Shadow of the Moon

Chapter 31

Lynx

I watched the steady rise and fall of Kyros's chest, a tightness in my own chest mirroring his breaths. Relief washed over me with each inhale, knowing he was alive, but a deep sorrow lingered, a shadow cast by the events of the day.

Though I had never met this Prince, I felt a strange familiarity, a connection forged through Estella's stories and whispered confessions. Over the past few years, I had become Estella's confidante, the only one who knew the truth behind her feelings for the prince before me.

I remembered the way Estella's eyes lit up at the mere mention of Kyros's name, the way her voice softened when she spoke of their stolen encounters at the border. And I couldn't forget the sight of Estella, her usually stoic facade crumbling, stumbling in shock at the nearness of the love she thought she had lost.

I knew, with a certainty that defied logic, that Kyros was more than just a friend. He was the other half of Estella's soul, her mate, the missing piece that had brought my sister back to life. I could feel the surge of her power, the sudden increase in intensity. I felt a slight sting of jealousy, wishing that I had found my own mate.

That was why, when I saw him battling his brother, the male who had stolen so much, I hadn't hesitated. I had urged my Haccu to let out a cry, a desperate cry that echoed through the forest. I had known, with a chilling certainty, that if Kyros died, Estella would follow. I couldn't bear to lose another sister, to watch the light fade from Estella's eyes in the same way it was slipping from our mother's.

That was why I now watched Kyros sleep, his face pale and drawn. I would stand guard over him while Estella dealt with the complications his presence caused. I would do everything in my power to ensure his safety, to help him heal.

That was why I now watched Zeke sleep, his face pale and drawn. I would stand guard over him while Elara dealt with the complications his presence caused. I would do everything in my power to ensure his safety, to help him heal.