AURORA
The only sound was the fireâs crackle as I stood before the Kaida, every muscle in my body coiled with tension.
The smirk on her face hadnât wavered since weâd arrived. âIâm listening,â she said, her tone dripping with satisfaction.
I forced myself to bite back the anger bubbling inside me. âDaneâs life is slipping away,â I began, my voice steady but strained. âYou have the cure. Name your terms.â
Her smirk grew as she leaned back casually. âOh, Luna, you make this too easy. You really think Iâd give away something that valuable without a price?â
The army behind her chuckled quietly, their presence a constant oppressive reminder of the danger surrounding us.
âWhat do you want?â I asked, my tone cold as steel, Evelyn gave me a side gaze and then turned to Kaida.
She took her time answering, playing with the strings of her bow. Finally, she said, âIâll give you the antidote. But only if Dane agrees to spend the night with me for three days.â
I heard Evelyn gasping by my side, she rushed forward as she growled, âYouâ¦â I caught her arm and stopped her charging at
Kaida who wore her smirk.
My breath was caught, I balled my fist at my sides, my jaw clenched. âYouâre disgusting.â
âOh, it gets better,â Kaida carried on, disregarding my reaction. âOnce I carry his child, I will consider becoming his Luna. That is the price.â
âYouâre out of your mind!â I spat, my voice rising despite myself.
Kaida raised an eyebrow and actually seemed to be enjoying my horror. âAm I? Or are you just realizing how far youâre willing to go to save him?â
I turned to Trajan, who was looking as grim as I did. âThis is absurd,â he said firmly.
âDo not listen to him,â Evelyn growled as she narrowed her eyes at Kaida, I knew it took everything in her to stop her from charging at Kaida. I canât take any wrong action now, Daneâs life is on the line and it seemed this bitch had her eyes on my Dane.
Kaida shrugged. âAbsurd or not, those are my terms. Take it or leave it. But be quick about it, he doesnât have much time left.â
The weight of her words fell on me like a blow. My mind raced, searching for alternatives. âYouâre asking for something⦠I⦠he is my mate, the father of my kids,â I growled, my voice shaking with anger.
She leaned forward, her eyes glinting. âitâs entirely within your