I couldn't believe what had happened, but that kiss—for some strange reason—reminded me of my husband's kisses.
After such an intense day, I finally left the company.
This time, I didn't go back to the mansion. Instead, I drove to the forest where my parents lived with their pack.
When I arrived, I went straight to my best friend's cabin. I'd rather see her first than my own parents.
As soon as Daniela saw me, she hugged me tightly, and I did the same.
"I missed you, my friend," she said with excitement.
"I missed you too."
"How's it going with your husband? Have you seen him yet? Have you seen his face?" she asked, full of curiosity.
I sat down on one of the steps before answering.
"No. He only comes to my room at night, makes love to me, and leaves," I revealed.
Daniela was visibly shocked—after all, Ragnar wasn't just any wolf.
"What does it feel like to be with an old wolf?"
"The truth is… it doesn't feel bad. Honestly, I must confess—I like it. I can't stop surrendering to everything he does," I admitted with shame.
"That sounds… interesting."
I stood up, looked at the sky, and noticed the moon was shining brightly. Maybe Daniela had heard something about what had been haunting my mind.
"Do you know anything about what would happen if Ragnar revealed himself to someone?" I asked.
Daniela rose from the step and looked at me in astonishment.
"Of course. According to rumors, things wouldn't end well for him—or anyone else."
Hearing that filled me with even more curiosity.
"What would happen?" I asked.
She took a deep breath before replying.
"There are three things. First: when someone sees his human face, the moon will turn red, and many will come after him. Second: if he reveals himself to love, that will be his doom—because many will seek vengeance through that love. Third: the person who sees his face might die, so no trace of evidence remains."
I stood there, processing everything Daniela had said. All of it could be true. And now I understood—he would never leave his sad darkness.
"Everything you say makes sense with the way he lives. His mansion is full of shadows, and so is his life," I replied, still in shock.
"Yes. So make sure that old werewolf doesn't fall in love with you. Because the moment he reveals his face as Ragnar, a war will begin."
Her words left me deep in thought. I didn't want to hear more.
So I returned to Ragnar's gray mansion.
Around ten that night, I was climbing the stairs. I entered the room—this time different, now with new information in my hands.
I opened the door carefully, and though I looked around, I saw nothing.
Then I felt someone behind me.
"Were you looking for me?" asked his deep, haunting voice.
I didn't dare move, but I did answer. "It's only natural that you're here—as every night."
I felt his strong hand wrap around me. I didn't make any sudden moves. I just allowed the usual to happen—being in his arms, even if it was surrounded by darkness.
His hands roamed over me as always, and it was impossible not to want him.
When it was over, I felt his silhouette moving toward the window.
Before he could leave, I spoke quickly.
"Is it true that if you reveal yourself to someone, the moon will turn red?" I asked without fear.
There was silence. But I knew he was still there.
"The day my face is revealed to someone and my name is spoken, chaos will surround the one who does it," he answered, his voice sharp enough to make the room tremble.
"That's why you live in the shadows—everything around you is dark. You're protecting yourself from being discovered."
"I protect my pack… and now, yours," he replied.
Just as I was about to respond, I felt a cold breeze. He was gone again.
I rose from the bed and went to the window—but as always, there was no one. Not a single trace of him.
The next morning, when I woke up, I received a call that left me uneasy.
It lasted only five seconds. I quickly got dressed, grabbed my keys, and left.
This time, I wasn't going to the office—I was heading to the forest, to where my family, my pack, lived.
When I arrived, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Two packs were about to face off.
"What's going on?" I asked as I jumped out of the car.
The rival pack turned to look at me.
"We've been waiting for you," said Set, the wolf from the enemy pack.
"What do you want from me?" I asked fearlessly.
"We want to know if Ragnar has shown himself to you."
I couldn't help but laugh. I even walked closer and crossed my arms.
"Don't be foolish. Do you really think I'd tell you that? Even if it were true, I'd never say it. Now leave my pack alone—and get out."
Suddenly, a young she-wolf lunged forward and clawed my face.
"What's wrong with you? Why would you hurt my daughter?" shouted my mother, Carmen, furious.
I stopped her just in time, before she did something reckless that could put us all in danger.
"Calm down, Mother, I'm fine. They're leaving now," I said firmly.
Set's pack began to retreat. Daniela came over and noticed blood on my face.
"You should heal immediately. Why isn't it healing?" she asked.
"I don't know… but I need to go to the office. I have a first aid kit there—I'll take care of it myself."
I didn't wait for a reply. I got into the car and headed straight for the office.
Thirty minutes later, I parked in the underground garage.
As I stepped out to get the first aid kit from the back seat, Hakon approached me.
"What happened to you?" he asked, frowning.
"It's nothing."
"Nothing? Your face is scratched."
"I'm fine. It was just my cat," I lied.
I could see Hakon's fists clenching, his expression turning oddly tense.