The fire burned low, its flickering glow casting long shadows along the stone walls of Lucian’s chamber. Aria sat across from him, her eyes locked on his as if daring him to speak. She had just spilled her deepest secrets, her darkest fears, and yet here he was, his silence thicker than the night itself.
“You wanted to know why I became the monster everyone fears.” Lucian’s voice was hoarse, rough like gravel. His gaze dropped to his hands, fingers clenched so tightly they trembled. “It’s not a tale of heroism. It’s a story of blood and betrayal.”
“Tell me,” Aria whispered, her voice gentle but firm.
He swallowed hard. “My father ruled the Bloodmoon Pack with a cruelty no one dared to challenge. He believed fear was the only way to secure loyalty. And it worked. Until the day our enemie
