BLOOD MOON

Chapter 15

Haliya

Mira’s words from earlier echoed in my head. How cruel could Cullen be to do those things to the women?

Now, I wonder what would he do to someone like me, an outcast? Would he kill me if he ever saw me? Mira said he believes injecting fear earns respect, but I don’t think that’s possible. Respect isn't born from terror. It’s built or at least, it should be.

How different could each sibling be?

I know Kieran... cold, powerful, unmistakably Alpha-like. But what about the rest of them? If Cullen is that cruel, how far apart could their moral compass be? When Kieran said he was trying to protect, does it mean he’s protecting me… from them?

The thought unsettled me.

I ran my hand through my hair in plain disturbance. All I ever wanted was to escape and find out where the hell my family is, maybe rebuild something I lost. But the more I uncover, the harder it is to ignore. The past here pulls at me. The truth, twisted and buried, intrigues me. What exactly is the norm in this place? How are people ruled?

Because whatever this is… I can’t relate to it.

I’m just an only child.

Morning came, slipping in like a thief. I barely slept, maybe only drifted off around dawn. And as expected, there was no Kieran in sight. He totally abandoned me. How f*****g good.

I couldn’t help but be annoyed. I’ve been stuck in this room for a week, with no sign of him, just me, pacing and trying to keep myself from going insane. Staying inside like some hidden secret.

But I guess I’ve had enough.

After a short bath, I threw on some comfortable clothes, just a pair of baggy jeans and a white sweater I found in the cabinet. Nothing fancy, just enough to blend in. And then I decided to sneak out.

This would be the first time I’m tempting fate again since that whole incident.

I just hope I’d be successful this time.

There were no guards or soldiers when I slipped out of the room... too easy, honestly, and that alone made me more cautious.

My steps were quiet but deliberate, and since I could still remember the path to the north wing, I walked toward it.

But as I got closer, my hands ran cold.

Believe me, in my head, I felt braver, stronger even. But physically? I was shaking. My body still remembered the fear, even if my mind kept trying to override it. I was terrified of running into Cullen. What if I did? What if he recognized me, or worse... what if he didn’t care who I was?

Still, I couldn’t let fear consume me. I’m the daughter of an Alpha, raised by a Luna. I should be stronger, bolder, and fierce, like how I was nurtured to be.

"Miss, this is off-limits. Please return to your room." A sudden voice cut through my thoughts like a blade.

I stopped mid-step and slowly turned my head toward the voice.

A guard. Same uniform. Same stiff expression. He was probably assigned here specifically. And now I wondered, did he even know who I was?

I couldn’t go back. Not yet. I had to say something... anything. My throat tightened as panic tried to choke me, so I coughed it off.

"I… I want to speak with Cullen," I blurted nervously.

Wait. What? Did I really just say that?

Did I really just mention the devil’s name out loud? My eyes widened slightly as the weight of my own words hit me. What the hell was I thinking?

But it was too late to take it back now. The guard’s brows lifted, just a fraction. He didn’t say anything at first, and for a moment, I swore the air grew heavier.

Cullen is elusive, if I remember correctly. Or was it Cullen? I could be wrong. But one thing I’m certain of, it was him who ruled this wing.

"What do you need with our master?" the guard asked, his tone cautious but firm.

What do I need with Cullen? Honestly... nothing. I’m just curious about the women. Why were they punished? Why did they look so broken? Were they rogues? Or… were they just like me?

"I..."

I was about to answer when—

"Why are you looking for me?"

A deep, commanding voice echoed through the air. And my entire body froze. That voice. That presence. I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.

Still, I did... slowly.

There he was.

He stood a few steps behind the guard, his eyes unreadable and his expression carved from stone. Something about the way he looked at me made my spine stiffen and my heart pound against my ribs.

I didn’t know what to say now. What was I doing? What was I thinking? But I couldn't run now, not when he was staring right at me.

He stared at me for a long beat; unblinking, unmoving. As if trying to peel the truth right off my skin with just his gaze.

I held my breath without meaning to. His presence was suffocating. Not loud or angry, just heavy. Like standing too close to a fire you’re not sure will burn you or just warm your hands.

"You shouldn't be here," he finally said.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. My thoughts were a mess. Cullen took a step forward. The guard instantly stepped aside with a stiff bow.

His eyes never left mine.

"You’ve been kept in the South Wing for a reason," he continued, slower this time. “It’s not a place for wanderers. Especially not curious little girls.”

The way he said it—cold and dismissive, like I was a child playing a game I didn’t understand, made my jaw clench. I didn’t speak. I couldn't decide if doing so would keep me alive or get me killed.

He studied me again. And for the briefest second, something flickered in his gaze, recognition, maybe. Or doubt. I wasn’t sure.

Then, calmly, he said, “If you want answers, don’t go sneaking around like a thief.”

He turned his back on me.

“Next time, just knock.”

My brow shot up at his words. Knock? Where? I didn’t even know where he lived or where his room is, how was I supposed to knock? And seriously, even if I know, there's no freaking way I'd knock. Never!

Cullen stepped into one of the doors down the hall, disappearing without another word, while I just stood there, frozen. I shouldn't follow him. That would be like walking straight into a lion’s den. And I wasn’t some naive, helpless prey. Right?

I bit my lip, debating with myself, then finally turned to walk away.

But before I could take two steps, the guard spoke up behind me, his tone laced with something I didn’t like.

“Miss? Weren’t you just saying you wanted to speak with my master? He rarely lets women near him. Might as well take the chance.”

I turned back slowly, glaring. “Did you just hear yourself?”

He shrugged, a smug look on his face. “Just saying… you wanted something, and he gave you a door. Up to you if you want to waste it.”

“Right,” I said tightly. “And maybe next time, try saying it without sounding like a creep.”

His smile faded just slightly. I didn’t wait for him to respond.

I stared at the door Cullen had disappeared into, every nerve in my body screaming not to go, but my pride wasn’t ready to back down either.

Screw it.

I took a deep breath and walked toward it.