The Huntress Luna

Chapter 18 Kaden's Warning

Arya’s POV

The halls of the palace felt heavier that evening, as though the walls themselves were holding their breath. Shadows stretched long under the moonlight that slipped through narrow windows, casting warped silhouettes across the cold stone floor. My steps were soft, careful, like walking across shards of glass. I didn’t want anyone to notice where I was going… or why.

I paused at the corner near the library, pressing my back to the wall as I scanned the corridor. My pulse drummed in my ears. I wasn’t supposed to be here — not tonight, not alone.

A faint echo of footsteps broke through the silence.

I sucked in a sharp breath.

Someone was there.

"Who's there?" I whispered, ready to bolt if needed.

A figure detached itself from the darkness. A pair of green eyes gleamed first, then the rest of him stepped into the low torchlight. Kaden. Relief rushed through me — then frustration.

Of all wolves, why him?

"Don't be afraid," he murmured, lifting a finger to his lips. "I'm not going to hurt you."

My heart didn’t get the memo — it hammered harder. I straightened my shoulders, masking the tremor in my voice.

"I don't need help. Why are you following me?"

Kaden approached slowly, his expression unreadable. His voice dropped low.

"I'm not following you. I came to warn you. You're not safe here, Arya. Not from everyone.”

My throat went dry.

"Not from who? Kyle?"

His jaw tightened, a slight tick at the corner.

"Not him. At least… not yet. Kyle’s complicated. You're his mate, whether he admits it or not. But even mates can be dangerous."

Dangerous? The word slithered into my mind like an unwanted serpent.

"What do you mean?" I demanded, trying to sound braver than I felt.

“You don’t know what the palace politics is hiding,” he said, voice sharp with urgency. “There are wolves here who would slit a throat if it meant gaining power. And you—” his gaze swept over me, intense “—you arrived out of nowhere and suddenly you’re the focus of the Alpha’s attention. That makes you a threat.”

A cold shiver crept down my spine. I had already noticed the stares, the whispers cutting off the moment I entered a room, the way some wolves looked at me as though trying to peel back my skin to examine what lay beneath.

"You're saying I shouldn't trust anyone?" I whispered.

Kaden’s eyes softened, the first hint of genuine concern glimmering there.

"Not everyone. But you need to know who can and can’t be trusted. I’ve seen what happens when someone new puts their faith in the wrong hands. Their bones end up buried under these walls."

My stomach churned.

He was right — I was being watched harder than I realized. Every reckless step could cost me more than just my life. If they discovered I was here for a reason… for the Moonlight Crest… everything would crumble.

My fingers curled into fists, nails digging into my palms. Just a few more nights. Just get the map Rodrick needed. Then I could disappear. I reminded myself of that… even though Kyle’s face made the promise waver.

“What about Kyle?” I asked quietly. “Where does he fit in all of this?”

Kaden hesitated. His gaze flicked to the hallway, scanning for threats before returning to me.

“He’s torn,” he admitted. “He’s trying to protect the pack. And he’s trying to protect you. But mates… sometimes the bond blinds them. Makes them reckless. If Kyle senses danger around you, he’ll act without thinking. That kind of devotion can get you killed just as easily as it can save you.”

A lump formed in my throat. I thought of the way Kyle watched me — too intensely, too often. As if waiting for me to fall apart so he could either save me… or break me.

"How about the book I gave you?" Kaden asked suddenly, almost too casual. “Hope you’re enjoying it?”

“Oh. Yeah. Sure.” I forced a smile. “The werewolf stories helped me sleep better.”

Not true. The stories only made the nightmares worse — but Kaden didn’t need to know that.

“I assume you sneaked in here to get more?” he pressed, lips twitching slightly.

“No.” I cleared my throat. “I was just passing by. I don’t want any trouble… again.”

He gave a little huff, amused.

“You always find trouble even when you're not looking for it.”

I rolled my eyes, but my lips twitched unwillingly.

“And how are you adjusting to pack life?” he asked, arms crossing over his chest.

“Oh, perfect. I’m surrounded by people who hate me. My dream come true.”

He laughed softly. “Lyria, right?”

My eyes widened. “How did you know?”

“Because she’s painfully obvious,” he said with a shrug. “She’s always had a thing for Kyle. Then you stumbled in, mated to the Alpha, and suddenly she’s no longer the center of his world. It’s amusing, really.”

Heat crawled up my neck. I hadn’t asked to be mated with anyone. If anything, I wished fate had chosen someone neutral. Someone who didn’t make my heart clench every time his name was mentioned.

“And Jagger?” he added, reading the next question in my thoughts. “Ignore him. He barks more than he bites.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. That reassurance was like a warm blanket over my buzzing nerves.

A soft clatter echoed from the hall. We both tensed. I leaned past the corner and spotted a servant carrying a tray, humming an out-of-tune melody. Not a threat. But the interruption left an eerie silence behind, one that sank deeper into my bones.

I turned back to Kaden, the weight of his warning finally settling fully.

“Thank you,” I said quietly. And I meant it — not just for the protection he was offering, but for acknowledging the fear I refused to admit. “I… appreciate it.”

Something flickered in his eyes, a spark of warmth I hadn’t expected.

“Just survive tonight, Arya,” he whispered. “Let tomorrow worry about itself.”

He stepped back, his form dissolving into the darkness like smoke caught in the wind.

Soon I was alone… but not truly. A familiar presence pressed against my senses — the faint tingle of the mate bond. Kyle. He was close. Watching. Always watching.

My heart pounded violently as I placed a hand over my chest, feeling its wild rhythm.

Survive tonight.

Just tonight.

But I had a feeling the night had far more plans for me… and none of them involved peace.

I squared my shoulders and drew in a steadying breath.

The Moonlight Crest and the map. These were my missions.

The pack could keep their secrets. Because I had my own.

And if anyone thought I’d go down quietly, they were dead wrong.