Bringing her home

Kieran's gaze was cold as steel as he turned to Elder Magnus, the eldest among the council. "You will find three replacements for the treasurers. Effective immediately."

Elder Magnus nodded swiftly. "Yes, Alpha."

Then, Kieran's golden eyes darkened as he shifted his attention back to the three disgraced treasurers—Eldon Graves, Myles Fenwick, and Tobias Huxley—who were still kneeling on the floor, shaking in terror.

His voice dropped to a deadly whisper, one colder than death itself. "Your crimes are as follows: theft, embezzlement, abuse of power, and the neglect of our people. Your greed has led to sickness, poverty, and suffering in my Pack. You have betrayed your brothers and sisters. For this, there is only one punishment."

The council chamber was utterly silent.

"Death."

The word sent shivers through the room.

Kieran stood, his towering presence making the already terrified wolves tremble even more. "You will be beheaded at the center of the Pack at dawn."

Gasps filled the chamber.

Eldon tried to crawl forward, his hands clasped in a begging gesture. "Alpha, please—"

Kieran's growl silenced him.

The guards grabbed the three traitors and dragged them away. They kicked and thrashed, trying to fight off the warriors, but there was no escape. Their screams faded into the corridors as the doors slammed shut behind them.

Kieran turned his burning gaze back to the elders and lords of the Pack. "If this ever happens again, the punishment will be worse than death."

A dangerous silence filled the room.

Then, without another word, Kieran stormed out.

Old Alpha Cedric remained behind, his stern expression filled with disappointment. He turned to Elder Magnus, his voice heavy. "When did this corruption start? Why did no one speak of it?"

Lord Gideon Crestwood lowered his gaze. "We failed you, Alpha Cedric."

Elder Barrick clenched his fists. "Some of us suspected things were off, but we lacked evidence…"

Lord Vincent Holloway added hesitantly, "We should have done more."

Elder Magnus sighed. "We all should have. But let's leave before we lose our heads next."

The meeting dissolved into hushed discussions, but there was one shared thought among them all: whoever Kieran chose as Luna would need to be strong.

Because if the Alpha's rage was this terrifying, the woman who stood beside him would face a life of immense pressure.

•••••••••

Kieran stormed through the halls, his mood dark. Lucas and Garrick followed closely behind him.

"I should have seen this," he muttered, his jaw tight with frustration.

Garrick shook his head. "Alpha, you couldn't have. These things were hidden well."

Lucas agreed. "Even as Beta and Gamma, we didn't catch it either. Stop blaming yourself."

Kieran exhaled sharply. Then, after a moment, he said, "I want to see the Pack for myself. I need to know exactly how bad things are in the Eastern, Northern, and Southern territories."

Garrick nodded. "We can arrange a patrol—"

"No," Kieran interrupted. "I'll go alone."

Lucas frowned. "Alpha, it's getting late. It's dangerous for you to be out there by yourself."

Kieran scoffed. "Do you think there's anyone in this Pack strong enough to be a danger to me?"

Lucas sighed. "That's not the point."

Before Kieran could argue further, something struck him like lightning—he had completely forgotten about the human girl.

His future Luna.

"Shit," he muttered.

Lucas and Garrick exchanged amused glances.

Kieran turned to Garrick. "Stay behind and oversee things. Have a maid prepare a chamber for her."

Garrick nodded, smirking. "I hope you remember her name this time."

Kieran shot him a glare before walking toward the stables.

Lucas followed. "I'm coming with you."

Kieran didn't argue this time. They each mounted a horse—Kieran's was a magnificent white stallion, while Lucas took a sleek black one—and they rode toward Healer Agnes's cottage.

•••••••

When they arrived, the cottage was lit with warm lanterns. The scent of fresh herbs filled the air.

Kieran and Lucas dismounted, tying their horses outside. They stepped inside to find the girl sitting gracefully in a chair, dressed in a flowing pink robe. Her long, silky hair was pinned in an elegant bun, strands falling to frame her delicate face.

Her eyes—striking green—lifted the moment he entered.

She stood immediately and bowed deeply. "Good evening, Alpha."

Kieran's brows raised slightly. He hadn't expected her to be so formal. It seemed Agnes had taught her a few things.

His gaze flickered to her forehead. The bandage was gone. The wound had healed almost completely.

He nodded in response to her greeting. "Where is Agnes?"

As if on cue, the healer appeared from another room, carrying a tray of food. She smiled at the girl before turning to Kieran. "Alpha, she hasn't eaten yet. I was about to—"

"She'll eat at my house," Kieran cut in.

Agnes gave him a knowing look before placing the tray aside. She turned to the girl. "It seems it's time for you to leave."

The girl nodded, bowing slightly. "Thank you for taking care of me."

Kieran studied her for a moment before realizing he had never given her a name.

He frowned. That was unacceptable.

After a pause, he said, "Your name will be Evelyn."

She blinked, surprised. Then she gave him a soft smile. "Thank you, Alpha."

He ignored the strange warmth that spread through his chest at her expression.

She turned to Agnes, bowed once more, and followed Kieran outside.

•••••••••••

The moment they stepped past the gates, Lucas gave her a small smile and bowed. "Luna."

Evelyn tensed slightly, unsure how to respond. She hesitated before bowing back, her lips curving awkwardly. "Thank you…?"

Lucas chuckled. "You'll get used to it. I'm Lucas Thorne, Beta and second-in-command of Nightshade Pack."

She nodded. "It's nice to meet you."

Kieran, who had been silent, suddenly lifted her onto his horse with ease. Evelyn gasped softly as she found herself seated before him.

A strange feeling settled in her chest.

She wasn't used to this level of importance.

Even though she had no memories of her past, something inside her whispered that she had never belonged to a world this prestigious.

Kieran mounted behind her, his strong arms effortlessly holding the reins.

Then, without another word, they rode off toward the Pack house.

Toward the Palace.