Sophia’s POV
Tyler’s gaze held mine, his eyes unwavering. “We need to get you out of here. It’s not safe for you, especially with the organization planning something against the werewolves.”
Jake nodded in agreement, his tone serious. “We need to make sure you’re safe. And if things escalate, we have to ensure your child’s safety too.”
My heart clenched at the thought of my child being in danger.
“I understand your concern,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I can’t just leave.”
Tyler’s brows furrowed, his concern deepening. “Why not? Your safety is what matters.”
I met his gaze, my eyes unwavering. “Because I’m the Luna of the Shadow City now. I’ve come to know the werewolves here, and they’re not what you think. They’re kind, innocent-they’ve changed over the years.”
Jake shook his head, skepticism evident on his face. “How can you be so sure? They’re werewolves, Sophia. It’s in their nature to be dangerous.”
I took a step closer to them, my voice firm. “It’s also in their nature to protect their own, to value family and unity. They’re not the monsters you think they are.”
Tyler’s gaze softened, his eyes searching mine. “We’re not here to fight or harm anyone. We just want to keep you safe.”
I appreciated their concern, their determination to protect me. But the truth was, the world I had come to know was vastly different from the one they saw. The werewolves here were not the ruthless creatures they believed them to be.
My head hung low, a wave of embarrassment and shame crashing over me like a tidal wave. I had been so naive, so ignorant of the intricate web that had entangled us all. My voice was small, hesitant, as I turned to face Tyler and Jake, the weight of my words heavy in the air.
“Are you enemies with him?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper, my gaze fixed on the ground. “Just like… the others?”
Tyler’s response was measured, his words carrying a somber truth that sliced through my heart. “Our bloodline carries the legacy of hunters,” he began, his tone a mixture of regret and acceptance. “It’s not something that can be easily changed.”
My heart sank further, the reality of our situation crashing over me like a cruel reality I couldn’t escape. I had come to believe in the goodness of werewolves, in their ability to coexist with humans. But Tyler’s words were a stark reminder that not all shared that belief.
Jake’s voice broke through my thoughts, his words echoing Tyler’s sentiments. “It’s true that werewolves haven’t posed a threat to humans for many years,” he said, his tone firm. “The organization hasn’t been actively hunting them because of that. But the primal nature of the wolf… it’s always there, beneath the surface.”
As I lifted my head to meet Jake’s gaze, a fire ignited within me. “I understand your standpoint,” I said, my voice gaining strength. “But you need to understand mine too. I’m the Luna of the shadow city now, and I’ve spent time with these werewolves. They’re not the monsters you’ve been raised to believe in.”
Tyler’s expression softened, his eyes meeting mine with a mixture of understanding and conflict. “I don’t doubt that there’s goodness within them,” he admitted. “But the world isn’t as simple as good and bad. We have responsibilities, to protect humans from potential threats.”
I took a step closer, my conviction unwavering. “You can’t let fear dictate your actions,” I said firmly. “Over the past century, the werewolves have transformed. They’ve learned to control their instincts, to embrace their humanity. You need to see beyond your biases and prejudices, and give them a chance.”
Jake’s brows furrowed as he regarded me, his expression contemplative. “It’s a risk,” he said, his voice cautious. “A risk that could lead to disastrous consequences.”
I met his gaze head-on, my own determination a reflection of my belief. “The risk is worth taking if it means forging a path towards understanding. If it means breaking free from the cycle of fear and hatred.”
Tyler’s eyes held mine, a silent exchange of conflicting ideologies and shared understanding. “You’re asking us to challenge everything we’ve known,” he said softly.
I nodded, my heart pounding with the weight of my convictions. “Yes. Because sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones we fight within ourselves. And if we’re ever going to find a way to coexist, we have to start by challenging the darkness within.”
“Just give them a chance,” I pleaded, my voice filled with earnestness. “Please, try to see them as I do.”
For a moment, there was silence between us, the weight of our conflicting perspectives hanging in the air. And then, to my shock, Jake suddenly moved forward, his movements swift and unexpected. Before I could react, he reached me, and the next thing I knew, everything went dark.
My head spun, and I realized I was being carried over someone’s shoulder. Panic set in as I struggled against my captor, my voice rising in protest. But despite my struggles, darkness closed in around me, and the world slipped away as unconsciousness claimed me.
Tyler’s POV
My heart raced as I looked down at the unconscious Sophia. This was not how I had envisioned our plan unfolding. I exchanged a frustrated glance with my brother Jake, who wore an amused smile.
“Nice going, Jake,” I muttered under my breath. “Knocking her out wasn’t part of the plan.”
Jake chuckled, shrugging nonchalantly. “Well, she wasn’t exactly cooperating, was she?”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. He had a point, but resorting to force was never our intention. We needed her to trust us if we were going to convince her to leave with us.
“Look, we can’t afford to lose her trust,” I admonished. “She’s right, we have to approach this carefully.”
We lifted the unconscious Sophia from the bed, her body limp in my arms. As we carried her out of the inn, I couldn’t shake the unease settling in my chest. This wasn’t how I had imagined our reunion with her.
Just as we were about to place her in the car, a voice cut through the air, making us tense up. I turned to face the source of the voice, my hand instinctively reaching for the gun concealed at my side. It was Emilia, leaning casually against another car, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
“Caught red-handed, huh?” she teased, her tone dripping with amusement.
Jake’s eyebrows furrowed, his defensive stance evident. “Emilia, this is none of your business.”
I shot Jake a warning glance, trying to diffuse the tension. Walking over to Emilia, I managed a smile, though it was tinged with exasperation. “Emilia, you know us. We’re not here to cause trouble.”
Emilia’s eyes sparkled with playful curiosity as she sized me up. “Oh, I know you’re not here for a casual visit.”
I frowned, puzzled by her words. How much did she know? I chose my words carefully, trying to keep her suspicions at bay. “We’re here to see a friend. That’s all.”
Emilia let out a soft laugh, her gaze locked onto mine. “Oh, so the lovely lady in your arms is just a friend?”
My cheeks burned with embarrassment, and I cleared my throat, my grip on the unconscious Sophia tightening. “It’s not what you think.”