Chapter Nine
My heart sank the moment I heard Dylan's voice.
Calm down, Luna, I told myself. You're not the same as before. You're stronger now.
He stood there, smirking like he owned the world, that same arrogant confidence that used to make my blood boil. But not this time. This time, I wasn't running.
Before he could open his mouth, I made my move. I dashed toward him, faster than my own eyes could track, and threw a punch. Dylan barely lifted his walking stick in time—but the force of my blow sent him flying. He hit the ground hard, spitting blood.
The shock on everyone's faces almost made me smile.
I didn't waste a second. My claws extended in my human form, sharp and silver. With one clean strike, I shattered the chains holding John.
"Don't just stand there!" Dylan barked, coughing up blood. "Get them!"
I was already gone.
I sprinted into the forest, carrying John. Mid-run, I tossed him into the air and shifted—fur bursting through my skin, silver eyes glowing. I caught him on my back, my paws pounding the earth. The wind cracked around me like lightning, but for the first time, I felt control. True control.
The Lightning Pack tried to chase, but their howls faded behind me. They couldn't keep up.
When I finally stopped, the night was silent except for John's weak breathing.
---
Meanwhile, back in the woods, Dylan's fury filled the air like smoke.
"Where is she?" he asked, voice calm but dangerous.
"She was too fast, sir," one of his men stammered. "We couldn't keep up."
Dylan gave him a smile—one that sent chills down even my spine just remembering it. "Don't worry," he said, patting the man's shoulder. "We'll find her."
Then his smile vanished. He drove his blade straight through the man's stomach. The poor soul gasped as Dylan leaned close.
"You can rest now," Dylan whispered before yanking the blade free, blood dripping from its silver edge.
The others trembled as he said, "Take the trash out."
Once they left, the air grew cold. A dark shadow coiled behind him, and Dylan immediately dropped to his knees.
Out of the smoke stepped a man unlike any other—his eyes pitch-black, his skin with a faint silver hue, fangs glinting in the moonlight.
"Lord Elijah," Dylan said, kneeling.
The vampire Duke moved faster than a blink, grabbing Dylan by the throat and lifting him high.
"Where is the girl?" His voice was deep, echoing like thunder.
"She escaped," Dylan choked out. "I didn't expect her to be this strong. Please—give me another chance."
"If I didn't need the Astex token from your clan, do you think I would have saved you?" Elijah hissed. "I gave you my blood, made you a hybrid, and yet you fail me?"
"I… I know where her family lives," Dylan gasped. "Please, my lord. I can still get her."
Elijah stared for a long moment before letting go. Dylan fell, coughing, gasping for air.
"This is your last chance," Elijah said, his tone colder than death. "Fail again, and I'll rip out your heart myself."
Then he vanished into smoke, leaving nothing but the stench of fear behind.
---
By the time I reached town, my body ached, but I didn't stop. I shifted back to human form, pulled on some clothes, and carried John on my back.
I never thought I'd miss home this much, I whispered to myself.
I knocked on the door, heart pounding.
It opened—and there he was. Tom.
He froze when he saw me. "Luna…?"
"Can I come in?" I asked quietly.
He nodded, still in shock, and stepped aside. I laid John gently on the couch, brushing hair away from his bruised face.
"I can only imagine the torture he must've endured," I muttered.
Tom's voice broke through my thoughts. "Where have you been?"
"Busy surviving," I said sharply.
"We thought you were dead."
"Where's Dad?" I asked, scanning the room.
"He went to meet the elders," Tom said. "They're planning to eliminate the Lightning Pack—for attacking you."
I sighed. "It's been too long since I had a real bath."
Then—a shift. A sound behind the door.
Without thinking, I grabbed a knife and threw it, faster than a blink.
The blade sank deep into someone's stomach.
I froze.
The person stumbled into view, eyes wide, blood soaking his shirt.
"Dad…" I whispered, horror gripping me as he fell to the ground.