His Missing Luna

CHAPTER 84

AMERIE

FACING THEM

Father opens the door for Mother and me, his movements precise and controlled. He takes the passenger seat as Midriel slides into the driver’s side. As we start moving, I notice three cars ahead of us and more behind. The streets are eerily empty, devoid of the usual nighttime activity.

“Where is everybody?” I ask.

“Your father commanded everyone to stay indoors tonight,” Mother explains, her voice gentle as she takes my hand. “We don’t want anyone to know you’re here until we’re sure it’s safe.”

Father nods, his eyes scanning the darkened streets. “From what you’ve told us, the person who took you might still be among us. We can’t let them know you have returned. We don’t want them to escape.”

I nod slowly, sinking back into the plush seat. The interior of the car is luxurious, reminding me of Nathan’s, but this one feels even more opulent, more commanding. A strange mix of comfort and unease settles over me.

Remembering my first time inside a car makes me smile. Nathan’s look of fascination as he watched me touch everywhere inside the car, makes my smile widen.

“What are you thinking about?” Mother’s soft, melodious voice seeps into my mind, startling me.

I turn to her, wide-eyed.

“You heard me?” she asks again through the link, marveling at the ease with which the thoughts flow between us. “The block in your mind is crumbling,” she says with a joyful smile. “Your abilities are returning.”

“Hey, whiny,” Midriel’s voice suddenly jumps into my head, filled with teasing warmth.

My eyes meet his in the rearview mirror. An astonished look in my eyes as I burst into laughter. The sound of their voices in my mind filling me with a sense of belonging I’ve craved for so long. The bond we share pulses with their excitement, joy, and relief.

“Hello, sweetheart,” my father’s voice booms into my head, tinged with affection. “Sorry about the intrusion.”

“It’s no intrusion, Father,” I link back, my heart swelling with happiness. How could I ever see it as an intrusion when all I’ve ever wanted is to hear them speak to me like this? “I love it!” I squeal in delight, clutching my mother’s arms and wrapping them around me. Her scent is a soft mixture of flowers, a calming and motherly scent.

I feel safe. Wanted. Finally, I know I am where I’m supposed to be—with my family.

When we arrive at the tall, dark building, its black walls and gates looming ominously in the night, a shiver runs down my spine. The front of the building is as dark as its exterior, with no light to soften the harshness. Guards bow as we enter, their movements respectful, almost reverent.

“How are they?” Father asks, his voice low and commanding.

“Untouched, as you requested,” one of the guards replies.

“Good,” Father mutters, his jaw clenching as his fists tighten at his sides.

We pass through a brightly lit reception area where guards stand at attention, their heads bowed in submission. The atmosphere is thick with tension as we move into a long corridor lined with silver doors, each one marked with a number and a peephole. The air is heavy with the faint scent of blood and sweat, a sharp contrast to the freshness of the outside world.

So, this is what a dungeon smells like. I’d never been allowed near the dungeon at the Montana Pack, always kept on a tight leash. Now, the stench of this place—a mix of fear and despair—makes my stomach churn.

As we turn left at the end of the corridor, the scent intensifies, becoming almost unbearable. The air is thick with the acrid stench of urine, the sharp tang of blood, and the rank odor of sweat. My nostrils flare in disgust, my eyes watering as I struggle to breathe.

Father stops and turns to me, concern etched into his features. “This is why I didn’t want you to come down here,” he says, his voice gentle but firm.

I shake my head, forcing down the nausea. “It’s my first time. I’ll be fine.”

He sighs but nods, leading us forward until we reach the last door on the left. Surprisingly, the air here is cleaner, less oppressive.

One of the guards opens the door and steps inside, holding it open for Father. Mother, Midriel, and I remain outside with the other guards.

“Alpha King, why were we arrested?” Kizziah’s voice carries through the door, sending a jolt of fear down my spine. His tone is arrogant, filled with the confidence of someone who believes he’s untouchable.

Midriel squeezes my hand, his touch grounding me. I squeeze back, grateful for his presence—just as I was always grateful for Nathan’s comfort.

My heart misses a beat at the thought of Nathan. I miss him.

“I thought we were going to finalize…” Kizziah’s voice continues, dripping with smugness.

“Enough!” Father’s voice explodes with fury, his wolf’s presence undeniable. The very walls of the cell seem to tremble with the force of his roar.

Kizziah’s bravado evaporates in an instant. He bows his head in submission, trembling beside his son. Neither has yet noticed my scent.

“Come inside, Amerie,” Father calls to me, his voice softer now.

Mother and Midriel enter before me, and over their shoulders, I see Kizziah and Saul turn toward the door. The moment they see me, their eyes widen in shock, their expressions frozen in disbelief.

“Jessica,” Saul whispers, his voice barely audible.

“Amerie,” Mother corrects him, her tone laced with venom. “Her name is Amerie.”

“And I want to know how my daughter ended up in your pack,” Father growls, his voice as cold as the deadliest winter. His eyes the deadliest silver colour I have ever seen, with a fury that makes the air crackle with tension. “And I warn you—I will hear nothing but the truth tonight.”