Bound by shadow

Chapter 6 The beta who sees me

Luna's POV

I stormed through the corridors, my heart racing with anger and betrayal. How could Darius do this to me? Use me like a tool, exploit my powers for his own gain? The memory of his calculating smile still haunted me.

"How could he?" I muttered to myself, fists clenched. "How could he play me like this?"

Suddenly, the image of the prisoner flashed in my mind. Alive, thank the gods. But what if he hadn't been? What if Darius had actually intended for me to kill him?

A shiver ran down my spine. Was this how it would be? Darius pulling the strings, manipulating me to do his bidding? No, I wouldn't let that happen.

I stopped in front of my room, taking a deep breath to calm myself. But my mind refused to quieten.

"Why did he have to do this?" I thought, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "Why did he have to make me feel like... like I'm nothing more than a weapon?"

The door creaked open behind me.

"Luna?" Beta's voice, soft and cautious.

I spun around, my emotions raw.

"What do you want, Beta?"

Beta's expression was guarded, but his eyes held a flicker of concern.

"Darius wants to see you."

I laughed, a bitter sound.

"Tell him I'm busy. Tell him I'm done being his plaything."

Beta's face tightened.

"Luna, please—"

"No, Beta." My voice rose. "You know what he's doing, don't you? You know he's using me."

Beta's silence was all the confirmation I needed.

"Is this what it means to be part of this pack?" I demanded. "To be used and discarded?"

Beta's eyes dropped, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of the man behind the loyalty.

"Luna, I..." He paused, then turned to leave.

"I'll tell Darius you're… unavoidable."

As the door closed behind him, I felt a pang of guilt. Beta was caught in the middle, torn between loyalty and morality. But who cares? I've been caught in the middle of life and death, longing and betrayal, trauma and pain… so there was nothing there.

But my anger remained, simmering just below the surface.

"This isn't over, Darius," I whispered, my eyes burning with determination. "I won't let you control me."

I stood frozen, my back to the door, when the scent of cedar and sandalwood wafted through the air. Darius. My heart skipped a beat as I sensed his approach.

Why did my body have to react this way? I was angry with him, determined to resist his manipulation.

I turned, schooling my face into a stoic mask. Darius walked towards me, his stride deliberate and confident. Beta Elias flanked him, his expression neutral.

"What's the problem, Darius?" I asked, trying to keep my voice even.

Darius's eyes locked onto mine, their intensity making my pulse flutter.

"No problem, Luna. Just concerned about your well-being."

His tone was low and soothing, and for a moment, I felt a twinge of trust. No, I warned myself. Don’t fall for it.

"I'm fine," I lied, my gaze never leaving his.

Darius stopped in front of me, his proximity making my skin prickle.

"I know today was tough. But I assure you, it's all part of your training."

Beta shifted beside him, his eyes flicking to me before returning to Darius.

"I won't hurt you, Luna," Darius continued, his voice dripping with sincerity. "I promise."

For an instant, I believed him. But then I remembered the prisoner, the manipulation, and my resolve hardened.

"Don't make promises you can't keep," I said, my voice flat.

Darius's smile was slow and captivating.

"I always keep my promises, Luna. I always do."

My heart skipped another beat. Why did I feel drawn to him? Why did his words make me want to trust him?

No, I wouldn't be caught off guard. He thought he could use me? I'd show him otherwise.

"I'll keep that in mind," I said, my tone dripping with skepticism.

Darius's eyes crinkled at the corners, and for a moment, I saw genuine amusement.

"We'll continue your training tomorrow," he said, turning to leave. "Beta will escort you to your room."

As they walked away, I felt a shiver run down my spine. This wasn't over.

As Darius disappeared into the shadows, Beta turned to me, his expression softening.

"Luna, don't worry. Everything will be fine," he said, his deep voice gentle.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by his sudden change in demeanor.

"You're not going to lecture me about loyalty and duty?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light.

Beta's face creased into a small smile.

"Not tonight. Tonight, I'll just make sure you're good."

He gestured for me to walk with him, and I fell into step beside him.

"Thanks, Beta," I said, feeling a small sense of gratitude.

Beta's eyes flicked to mine, his gaze warm.

"You're pack, Luna. We take care of our own."

His words sent a pang of longing through me. Pack. Family.

As we walked, Beta's silence was comforting, a stark contrast to Darius's intense presence.

"Beta?" I said, breaking the silence.

"Yes?"

"Why are you being nice to me?"

Beta's expression turned serious.

"I'm not just being nice to you, I'm being sincere... oh, and 'cause someone needs to."

His response caught me off guard. Was Beta truly concerned for me, or was this just another tactic?

I searched his face, but his mask was back in place.

"Thanks, Beta," I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.

Beta nodded, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Just remember, Luna: no matter what happens, you're not alone."

We reached my quarters, and Beta paused outside the door.

"Get some rest. Tomorrow will be... interesting."

His hint of a smile was reassuring, but I knew better than to trust anyone in this pack.

As the door closed behind me, I felt a strange sense of calm wash over me.

Beta's words echoed in my mind: "You're not alone."

But was that truly a comfort, or just a reminder that I was trapped in this web of intrigue?