I could see the expressions on Louis and Hannah’s faces, and they looked like they’d been through something terrible. Neither of them spoke. They both seemed afraid, unable to share whatever had happened. I was desperate to know.
I turned to Hannah, trying not to pressure her but my curiosity was too strong. “What happened? Why don’t you want to talk about it? What’s making you so uncomfortable?” I asked, my gaze fixed on her.
Hannah sighed deeply, turning her back on me, as if she couldn’t bear to look me in the eyes. “It’s just too horrible to talk about, Kimberly. Let’s not bring it up. It’s best if we just forget it.” She shot a glance at Louis, her expression unreadable.
Louis sat still, but I could tell he was struggling with something internally, despite his calm outward appearance. His silence told me everything-there was more to their story. Still, I didn’t want to push them. “I understand,” I said softly, trying to sound comforting. “I won’t ask again. I’m just so glad you’re both okay. That’s all that matters to me.”
“Thank you, Kimberly,” Louis said, giving me a soft, grateful smile.
He then asked, “What’s going on here? Is Alpha Derrick’s engagement still happening next week?”
The word “engagement” hit me hard. Instantly, any happiness I felt vanished, replaced by a deep sadness that seemed to pull me down into a dark place. My chest ached, and tears threatened to spill over.
Hannah noticed the change in my mood. “Kimberly, what happened? Why do you look so heartbroken?” she asked, scooting closer to me on the bed.
I could barely find the words. “The engagement happened today,” I whispered, my voice heavy with pain.
“What?!” They both shouted in unison, shock clear on their faces.
“How is that even possible?” Louis asked, eyes wide.
“Luna Catherine made a last-minute decision a couple of days ago. The ceremony was today,” I explained, trying hard not to cry.
Hannah was confused. “Why would Luna Catherine make such a big decision now? Didn’t your father have a say in this? What did Alpha Darwin do?”
I swallowed hard, then whispered, “My father has been missing for days.”
They were stunned. Both of them exchanged worried looks before turning back to me.
“Missing? How could that happen? Who would dare to kidnap the Alpha of the Moonstone pack?” Louis was furious, his voice rising.
I shook my head. “We don’t know who did it. The investigation is still ongoing, and we’re praying to find him soon.” I wiped away the tears now flowing freely down my cheeks. I couldn’t hold them back anymore.
“Kim, don’t worry,” Hannah said softly, her hand resting gently on mine. “Your father will be found soon. I believe it, and you should too. He’ll come back safe, just like we did.”
I looked at her, trying to believe it myself. “Thank you, Hannah. Thank you both.”
“We’re here for you, always,” Louis added, smiling at me.
Then his face grew serious again. “So, with the engagement done, you’re joining the Nightwalker pack tomorrow, right?”
I nodded slowly. “Yes, starting tomorrow, I’ll be working for Alpha Derrick… as his slave.” I tried to sound brave, but the weight of those words crushed me inside.
Hannah squeezed my hand. “Don’t worry, Kimberly. You’ll be alright. You’re strong, and you’ll get through this.”
She was trying to comfort me, but her words couldn’t ease the pain in my heart. Then she added, “Mona must be so pleased with herself. Everything’s falling into place for that devil. Ugh, I can’t stand her!” Her frustration was clear.
I shook my head. “It’s fine, Hannah. I don’t care about Mona anymore. My focus is on finding my father. That’s all that matters now.”
Louis, curious, asked, “What’s wrong with his health?”
Before I could answer, there was a knock on the door. The sudden noise made me jump. It was late, almost 10 PM. Who could be knocking at this hour?
“Who is it?” I called out, slowly walking toward the door. My heart raced as my mind instantly went to Damien. I froze. How would I explain Damien to my friends if it was him? How did I even begin to tell them who he was to me?
“Who’s there?” I asked again, my hand hovering over the door handle.
Suddenly, a familiar voice responded, “It’s me. Open the door.”
I blinked, shocked. “Luna Catherine?” I muttered under my breath and hurried to open the door.
Luna Catherine walked in, her eyes immediately locking on Louis and Hannah sitting on the bed. She looked startled, almost as if she had seen ghosts. Her expression was blank as she stared at them. They both greeted her politely, “Good evening, ma’am,” but she didn’t respond. It was as if she hadn’t heard them at all.
I cleared my throat loudly, snapping her out of whatever trance she was in. She turned to face me.
“What brings you here, ma’am?” I asked, trying to sound respectful but firm.
She blinked as if still disoriented. “I came to see if you’ve packed your things yet. You won’t have time in the morning,” she said, her voice stiff, but her eyes kept drifting back to Louis and Hannah.
I felt my temper rising. I couldn’t believe she’d come here just to check on something so petty. “I’ve packed,” I said coldly. “I don’t understand why you needed to come ask.”
Luna Catherine’s presence had always annoyed me, but this was a new low. She had no respect for boundaries. Her question seemed ridiculous, almost insulting, given everything going on. I stared back at her, refusing to let her see how much she bothered me.
“Is there anything else?” I asked, barely containing my frustration.
Her face flushed with anger. “No,” she spat out before storming out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
I shook my head, fuming. Luna Catherine had acted strangely ever since she laid eyes on my friends. Her reaction to them had been odd, but I was too angry to care.
“She didn’t seem too happy to see us,” Hannah remarked, breaking the tension.
Louis chuckled. “Forget her. We’re here for you, Kimberly. Always.”
I smiled at them. “Thank you.”
That night, Hannah and Louis stayed with me. We talked and laughed for hours, cherishing our last night together.
For a moment, I felt at peace, surrounded by my friends. But deep down, I knew tomorrow would change everything.