The Huntress Luna

Chapter 19 The Map Room

Arya's POV

The night came over the Whitestone pack like a blanket, thick with the scent of pine and cold stone. The corridors were empty, the servants had retired for the day, leaving the palace scarily quiet. My footsteps muffled against the polished floors, my heart beating so loudly I was scared it would betray me.

The map, Rodrick needed it, and if I didn't get to it first, someone in the palace would. Maybe someone loyal to him because Rodrick never sent one person on a mission or worse, someone loyal to themselves. With every step I took my heart raced, sensing unknown danger.

I stopped at the edge of the restricted wing where the doors were carved with intricate patterns of the Whitestone Crest. The silver moonlight spilled through the high windows glinting off the iron fittings. I bent low and pressed my ear against the closest door. There was silence. This is the moment.

I had memorized the patrol patterns from whispers and observations over the past few days. While Kyle was keeping an eye on me, I was keeping an eye on the royal library. I knew exactly when the hallways would be empty.

My hands moved to the door lock. The palace locks were sophisticated, but nothing I couldn't handle. My fingers traced the intricate runes, using a pin to twist inside. I felt faint vibrations as it responded to my touch. I thought I was about to get it, then nothing.

A wave of frustration swept over me. I swallowed hard, taking a deep breath. Think, Arya. Think. Move like a shadow.

I pressed the door again, this time focusing on the mechanism behind it. I had seen this one before, when I followed Kyle to the council room. A hidden latch, almost invisible, concealed inside the decorative pattern. My fingers found it, pressed down, and the door clicked open.

Inside, the vault was darker than I anticipated. The faint scent of parchment and polished wood filled the air. My heart jumped in my chest. This was it. The map or whatever Rodrick wanted had to be here.

I moved forward carefully, hoping that there were no booby traps. I arrived at the shelves. They were filled with scrolls, books and locked chests.

My eyes searched every corner, every drawer. Then, I saw it—a small chest, installed with a silver lock that shimmered faintly. I dropped to my knees, inspecting the luck.

I bit my lips, steadying my breathing. I kept my fingers calm as I worked my way in with my pin key. I pushed it through the latch and manipulated it—pulling, twisting and pushing, praying that it wouldn't set off any alarm.

The chest clicked. I held my breath, waiting for any sign of detection. Nothing. I slowly let out a stored exhale as I lifted the lid slowly.

Inside lay a folded map, worn at the edges, the kind of map only used for strategic purposes. Beneath it were bundles of parchments detailing territories, safe houses and trade routes. I could almost hear Rodrick's eyes gleaming at the thought of his treasure falling into the arms.

I tucked the documents under my tunic, careful not to rustle the paper too much. My wolf growled softly in approval. The plan was working and the danger was manageable.

But then, I heard a click at the door. My blood froze. The footsteps approached, heavy and deliberate. The wolf inside me flared, claws itching beneath my skin. Someone was coming.

I dropped to the floor at a corner, pressing against the shadows. A figure stepped in—the silhouette unmistakable even in the dim light. His golden eyes narrowed the moment he saw the open chest.

"Arya," his voice was quiet but heavy with warning. "What are you doing here?"

I clenched my jaw, forcing myself on my feet. "I was... just checking the vault. Making sure everything was secure."

Kyle's gaze sharpened. He stepped closer, every movement smooth and controlled. "By yourself? At night?

I swallowed hard. "Yeah."

"Do you think I'm stupid?" His eyes flared. "Do you think I don't see everything you do?

I hesitated. A wave of panic ran through me, but I forced it down. Don't let him see. Don't let him know.

"I just wanted to learn," I said softly. "To understand everything about the pack, the artifacts. That's all."

Kyle stepped fully in the room, closing the distance between us. His presence was overwhelming, filling the vault, leaving no room for shadows or secrets.

"Arya," he said, "you're putting yourself at risk. Not just from me, but from others. You have no idea what you're stirring."

My heart pounded so hard I was afraid he would hear it. "I know exactly what I'm doing." I said, forcing my voice to be steady.

Kyle's eyes softened for a second. Then he leaned slightly, letting his golden gaze sweep over my face. "You're hiding something," he said. And you're not thinking about what happens when the wrong person finds out."

I felt the weight of his words, but I refused to look down. I stared at him deeply. "And if I do, I'll deal with it."

He shook his head slowly, his expression unreadable. "You're reckless. But you're mine to protect."

Those words hit me like an arrow, piercing through my chest into my heart. I wanted to let my wolf out, to grab him, to feel his touch, but I couldn't. Atleast, not yet.

"I have to go," I whispered, my hands slowly tracing the hidden map under my tunic.

"Not yet," Kyle said, stepping closer and blocking the exit.

I stood still. His eyes searched mine, the silence stretching long and heavy. "Why are you doing this to me? he asked quietly, almost pleading. "Why are you sneaking around, hiding and risking everything?"

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. "Because I don't feel for you the same way you do." My voice caught.

"What can I do to make you change your mind?"

"Nothing. My mind is made up." I snapped, almost regretting. "I need to leave now... And I'm sorry for overstepping my boundaries." I added.

Kyle exhaled slowly, his gaze lingering on me longer. "One more misstep, Arya and I will not be so forgiving."

I pressed my lips together, nodding once. The words were a warning.

As I slipped past him, my heart hammered, my wolf growling softly beneath my skin. The map was mine, Rodrick's plans were closer than ever and Kyle's gaze followed me like a predator and a protector all at once.

By the time I returned to my quarters, silent and careful, the weight of what I'd done pressed down. The map, hidden beneath my tunic, felt like it carried the weight of the pack.

And in the dark, I heard whispers, not of the hall but of something else. My wolf whispered too, a feeling of danger.

Everything was moving faster now, and every shadow held a new

threat. Rodrick's message for war would come soon and when it did, I would be ready.