Bound by shadow

Chapter 7 Power that refuses to sleep

Darius's POV

I leaned back in my chair, my mind drifting to Luna. Her fiery spirit, her determination, and that captivating anger...

My lips curved into a smile. She was more than I'd expected. More than just a powerful tool.

Her eyes flashed in my memory, sparkling with defiance. I admired that about her – the spark, the passion.

"Luna," I whispered, the sound rolling off my tongue.

Beta's voice interrupted my reverie.

"Darius, we need to discuss tomorrow's training."

I nodded, my gaze still lost in thought.

"Proceed."

"Luna's control is improving, but her emotions still dictate her power," Beta said, his voice measured.

"I'm aware," I replied, my mind racing with possibilities.

"What's the next step?" Beta asked.

I leaned forward, my eyes locking onto Beta's.

"We push her further. Test her limits."

Beta's expression turned skeptical.

"Are you certain that's wise?"

I nodded.

"We need to see how far she'll go, how much she can handle."

My thoughts drifted back to Luna, her face flushed with anger, her eyes blazing.

"Yes," I murmured, a plan forming.

"Tomorrow will be... enlightening for sure."

Beta's expression turned critical.

"But Darius, don't you think we're pushing her too hard? Perhaps a break would—"

"No breaks," I interrupted, my voice firm.

Beta's gaze narrowed.

"She's human, Darius. Not a machine."

"She's pack, and she's also Werewolf," I countered. "And pack doesn't get breaks. Not when there's work to be done."

Beta's face hardened, his eyes frosting over.

"Fine. She doesn't need coddling. We can't afford to waste time."

His tone was detached, calculated. The brief glimpse of concern I'd seen earlier was gone.

"Exactly," I agreed. "Time is a luxury we don't have. We must utilize every moment to prepare her."

Beta nodded curtly.

"I'll ensure the next training session is... enlightening."

His words dripped with ice, and I knew he'd reverted to his usual, emotionless self.

But I saw something in his eyes — a flicker of discontent.

"Beta?" I asked, my voice low.

"Yes?"

"Remind me why you're so invested in Luna's training."

Beta's gaze locked onto mine, his expression unyielding.

"I'm not invested. I'm doing my duty."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical.

"Duty," I repeated.

Beta's jaw clenched.

"Yes. Duty."

Beta's posture relaxed, his expression smoothing into neutrality. He remembered his place.

"Darius, I'm only concerned about the pack's interests," Beta said, his voice measured.

I raised an eyebrow.

"And Luna's training affects the pack's interests how?"

Beta's gaze met mine, his eyes clear.

"I'm merely offering advice, ensuring we utilize our resources efficiently."

I studied him, searching for any c***k in his composure.

"Why are you so invested in Luna's training, Beta? I ask again… Because I'm surprised that you're so interested… so tell me," I pressed.

Beta's expression remained impassive.

"I'm not invested, Darius. I'm doing my duty."

I narrowed my eyes.

"Very well then."

Beta's face remained neutral, but I sensed a flicker of tension.

"Prepare the battlegrounds for tomorrow," I ordered. "Luna will work harder than ever before."

Beta nodded curtly.

"As you command."

With a swift turn, he walked away, leaving me to ponder his true motivations.

"Beta," I called out.

He paused, looking back.

"Don't think for a moment that I don't see through you," I warned.

Beta's expression remained unreadable.

"I'm simply serving the pack, Darius. Nothing else."

I watched him disappear into the shadows, my mind whirling.

What was Beta hiding?

I pushed aside my thoughts about Beta, focusing on Luna.

Luna... her potential was staggering, but her emotions still controlled her powers.

Tomorrow's training would require precision, strategy.

I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers together.

How could I push her further? What buttons could I press to unlock her true potential?

Her anger was a potent catalyst, but I needed more.

I wanted to see her at her breaking point, to test her resolve.

A slow smile spread across my face.

Yes... tomorrow would be interesting.

My mind began to spin with possibilities, each one more intriguing than the last.

Luna's training was no longer just about harnessing her powers; it was about understanding her.

What drove her? What broke her?

The answers would be crucial in shaping her into the weapon I needed.

My gaze drifted toward the window, lost in thought.

Tomorrow, Luna would face her greatest challenge yet.

And I would be watching, guiding, and pushing her every step of the way.

I called out for Aria, my voice echoing through the halls. She appeared promptly, her curtsy flawless.

"Luna — has she eaten this evening?" I asked, my tone firm.

Aria hesitated, her voice trembling.

"I... I don't know, Darius."

My eyes narrowed, my gaze piercing. What did she mean she didn't know?

Aria's hands clenched together.

"N-no, Darius. I haven't seen her since dinner was served."

My anger flared, my expression darkening. How could they forget to feed her?

"Why hasn't she been fed?" I thundered.

Aria took a step back, her eyes wide with alarm.

"I-I apologize, Darius. I'll see to it immediately."

My growl sent shivers down Aria's spine.

"See to it now."

Aria scurried away, her usually composed demeanor rattled.

I watched her flee, my anger still simmering. Why was I so concerned about Luna's well-being? I shook my head, dispelling the thought.

My focus needed to be on her training, not her welfare.

But the image of Luna, hungry and neglected, lingered — and it angered me.

My thoughts drifted back to tomorrow's training. Luna's emotions would be put to the ultimate test.

How would she wield her power when heartbroken? When jealous? When overwhelmed?

Would her anger fuel her strength or cloud her judgment?

And what about happiness? Would it stabilize her powers or distract her? I had so many questions with no answers...

But tomorrow, I would find out.

I pictured Luna's determined face, her eyes blazing with emotion.

She was volatile, unpredictable.

But that was what made her so intriguing.

I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers together.

Beta's words echoed in my mind: "She's not like other humans."

No, Luna was unique.

And tomorrow, I would unravel the secrets of her powers.

The anticipation was intoxicating.