A mark.