Escape

Lukas' POV

So much has happened, and now my mind is consumed entirely by her. Her fear of me... I don't understand it.

Her fiery hair cascades in wild, flowing waves—like tongues of flame dancing freely. The light plays on its strands, giving off a heavenly shimmer, as if a hidden forest sun had chosen her as its secret keeper. Golden highlights streak through, like glints of sun woven between threads of fire. She could be a forest nymph, or a lost princess from a forgotten gypsy bloodline.

Her face is soft and delicately shaped—an oval canvas dusted with gentle freckles that give her the innocence of childhood and the mystery of enchanted woods.

Her wide, emerald-green eyes shine like mirrors to a hidden world, reflecting secrets only she seems to understand. There's a dreamlike awareness in her gaze—watchful, like she's waiting for something… or someone.

And yet… she carries a secret. One so heavy it builds a wall between us. She's the only one who's ever made me hesitate—this strange, new feeling that both excites and unnerves me. But she's afraid of me…

A mate afraid of her fated partner.

I never imagined such a thing.

And worse—I don't know how to fix it.

She feels like someone who might disappear… like she never existed at all.

 "Lukas, hello? From Hunter to Lukas—are you even here?"

 "What is it?"

 "You've been zoning out for two hours. What are you thinking about?"

 "None of your business. I can think about whatever I want."

 "Is that how you talk to your only friend? Your Beta?"

 "Stop joking around. I actually need to ask you something."

 "Go ahead."

 "When you met Hailey for the first time… was she afraid of you?"

 He laughed "Of course not. The moment our eyes met, we ran into each other's arms. We were happy. There was no fear between us."

 "Then why is my mate afraid of me? What do you think?"

 "Hmm. Two possibilities: One—you did something to scare her, which I doubt. Two—something happened to her before you met, something that made her fear her mate."

 "I've been thinking the same. But how can I find out if she won't even let me get close?"

 "Then start small. Win her trust. Be patient. You'll get there."

 "Yeah… Anyway, let's get back to business. I heard some rogues tried breaking into our territory in the southern sector. What's going on?"

 "Don't worry, I took care of it. But there's something else. The Wise Man wants to see you—in two weeks."

 "Why two weeks? I can go now."

 "You know him—he always has a reason for everything, even the timing."

 "Right."

The Wise Man was an elder with strange powers—he could see things no one else could. He never gave direct answers, only warnings or guidance. Our royal bloodline has always been grateful to him.

Later that night, I walked into my room and found her standing by the window—just like she did that morning. I froze in place, afraid to ruin the moment. She gave me a small nod before turning her gaze back outside.

 "Did Andrea bother you today?" I asked.

 "No, not at all. She's sweet. I had a lovely time with her. Thank you."

I waited, hoping she'd ask me something or start a conversation… but nothing.

I went to shower. When I came out, I found her laying a blanket on the couch.

 "What are you doing?"

 "Getting ready to sleep."

 "Why the couch?"

 "You've slept on it two nights in a row. I can't let you do that again. Besides, I'm small—it fits me fine. You need the bed more than I do."

>"No. You take the bed."

 "Then I'll sleep on the floor. Your call."

This girl… She's afraid of me, yet so strong-willed. I loved that about her. Maybe… just maybe… there's still hope.

 "I'll do whatever makes you comfortable."

 "Then I'll take the couch. That's what makes me comfortable."

She said it while crawling under the blanket. Before covering her head, she shot me a glance and whispered, "Goodnight."

Her childlike gesture made me smile. I turned off the lights and went to bed.

---

Stilla's POV

Four days had passed.

My conversations with the Alpha were brief. He'd ask about my day at night, and I'd give short answers before quickly heading to sleep.

Now, only one day remained until the coronation.

I sat beside Hailey and Lukas' mother. She spoke to me warmly, gently steering the conversation toward the upcoming ceremony. She was kind—truly trying to make me feel at home, trying to bring me joy in every way she could.

Andrea soon approached, followed by a few attendants carrying three crowns.

 "Pick one," she said. "It's tradition. The future Luna must choose her own crown. These have been passed down for three generations—my mother wore one of them."

 "Umm… I think I'll go with the one in the middle."

Everyone went silent. Their eyes fixed on me.

 "Did I pick wrong?"

>"Not at all," Lukas' mother said, smiling. "You chose perfectly. That was the crown of the very first Queen. No one has picked it since."

 "That's… odd."

 "Not odd at all. It's proof you're the chosen one," Hailey beamed. "It's in your blood—you're a queen, through and through."

 "Don't speak nonsense," Dini muttered, standing nearby with her usual stare.

 "Why do you even care?" Andrea snapped.

 "Enough!" Lukas' mother interrupted. "Andrea, where are the ceremonial outfits I asked for?"

 "Inside, Mother. Come with me."

They left. Dini now sat directly across from me, Hailey by my side.

 "So, Stilla," Dini said, her voice like ice, "you must be thrilled. Soon you'll be Queen. Unfortunately, you're weak—far too fragile for the role. You won't help Alpha Lukas. You'll only weigh him down. Aren't you ashamed?"

(That little snake! Talking nonsense again!) growled Gladi inside me.

(But maybe she's right… I'm just a burden…)

 "Watch your tongue. You're speaking to your Luna," Hailey snapped.

 "You're always so quick to defend her. Can't she speak for herself?"

Tears stung my eyes.

 "I could help you," Dini added, "if you want to leave this place."

 "You're crazy. I'm telling Alpha Lukas," Hailey warned.

 "No, Hailey—it's okay. I can handle this. Could you get me a glass of water, please?"

 "Of course. Dini—watch yourself," Hailey said and left the room.

 "How would you help me leave?" I asked.

A sly smile crept onto Dini's face.

 "I'll sneak you out of the castle. No one will notice. What do you say?"

(Stilla, don't do this. We don't know what's outside the castle. Please, don't!) Gladi warned.

---

Lukas' POV

That evening, I came home to find my family gathered—everyone but her.

My heart dropped. Something was wrong.

I turned to Andrea.

 "Where's Stilla?"

"She said she was tired and went to rest."

I raced to her room.

No scent. No trace.

She wasn't there.

I clenched my fists. Stay calm, I told myself. Think.

 "Andrea! Where. Is. Stilla?"

 "She said she was going to bed—I swear! Ask Hailey!"

"I walked her to her room myself," Hailey added.

 "Hunter—go check with the guards. Mother—have the servants search the entire palace."

A growl echoed inside me. Kaes, my wolf.

(Where did she go? Don't tell me… she ran away?!)

(Stop jumping to conclusions!)

"Alpha—none of the guards have seen her leave," Hunter said, returning.

 "Andrea, tell me everything that happened today."

 "We were preparing for the ceremony. She picked her crown, then I went inside with my mother. Stilla stayed with Dini and Hailey. After that—"

 "Oh no!" Hailey gasped.

"What is it?" Hunter asked.

 "She might've left the castle."

 "Explain," I demanded.

>"While we were sitting, Dini started insulting Stilla—said she was unfit to be Luna. Then she offered to help her escape the castle."

All eyes turned to Dini, who sat quie

tly, unmoved.

 "Dini, do you want to explain—or should I make you?"

 "I didn't do anything," she said flatly.

 "Fine."

I raised my hand and released a wave of Alpha energy. Dini gasped and shrieked in pain, falling to her knees.

> "She wanted to leave! I just helped her!" she sobbed.

> "How?" I asked.