Esra
After what felt like an eternity, we arrived at the pack house. As I walked in, my hands still covered in blood, all eyes were glued to me.
"Luna Argent, what happened to you? Let me help you," Tia, the omega, exclaimed.
"I'm fine, just... don't let Maristela see me like this. I don't want to scare her," I replied, trying to compose myself. Tia nodded and quickly went to ensure Maristela stayed upstairs.
I ignored the curious gazes of the pack members. Jackson rushed towards me, concern etched on his face. "Esra, what happened to you?"
"I killed Sulia," I stated bluntly.
Jackson's eyes widened. "You killed your aunt?"
"She killed my parents,"
Before Jackson could respond, Zade intervened. "I'll get Esra cleaned up. I need you to assemble extra guards at each post."
Jackson nodded and departed. Zade's hands found their way to my back, guiding me towards my room. "Clean up, and then I'll take you to Trent. I want to make sure you're okay."
I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."
Zade's eyes locked onto mine, filled with concern, before he exited the room.
As I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, bile rose in my throat. Disgust and shame overwhelmed me. I didn't recognize the person staring back.
I showered, letting the cold water wash away the remaining blood on my hands and arms. Despite the lavender scent coating my skin, I still felt tainted.
On my way to Zade's office, I encountered Tia. "Burn every red thing in my closet."
Tia's eyes widened, but she nodded. "Luna, Iâ"
"Please," I whispered, desperation creeping into my voice. "I beg you."
Tia bowed. "I will take care of it right away."
As I entered Zade's office, I declared, "Zade, I really don't need to see Trent. I'm fine. My scratches healed."
Zade rose from his chair, his eyes scrutinizing me. "If that's what you want, then okay. I won't force you."
He approached me, his hands reaching out to touch my arms, but hesitated. I winced inwardly.
"I got information out of Sulia," I began, trying to distract myself from the discomfort.
Zade's expression turned attentive.
I took a deep breath, recounting the events. "Sulia did erase my memory. She said she did it because I knew too much. She trained me to become a killing machine... She said that's what I'm capable of, but I didn't have it in my heart to do so."
Zade's eyes narrowed. "What else did she say?"
I continued, "She said that Damon will rule all the packs... And... I don't know if it's true... She said we're all mixed breeds. Sub-species. She said that the moon goddess only created grey wolves and dire wolves."
Zade retrieved a book from his shelf, flipping through the pages until he found what he was looking for. "So it's true. The stories are true."
I frowned, intrigued. "What stories?"
Zade's eyes locked onto mine. "Centuries ago, the grey wolves and dire wolves were at war. The dire wolves were more powerful... The war went on for years, decades... The last war was three centuries ago."
He paused, collecting his thoughts.
"The Alpha's son fell in love with a grey wolf. She was the daughter of the other alpha... When the elders objected, he killed his father who only cared about taking over every pack, and became the alpha. He killed the elders and whoever objected... And afterwards he created a treaty with the grey wolves."
Zade shut the book, his expression somber.
"He became the alpha, and she became the luna... And everyone lived in peace."
I exhaled, trying to process the information.
Zade's eyes met mine. "But the peace didn't last long."
"It didn't," I agreed.
Zade's voice was low. "Apparently, there was war between the siblings... The great-great-grandchildren of that alpha and luna."
I whistled softly. "So many greats."
Zade nodded. "Indeed."
I pondered the information, connecting the dots.
"I think Azrael's family are the only grey wolves left."
Zade's expression turned serious. "It is."
I frowned, a realization hitting me.
"I don't think Azrael is taking down the pack... Or at least not alone... Damon has a bigger say in everything."
Zade's eyes narrowed. "It's strange.
"Zade." I took a deep breath, the words trembling on my lips. "There's one more thing."
"And that is?" Zade's eyes locked onto mine, his expression unreadable.
I opened my mouth to talk, but the words got caught in my throat. I hesitated, trying again. "Sulia killed your mother."
For a moment, Zade's anger flashed in his eyes, but his body remained still, betraying no emotion.
"Zade," I whispered, my voice cracking. "I'm... sorry."
The silence between us was oppressive, eating away at me. Zade's eyes, desolate and haunted, locked onto mine.
"I already know what happened," he said, his voice low and rough.
My eyes welled up with tears as I stared at him. "How?"
Zade's expression twisted in pain. "My father and Sulia were old friends... maybe even lovers. Who knows? But he left my mother to die, claiming there was no way to cure her. Even when I found something to help her, he threw it away."
My throat bobbed as I struggled to contain my emotions. "I'm so... so sorry."
Zade's voice was barely above a whisper. "It's not your fault."
I felt a lump form in my throat as Zade's hand reached for my cheek, his fingertips warm against my icy skin.
"Can... can I touch you?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.
I stilled, unsure how to respond. But Zade's gentle caress on my cheek was reassuring.
"Zade," I whispered, my heart pounding in my chest.
His lips brushed against mine, and he breathed, "I love you."
My lips parted in surprise, and I stared into his black irises. "I..."
Zade's lips silenced mine. "Let me show you." His kiss passionate and all-consuming. I didn't dare pull away, not from something like this. The sparks between us ignited into flames, and I felt myself getting lost in the moment.
As we broke apart for air, I managed to whisper, "Show me what?"
Zade's eyes locked onto mine, and he whispered, "This."
And then he kissed me again, his lips tangling with mine in a fierce, passionate kiss.
But then he broke away again, and I felt a sharp pain on my neck.