Chapter 9
The Enemy's Whisper
Nora~
I slowly opened my eyes, blinking against the sunlight streaming through the window. For a moment, I was disoriented, realizing I was no longer in the holding room where they'd kept me before. Sitting up in bed, I glanced at the clock nearby and groaned.
I had slept far longer than I intended.
Stretching, I swung my legs over the side of the bed, letting my feet touch the cool floor. My stomach growled in protest, and I realized I hadn't eaten since yesterday. How can anyone survive in this place if they're constantly being locked away?
I walked toward the door, opening it cautiously. The hallway was empty, and I paused, wondering where Keal and Killian might be. I shook my head, taking a deep breath to clear my thoughts. Why am I even thinking about them? I scolded myself.
I couldn't believe the bond was making me feel this way. I hated them, didn't I? Then why did I find myself drawn to them, even when I wanted nothing more than to escape?
Shaking off the thought, I stepped out into the hall, deciding to head to the kitchen to find something to eat. As I wandered through the house, I passed the living room—the place reserved for the Alphas and their closest allies.
That's when I heard it.
A voice—deep, unfamiliar, and distinctly different from any I'd heard before.
Curiosity got the better of me, and I moved closer to the door, cracking it open slightly. As I peered inside, the room went completely silent.
All eyes turned to me, including the stranger's.
"Well, if it isn't the Bloodfang Luna," the man said, a smirk spreading across his face as he took a step toward me.
Before I could react, Keal was suddenly in front of me, his body tense, his eyes blazing with anger as he glared at the stranger.
"Don't you dare come near her," Keal growled, his voice low and threatening.
I stared at both of them, my confusion growing. Who is this man? And why is Keal acting like he's ready to kill him?
The stranger raised his hands in mock surrender, his smirk never faltering. "Forgive me for not introducing myself," he said smoothly, his gaze flicking back to me. "I am Alpha Dorian of the Silverclaw pack. It's a pleasure to meet the Luna destined to stand beside the Bloodfang Alphas."
The name sent a chill down my spine. Dorian.
I'd heard of him before. He was the enemy of the Bloodfang pack, a rival Alpha who had tried countless times to destroy Keal and Killian. And now, here he was, standing in their home.
I instinctively stepped behind Keal, my pulse quickening. What was he doing here? Why hadn't they killed him on sight?
Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to calm down. I couldn't show fear—not now. I was supposed to be the Luna, after all.
Summoning my courage, I stepped out from behind Keal and walked toward Dorian. Keal and Killian both stiffened, their gazes locking on me as if preparing to intervene at any moment.
I extended my hand, keeping my expression neutral. "My name is Nora," I said, my voice steady. "And, as you already know, Keal and Killian are my mates. But I don't understand something, Alpha Dorian—why are you here? You're an enemy of this pack, aren't you?"
The room fell silent. Dorian's smirk widened as he took my hand, shaking it lightly before stepping closer.
"You misunderstand me, Luna," he said, his tone almost playful. "Your Alphas and I are... old friends. I simply came to see the Luna everyone has been talking about."
His words were smooth, but his eyes held a darker intent. He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper only I could hear.
"I know you don't want to be here," he murmured. "And I can get you out. I can break the bond that ties you to them. If you want freedom, you know where to find me."
My breath caught in my throat, and before I could respond, Killian shoved Dorian away from me, pulling me behind him protectively.
"Stay away from her," Killian growled, his voice ice-cold. "And get the hell out of my pack."
The tension in the room was palpable. Both Keal and Killian stood like statues, their eyes glowing red as low growls rumbled from their chests. Dorian raised his hands again, this time in mock defeat.
"Relax, my dear friends," he said, chuckling. "I didn't mean any harm." He turned to me one last time, flashing me a knowing smile before walking out the door.
As soon as he was gone, Keal turned to me, his expression hard. "Did he touch you? What did he say?" he demanded, his voice sharp.
I stepped back, putting some distance between us. "You're overreacting," I said, crossing my arms. "He didn't do anything. And honestly, I'm starving. Should I go get food for myself, or are you two going to let me eat in peace?"
Keal's jaw tightened, but he didn't argue.
---
Later, I sat at the dining table, trying to enjoy my meal despite the fact that both Keal and Killian had chosen to sit directly across from me.
The table was massive, with plenty of space, but of course, they had to sit as close as possible. I sighed, rolling my eyes as I picked up my fork and started eating.
Keal, ever the quiet one, lifted a spoonful of food and held it out toward me.
I glared at him, grabbing the spoon and letting the food fall to the floor. "I can feed myself," I said, my tone flat.
Killian chuckled, watching me with a smirk. "You're a handful," he said, shaking his head.
For a moment, I felt an unfamiliar warmth in my chest. It was almost... nice, sitting here with them. It felt normal, as if we weren't bound together by a cursed bond but were simply three people sharing a meal.
I caught myself smiling and quickly looked away, focusing on my plate. What is wrong with me? I thought, frustrated with myself.
But as I glanced back at them, I saw something I hadn't noticed before. They were smiling too.
And for the first time, I wondered if maybe—just maybe—I had been wrong about them all along.