In his refuge, Sanathiel held the lunar medallion between his fingers. The cold metal reminded him of broken promises and the secrets of his lineage. The unexpected arrival of Noah brought with it an even greater challenge: the presence of Aisha, brought against her will.
"Any trace of Salomon or the Nevri, Noah?" Sanathiel asked."Some movements in Losare… and a strange discovery: oversized wolves. I sensed something different… the human with Aisha," Noah replied."Your master, the exiled one, must be involved. He's always generous when something concerns him.""I know, Sanathiel," Noah nodded."What do you have for me?" Sanathiel asked, gripping the medallion intently."It's a surprise. Here's the key," said Noah, handing him the latch.
2:30 a.m.
Pouring himself a glass of champagne, Sanathiel placed the complete lunar medallion around his neck. He gazed out at the dark sky as music filled the room. He sipped his drink. Slowly, he turned toward the door—just as it burst open and Lionel appeared: the same as ever—immature, defiant, and selfish.
"You're back, Sanathiel. Did you see my surprise?" Lionel said, reclining on the couch.
Sanathiel turned off the music and set his glass aside."The same certainty, brother," Lionel commented with cynicism. "You're persuasive, considering I met the woman before you did.""Say what you mean," Sanathiel demanded."You're a damn liar. You faked her death," Lionel accused. "Your servant Noah… didn't he tell you how you got the complete medallion? Did he hide it? She's human, not a lycan."
Sanathiel opened the door."You don't seem to be lying. Still, what reason would I have to keep a human with me?" he countered. "You're clearly upset by my choices, but that means nothing. She must mean something to you, Lionel. Otherwise, you'd never dare to challenge me."
Lionel remained silent. His discomfort was so clear, he stormed off, yanking the door so hard the knob snapped off. Noah, noticing his expression, stepped in.
"What just happened… I didn't think it was worth mentioning, Sanathiel. Salomon remains our priority."
"Your persistence tells me you're hiding something far more serious. Speak."
"You were gravely wounded. You fell into a deep sleep for years. Sanathiel, the bearer of the lycan heart… has finally awakened," Noah said urgently.
Sanathiel left the room immediately, not looking back. He descended to the dungeon, where she was confined—hands bound, face covered by a cloth.
As he turned to leave, the fabric that draped the cell shifted ever so slightly, stirred by a gust of wind from nowhere.
Aisha raised her face."What are you… really?" she whispered, not expecting an answer.He didn't stop, but his words lingered in the air like an echo from another world:"Something that neither you… nor I… should have awakened."
"Wait outside, Noah," ordered the white wolf, dismissing him firmly.
Once alone, Sanathiel tugged the cloth away. His gaze met a pair of green eyes—full of fear and defiance. This was the woman Lionel had protested about.
"You're bold for someone who steals what isn't theirs," he said, gripping the medallion hanging from her neck.
Aisha struggled to maintain her composure, but Sanathiel's aura, his physical presence, and the golden glow of his eyes disarmed her.
"Set me free," she pleaded, voice trembling, as she tried to back away.
"Why should I?" Sanathiel leaned in close, his voice a menacing whisper. "What makes you think I'm any different from the wolf that tore Clear apart?"
The mention of Clear made Aisha avert her gaze—but not before Sanathiel caught the tears welling up in her eyes.
With a swift motion, he broke the shackles that bound her. Aisha collapsed, stumbling backward.
"Give me one good reason why you carry something that belongs to me," Sanathiel said coldly, still holding the lunar medallion.
Aisha closed her eyes tightly, lashes pressed together, revealing a smooth brow, a small nose, and rose-colored lips shaped like a heart. Her beauty was otherworldly. Sanathiel brushed his hand over her long, light hair, which reached her waist, letting it fall by the tips of his shoes as he looked down on her.
"I want nothing to do with your world, with you, or your cursed games of power. Just let me go," Aisha said with renewed courage.
Sanathiel tilted his head, studying her as if trying to solve a riddle.
"You still don't understand, hunter. I'm the one who decides whether you leave. It's fate that brought us together—and you can't escape it."
The wolf inside him roared, demanding answers. But the shred of humanity still left in Sanathiel forced him to step back, leaving her with a warning:
"Pray, hunter… for what's coming will leave you no choice—but me."