-----
The Unseen Storm
Luna stared at Julian, her mind struggling to make sense of his cryptic words.
"Wolves?" she echoed. "What do you mean wolves? Are you talking about gangs? Assassins? What—"
Julian held up a hand. "Not me. I told you, I'm not the one to give you those answers. Ask him. Ask Damian."
Luna flinched at the mention of his name. The wound of his absence was still fresh.
"He left," she muttered. "After everything, he just disappeared. And now all of you keep throwing riddles at me like I'm supposed to already know what's going on."
Julian's expression softened. "It's because you're not just anyone, Luna. But I get it—you're scared. You want to protect your baby. And the first step to doing that is knowing the truth."
Luna hugged her arms around herself. "I should tell Uncle Raymond. About… the father."
Julian's eyes sharpened. "If you do, make sure you trust him completely. Your child's very existence will draw attention from beings who have waited centuries for an heir like this. One wrong move—"
"I have to protect my baby," Luna said, her voice fierce. "Even if I have to face whatever this is alone."
Julian studied her, then nodded once. "Then start by facing him. Damian owes you the truth."
---
Meanwhile – Damian's Penthouse, Nightfall
Lucien stepped out of the shadows like a phantom, his presence unmistakable, even in Damian's sprawling penthouse.
"You're slipping," Lucien said, arms folded. "She's confused. Angry. And terrified."
Damian didn't turn. He stared out the massive glass wall at the city lights below, jaw clenched.
"I'm handling it."
Lucien snorted. "Handling it? You've been avoiding her. Leaving her in the dark. Pretending like you can protect her without telling her what she is."
"She's not ready," Damian snapped, finally turning around. His golden eyes flashed. "She's already carrying a child that will change everything—our world and hers. If I show her my true form now, she'll run."
"She deserves to know," Lucien said sharply. "She's not some human girl anymore. The transformation is starting—her senses, her strength. She nearly ripped a sink off the wall, for crying out loud!"
Damian's mouth twitched. He already knew. He felt it the moment it happened.
"If you wait too long," Lucien said, voice low and steady, "she won't just be afraid of what's out there. She'll be afraid of you."
Silence stretched between them.
"She needs the truth, Damian," Lucien added. "And she needs to see what she's up against. The prophecy doesn't wait for love or fear or convenience."
Damian finally exhaled, his expression unreadable. "Then I'll show her."
-----
Lucien..
Damian's eyes glinted like sharpened steel. "And how the hell do you know so much, Lucien?"
Lucien smirked, casually walking over to the bar and pouring himself a drink like he owned the place. "I have my ways, brother."
Damian's fists clenched. "Stay away from her."
The glass in Lucien's hand paused just inches from his lips. "Hmm…" He sipped slowly, savoring the taste. "Do you know who saved her?"
That froze Damian in place. He turned slowly, his entire presence radiating danger.
"What are you talking about?"
Lucien set the glass down with a soft clink and leaned forward. "She was attacked on her way home, wasn't she? Someone—or something—tried to end her. And someone else stepped in."
Damian's heartbeat roared in his ears. He hadn't learned who had intervened. The thought of anyone else protecting her—while he was blind to it—made his blood boil.
"Who?" he demanded, his voice low and deadly.
Lucien's smile turned razor-sharp. "You just told me to back off, remember? Find out yourself."
Damian growled under his breath, pacing like a caged animal. "I swear, if you're playing games—"
"I'm not your enemy," Lucien said, cutting in smoothly. "But I'm not your ally either. There are forces moving now, and you're not the only one watching her. Some want to help. Some want to use her. Others… want her gone."
Damian's gaze darkened.
"She trusts you, Damian," Lucien added, his voice quieter now. "Don't lose that trust. Don't let your fear silence you when what she needs most is the truth."
And with that, Lucien turned and walked out, leaving behind the faint scent of smoke and secrets.
Damian stood still, jaw tight, heart pounding.
He had to move—fast.
Who the hell saved her? And why are others circling so close?
There was no more time for delay.
Luna had to know the truth.
And he had to find out who else was in the shadows watching the mother of his child.