Echoes of her Name

Magnus strode into Lucian's office, his face dark with confusion and disbelief. He had just returned from a mission, only to be met with news that made no sense—Lucian had rejected Adira and chosen Selene. How was that possible?

Lucian looked up as Magnus entered. His face lit up with genuine happiness. "Magnus!" He stood, crossing the room to clasp his Beta's arm. "I'm so happy to see you."

"Hi, Magnus," Selene greeted sweetly from her seat beside Lucian.

Magnus didn't acknowledge her. His eyes locked onto Lucian, searching his face. "We need to talk."

Lucian frowned. "What's wrong with you? You just got back. Chill and meet my mate, Selene."

Magnus's hands clenched into fists. "Where's Adira?"

Lucian blinked. "Adira?" His brow furrowed. "Who is that?"

Magnus stiffened, his breath catching. "Are you kidding me?" His voice dropped to a growl. "Tell me where Adira is."

Selene stood gracefully and walked over to Lucian, curling her fingers around his arm. "Baby," she cooed. "Magnus is talking about that omega who tricked you into believing she was your mate."

Lucian's face went blank for a moment. Then, without hesitation, he nodded. "Oh. Right. Yes." His agreement came too quickly, too easily—like a response programmed into him.

Magnus felt the hair on his arms rise. This wasn't normal.

"I hope you can excuse us," he said coldly, staring Selene down.

Selene stiffened. "But Lucian wants me here." She turned to Lucian, her nails digging into his arm. "Don't you?"

"I do," Lucian said instantly. "I want you here."

Magnus stepped forward, his voice sharp. "And as his Beta, I am telling you to leave. Now."

Lucian opened his mouth, but Magnus didn't give him a chance. He turned to the guards outside the door. "Escort her out."

Selene's expression flickered—just for a second. A hint of nervousness, uncertainty. But then she smoothed her features and turned to Lucian. "Baby, don't let them—"

"Go," Magnus snapped.

Selene hesitated, then lifted her chin. "Fine. But I'll be back."

The guards escorted her out, and the moment the door shut, Magnus rounded on Lucian.

"What the hell is going on with you?" His voice was low, dangerous. "Why Selene? Where is Adira?"

Lucian's jaw tightened. "Selene is my true mate."

Magnus scoffed. "That's bullshit, and you know it."

"Adira tricked me," Lucian continued, his voice unnervingly flat. "She made me believe she was my mate."

"You chose Adira," Magnus growled. "You defied the entire pack for her. You were ready to go to war for her. And now you expect me to believe that she tricked you?" His eyes narrowed.

"And Selene—the one who rejected you, humiliated you—is suddenly your mate?"

Lucian's gaze flickered, something unreadable passing over his face. For the briefest moment, Magnus swore he saw hesitation. A shadow of doubt.

"How was your mission?" Lucian asked suddenly, changing the subject.

Magnus froze. The shift was too abrupt, too forced. This wasn't Lucian.

His gut twisted. Something was very, very wrong.

He exhaled sharply, stepping back. "I'm going to find Adira," he said, his voice firm.

Lucian didn't react, didn't stop him. He just stared, distant, detached.

Magnus turned on his heel and left, his mind racing.

If Lucian wasn't going to see the truth, then Magnus would find it himself. And he had a feeling the answers lay with Adira.

Magnus left Lucian's office with a heavy heart, his mind spinning. Something was wrong with Lucian. The man he knew would never speak about Adira like that—would never forget her. It made no sense. Magnus trusted his instincts, and right now, they screamed that something unnatural was at play.

He needed answers. And he knew exactly who to ask.

Magnus stormed through the packhouse, ignoring the greetings of warriors and servants alike. He had one destination—Rowan.

Rowan was a troublemaker, a smart-mouthed omega who had somehow wriggled his way into the hearts of the pack's misfits. But more importantly, he was fiercely loyal to Adira. If anyone had an idea of what had happened to her, it would be him.

Magnus found him near the training grounds, perched on the fence, whittling a small piece of wood with a dull knife. Rowan looked up at the approaching Beta, his sharp green eyes narrowing in suspicion. "To what do I owe the honor, Beta Magnus? Did I steal something again?"

"Where is Adira?" Magnus demanded, cutting straight to the point.

Rowan's smirk faded. He lowered the knife. "Gone," he said flatly.

Magnus's jaw clenched. "Where?"

Rowan sighed, hopping off the fence. "I don't know exactly. I just know that Lucian ordered the guards to take her out of town and make sure she never came back." His voice was bitter. "They threw her away like she was nothing."

Magnus felt his temper rise, but he pushed it down. "Do you know which guards?"

Rowan hesitated. "No. But… she wouldn't have left quietly. Adira's stubborn. She—" His throat bobbed as he swallowed.

"She wouldn't have just walked away."

That confirmed Magnus's worst fear. Adira hadn't left of her own will.

He exhaled sharply and placed a firm hand on Rowan's shoulder. "Come with me."

Rowan frowned. "Where?"

"The mansion."

Rowan's brows shot up. "Why the hell would you take me there? You do know I'm not exactly welcome in fancy places, right?"

"I don't care," Magnus said, already walking. "If Lucian won't do what's right, then I will."

Rowan hesitated for only a second before jogging after him.

The moment they arrived at the Crescent Pack's mansion,

Magnus didn't waste time. He called for a group of warriorsand instructed them to prepare for a search.

"You're really doing this?" Rowan asked, standing beside him as the warriors gathered.

"Yes."

A smirk tugged at Rowan's lips. "You must really like Adira."

Magnus shot him a look. "She is my Luna."

Rowan's expression darkened. "Not anymore, apparently."

Magnus ignored the comment and turned to the men in front of him. "Adira was last seen being taken out of the town. I want every road, every border checked. Ask the traders, the rogues—anyone who might have seen her. If she's still close, we will bring her back." His voice lowered. "If she was taken, we would find out by whom."

The warriors nodded and set off, moving quickly.

Rowan turned to Magnus, his mischief dimmed by something more serious. "You're not coming, are you?"

Magnus exhaled, his jaw tightening. "No."

"Why?"

Magnus stared back toward the packhouse, where Lucian sat under Selene's influence, oblivious to the damage being done.

"Because if I leave," Magnus said, voice low, "I'm afraid there won't be a pack left to return to."

Rowan followed his gaze, then nodded solemnly. "Then I'll find her."

Magnus placed a firm hand on Rowan's shoulder. "Be careful."

Rowan grinned. "No promises."

And with that, he sprinted after the search party, disappearing into the night.

Magnus remained behind, his chest tight with unease. If Adira was still out there, he would bring her home.

If only he had not left on that trip. A trip that now seems so suspicious and planned. He was going to get to the root of it all. And bring back his Luna to her rightful place, damning the consequences.

But first, he had to make sure Lucian didn't destroy himself before she got back.