The warmth of the blood moon’s magic still lingered, but in the quiet that followed the Hunt, I felt more lost than ever.
I sat on the balcony, my knees tucked to my chest, the wind tugging at my loose braid. Inside, Vernon and Sylas moved through the manor with seamless ease—partners in power and affection. I’d caught them exchanging quiet kisses in the hallway that morning. I hadn’t meant to watch, but when Vernon’s gaze slid to mine and softened, when Sylas’s hand reached for mine without hesitation... it stirred something sharp and unfamiliar in my chest.
It wasn’t jealousy.
It was longing.
For connection. For place.
For love that I felt was promised to me at the first mention of fate. A love that included me, and didn’t hesitate.
I questioned if I belonged in something that felt
