2

Chapter 2

The next morning, Kieran kept sending me messages. I didn't respond, simply turning off the communication stone.

In the afternoon, the door was suddenly slammed open.

It was the Nightshade pack's guard team. The lead male wolf's eyes glowed gold, his expression cold and hard, like he could tear prey apart at any moment.

Dante Ironheart. Kieran's most loyal, most ferocious subordinate.

His gaze swept over me, emotionless. "Miss Raven, the Alpha wants to see you."

"I'm still busy right now..."

Before I could finish, he stepped forward and grabbed my arm, yanking me up roughly: "This isn't a request."

They practically dragged me out of the den, half-pulling, half-shoving me into a black SUV.

Nightshade territory was as heavily guarded as usual. But when I was dragged into the great hall, my steps came to an abrupt halt.

This was a place I'd spent years arranging—weapon display racks, hidden door mechanisms, tactical maps, custom silverware... each item held memories of him and me.

Now everything had been replaced. All changed to white silk, silver candelabras, carved furniture. It was Luna Silvermoon's style. Even the air was permeated with the lavender scent she liked.

At that moment, I saw Kieran approaching with a young, beautiful she-wolf. White gown, silver necklace, cold demeanor.

Luna Silvermoon.

The future queen of the Southern Territory wolf pack.

"Raven. Come here." Kieran called to me, then introduced me to Luna: "This is my most capable assistant, Raven Moonshadow."

A glimmer of amusement flashed in Luna's silver eyes: "Pleased to meet you, Raven. Kieran mentions you often—says if it weren't for you, he might not even be able to maintain his territory's defenses."

"Being solely responsible for the pack's defense system... must be exhausting, right? After all, those are the most dangerous, dirtiest parts."

She slightly emphasized the words "dangerous" and "dirty," though her eyes were full of "harmless" goodwill.

I raised my eyes to meet hers, my voice as calm as ice: "It's my honor to ensure the Nightshade pack's defenses remain flawless."

After I finished, Kieran nodded at me. I could tell he was very satisfied with my answer.

After the gathering began, all wolf pack eyes followed Luna.

Kieran held her hand, publicly announcing their alliance plan.

I sat in a corner, watching them like a king and future Luna Queen surrounded by moonlight.

And I was just a guard clinging to his shadow.

After the gathering ended, Kieran placed his hand on Luna's waist, leading her toward the convoy. I was forced to ride in the same car with them.

The vehicle stopped midway. An ambush of rogue wolves appeared ahead, black-furred wolves charging from the shadows. Silver bullets, claws, fangs.

Battle erupted instantly.

When silver bullets broke through the air, I realized the danger.

"Luna, get back!" Kieran pulled Luna behind him, then glanced back at me.

In that moment, I thought he would rush toward me.

But he... didn't.

The next second.

He pushed me away—toward the enemy's direction.

I only had time to widen my eyes.

Searing pain burned through my shoulder and back, blood flowing down my fingers.

I watched Kieran tightly embrace Luna, using his back to shield her, taking her to a safe area. He didn't even glance at me once.

And I—the world plunged into darkness.

When I woke, I lay in a quiet room. The smell of herbs was pungent—the Nightshade pack's medical room.

Dante stood at the door: "You almost died. I saved you."

"Where's Kieran?"

He said: "The Alpha is next door comforting Luna. She was terrified."

I smiled bitterly.

He pushed me to block silver bullets, I almost died, yet he was comforting another she-wolf.

I struggled to sit up on the bed, preparing to leave. Passing by the adjacent room, I noticed the door was ajar. Then I saw a scene that would shred the last bit of my heart.

Kieran knelt on one knee before Luna, moonlight illuminating his deep features. He held a custom silver ring in his hand, his voice calm, determined, tender: "Luna Silvermoon, will you become my fated mate? Not for the pack, not for the alliance, but simply because... I love you."

In that moment, all my breathing stopped. He loved her, not because of the so-called alliance, but because of love.

Luna embraced him tightly, crying out: "I will!"

The world collapsed soundlessly, yet fatally.