His Missing Luna

CHAPTER 96

KIZZIAH

THE HYBRID KING 2

The circle closes behind us with a low hum, and we find ourselves on a long, stony path. On either side, the land is dry, cracked, and barren. Ahead, a thick forest looms, the trees darker and denser than the ones we passed before.

I feel it then—my wolf stirring. His energy hums beneath my skin, waking from a deep, forced sleep. I exhale with relief. "I feel my wolf," I say, turning to Saul.

Saul nods, his eyes brightening as his own wolf reemerges. "Mine too."

Without another word, we break into a jog, our strides quickening as our wolves regain strength. The closer we get to the forest, the more I feel my wolf’s power, sharpening my senses, pushing me forward.

Once we enter the shadow of the trees, we bound through the underbrush, moving fast, our wolves guiding us. The Lady had told us to run toward the three mountains, and that’s where we’re headed.

After what feels like hours, we slow, stopping in the heart of the forest. The air here is thick, almost oppressive. My wolf’s hackles rise, his senses on high alert. The silence is unsettling—not even the rustle of leaves or the chirp of birds. It’s as if the forest itself is holding its breath.

Saul’s wolf trots to the edge of a narrow stream, lapping at the water. I stay alert, scanning the trees.

“Do you feel that?” I link Saul, unease prickling at my skin.

“No,” he replies, shaking his head. “It’s just quiet.”

But it’s more than that. My wolf senses something—a presence. Eyes watching us, hidden in the shadows. I bare my teeth, instinct warning me to move.

“We need to keep going,” I say, my voice a low growl. “Something’s not right.”

Saul raises his head, ears twitching, but he doesn't catch it yet. “The lady said we’d be safe at the three mountains. We’re almost there.”

“We’re not safe,” I insist. “Not yet.”

Before I can say more, the underbrush around us erupts in motion. Rustling. The thud of heavy paws against the earth. Growls fill the air, low and menacing. My wolf stiffens, and I whip around, eyes darting between the trees.

Wolves pour out from the shadows—huge, larger than any I’ve ever seen, with eyes glowing unnatural shades of red, green, and gold. They move with deadly precision, circling us, their mismatched fur bristling with violence.

Saul’s wolf whines beside me, his tail tucked. I don’t blame him—these are not ordinary wolves.

A larger figure steps forward, taller and broader than the rest. The wolves part for him, bowing their heads in deference. His eyes—a strange mix of green and amber—glint with cold amusement. A cruel smile plays on his lips.

“Well, well,” he says, his voice smooth and mocking. “What do we have here? Strays from Silvercrest?” His smile widens, and it’s all teeth. “How unfortunate for you.”

I shift, stepping in front of Saul, instinctively shielding him. "We don’t want any trouble," I say, forcing my voice to stay calm. "We’re just passing through."

The man’s eyes rake over me, sizing me up. “Passing through?” He chuckles, the sound dark and humorless. “This is my land. You’re trespassing.”

My heart pounds, but I keep my head bowed slightly, showing respect. “We didn’t know. We’ll leave. No harm done, Alpha.”

At the mention of his title, his eyes narrow, and a glint of satisfaction crosses his face. But it’s gone as quickly as it appeared. He steps closer, his wolf flickering in his eyes—a deep, blackish-red.

“Leave?” His voice drops, dangerous. “And who says you can?”

His muscles ripple, and I see the flicker of transformation under his skin. His pack snarls, closing in.

"Tell your pup to shift," he growls, eyes on Saul. "Or my men will tear him to pieces."

I raise my hands. "That won’t be necessary." I turn to Saul, linking him quickly. Shift, Saul. Now.

Reluctantly, Saul shifts back into human form, his body trembling with tension. I don’t blame him.

It took courage backed with the power of the goddess for Malachai’s ancestors to wipe out the hybrid wolves.

The Hybrid King chuckles, satisfied. “Good. Now…” He gestures with a flick of his wrist. “Take them.”

Growls fill the air once more as two men step forward, throwing clothes at our feet. “Put these on.”

Saul and I dress quickly, the heavy silence hanging over us like a noose. The men then approach with silver cuffs and blindfolds. The cuffs bite into my wrists, burning my skin. I clench my jaw, suppressing a growl.

Bloody hybrids. The silver doesn’t affect them the way it does us.

The king chuckles behind us, his voice full of twisted amusement. “You won’t need your wolves to guide you. You have us.”

We’re prodded forward, forced to march for what feels like hours. Eventually, the sound of voices and crackling fires reaches my ears. The scent of wood smoke and blood fills the air. A pack, I realize.

When the blindfolds are finally removed, we stand in the center of what looks like an encampment—a stark contrast to the wild chaos of the forest. It is organized, almost militaristic, with tents and fires arranged in precise rows. Wolves patrol the perimeter, watching us with cold, calculating eyes.

“Welcome to my kingdom,” the king says, sweeping his arm theatrically. “Not what you’re used to, I’m sure, but we make do.” He studies us for a moment, his expression shifting to one of calculated interest. “I have a hunch you two are going to be valuable to me. You look like you escaped from the Silvercrest Pack. The pack has a well-known reputation for not freeing prisoners. Either they end your life or turn you to a slave forever,” his gaze flickers between. “So, what’s your story?”

“We don’t have a story. Like I said earlier, are passing through.”

“And what did you go to do at the Silvercrest Pack? It’s been a long time since anyone came from their territory.”

I don’t respond, my mind racing. The hybrids shouldn’t exist—Malachai’s line made sure of that. And yet, here they are, stronger than ever.

Refusing to show fear, I hold his gaze. “What do you want from us?” I demand, though my voice wavers. Hybrids are unpredictable. And this is their king.

The king’s smile widens. “Oh, many things. But let’s start with a simple proposition.” He leans in, his eyes narrowing. “Tell me everything you know about Malachai Thorne. You see, I have a score to settle with him. It goes way, way back. And I need any information that can help me destroy him and his blasted pack. And piss off the goddess.”

I meet his gaze, my heart pounding in my chest. "And what if we don't know anything?"

The king’s smile widens, his eyes gleaming with cruel delight. “Oh, you must know something. Not if you value your lives.”