chapter 7: Nice Plan

Adrian's POV

The moment Mrs. Moon disappeared from sight, Alana let out a breath so deep it seemed like she'd been holding it for hours. I wasn't sure if I should be relieved or even more worried.

"She didn't kill me," I muttered, rubbing a hand over my face. "That's a good sign, right?"

Alana shot me a glare as she grabbed my wrist and tugged me toward the cabin. "Don't jinx it."

The cabin was small, barely more than a wooden shed tucked away in the farthest corner of the pack's land. It wasn't much, but it was safe for now. I stepped inside after her, feeling the weight of everything that had just happened.

"We have a problem," she said, pacing back and forth.

"No kidding." I flopped down onto the edge of the tiny cot, running a hand through my messy hair. "Your mother knows I exist. It's only a matter of time before your father does too."

She groaned, rubbing her temples. "I can't believe she found us. I was so careful."

"She's a Luna," I pointed out. "She probably has some creepy mom-wolf instincts."

Alana shot me a look but didn't argue. Instead, she folded her arms, biting her lower lip. "We need a plan. If my father finds out… if the Alpha finds out… I don't know what will happen."

"Death. Probably my death," I said dryly.

"Not funny," she snapped.

I sighed. "Okay, what are our options? Do we run?"

"No." She shook her head immediately. "Leaving the pack lands is dangerous. If anyone sees you, they'll hunt you down. You can't shift, and I can't protect you against a patrol."

"So, hiding it is." I leaned back on my elbows. "Think your mom will keep quiet?"

Alana hesitated. "I don't know."

That wasn't reassuring.

She flopped onto the chair across from me, her fingers drumming anxiously against the armrest. "We need to figure out who you are," she said. "If we can prove you're not a threat, maybe my father won't—"

The door burst open.

I was on my feet in an instant, body tensed, heart hammering in my chest. Alana nearly fell out of her chair.

Eva stood in the doorway, hands on her hips, an eyebrow raised.

"So," she drawled, stepping inside and shutting the door behind her. "Who's the stray?"

Alana looked like she wanted to disappear. She sank into her chair, running a hand down her face. "My mother caught us," she blurted out. "She saw us together."

Eva's eyes widened slightly before she let out a low whistle. "Damn. That's… bad."

I crossed my arms. "You think?"

Alana shot me a glare before turning back to Eva. "We don't know what to do. She didn't scream, didn't run off to tell my father, but I could see it in her eyes. She's debating whether to keep my secret or turn us both in."

Eva leaned against the wooden table, twirling a loose strand of her hair between her fingers. "Yeah… that's a problem."

"No kidding," I muttered.

Alana groaned, slamming her head against the chair's back. "She's going to tell him. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but it's coming. My father's already on my case about finding a suitor. If he finds out I've been harboring a rogue…"

"Former rogue," I corrected. "I have no memory, so for all we know, I could be some lost prince."

Eva snorted. "Sure, Prince Mysterious. That'll definitely save you."

I scowled. "Not helping."

Eva rolled her eyes before straightening. "Alright, listen. You two are panicking, which means you're going to make dumb decisions. I, however, am an expert in dumb decisions, so allow me to offer a genius-level idea."

Alana lifted her head slightly. "You have an idea?"

Eva smirked. "I do." She stepped closer, dropping her voice. "What if I cast a spell to hide the place where you're staying?"

I blinked. "You can do that?"

Eva scoffed. "You do know I'm a witch, right?"

Alana sat up, suddenly looking hopeful. "Wait—like an invisibility spell?"

"More like a 'you-don't-see-this-even-if-you-stare-right-at-it' spell." Eva wiggled her fingers dramatically. "Anyone who doesn't know it exists will just overlook it. It'll be like this cabin was never here."

That sounded… useful.

Alana leaned forward, her eyes bright. "Eva, that's perfect! If my mother decides to tell my father, they won't be able to find Adrian."

I nodded. "Okay, yeah, that actually sounds like a plan. So, what's the catch?"

Eva's smirk faded slightly. "Well… the spell won't work on this place."

Alana's brows furrowed. "What? Why not?"

"Because your pack knows this cabin exists," Eva explained. "They've already seen it, which means their minds won't be tricked. The spell only works on places people don't already know about."

I exhaled sharply. "So we need to move."

"Yup." Eva popped the 'p.' "Find an abandoned cottage or hut, something no one in your pack remembers or cares about. I'll enchant it, and boom, your little wolf boy here can hide safely."

Alana chewed her lip. "That's going to be tricky. There aren't many abandoned places around here."

"Then we better start looking." Eva grinned. "And you two owe me for this."

I raised an eyebrow. "Owe you?"

She winked. "I accept payment in the form of chaos. You'll owe me a favor, and trust me, I will cash it in."

I had no idea whether to be grateful or afraid.