en my father was alive, and not after he passed. My brother made sure of that. No one ever touched a sin

hard to tell. Time didn't feel real here. I had already looke

covered everything, thick enough to choke on. This place looks like a nightmare. The air was cold and stale, carrying a sharp, metallic scent-blood, maybe? I didn't know.

's when it hit me... I wasn't in a basement. I was being kept somewhere higher. An att

ned a hatch-like door from beneath me. His smile didn't match the situation at all-it felt wrong.

pended on it-because maybe it did. Maybe the next perso

h desperation, I suddenly noticed something-the r

crouched in. Step by careful step, I made my way down th

g the scent of warm bread and herbs. The place was unexpectedly neat, a complete contrast to the attic I'd ju

eady daybreak. How long had I be

people stood by the counter, locked in a petty argument. One was a gu

d," the woman said sharply, grabbing the knif

w to spread bread. I like my bread this way," he whispered teasingly, then q

roz

t, I hoped-begged, even-that he hadn't noticed me.

was too

" he said, grinning as if I hadn't just been sc

d me, hand exten

entire body shiv

asually eating like this was just another normal morning. Like I wasn't some kid

Kira here will spread the butter for you. She's basically the goddess of butter." He w

five already seated at the dining table-lifted

rmly. "Would you like some cereal? I co

ling faces. Was this how kidnappers behaved now? Friendly? Casual? Offering m

people are or why you've taken me. But I must warn you-my brother is the Beta of O

s just some lost girl. Maybe that was why they took me. S

ad guy earlier but with brown hair-took a small step toward

"we're not kidnappers. We'r

ple out of the woods unc

trying to keep every face in sight. But one thing kept ri

and rested on

" I asked, my voice low but sharp

y, maybe that's why they were confused. But i

wing the knot in my throat. "The Alpha reje

b, ready to bolt, the door a

ures st

as cheerful. He was quieter now, more composed. Standing beside him was someo

as it was commanding. His expression was unreadable, and he didn't even h

ly as he walked forward, li

dy, and laced with quiet authori

caught in

eet away, his eyes

arriors of the Lunaborn. And you, Nyra.