Freja’s POV
The hospital’s pale fluorescent lights buzzed above me as I paced the corridors, each step echoing with anxiety. Nurses moved around briskly, their chatter and clinking tools creating a background hum that I barely registered. I stopped near the nurses’ station, gripping the counter to steady my trembling hands.
“Did you find her?” I asked Mabel, who had just come back from the emergency wing.
“I’ve searched everywhere-every hallway, every room, even the supply closets. She’s not here,” she replied, her voice thick with worry. “What about you? Any luck?”
“None,” I admitted, shaking my head. “I called home, but she isn’t there either.”
“Then where is she?!” Mabel’s frustration mirrored my own, her voice breaking slightly.
“Maybe she felt suffocated here and decided to leave,” I suggested, trying to remain calm. “Does she have any friends or relatives she could have gone to see?”
Mabel’s shoulders slumped, and she leaned against the counter. “Ashley is a simple girl. I’m the only real friend she has, and her mom… she’s her only family. She doesn’t have anywhere else to go.”
A thought struck me like lightning. My eyes widened. “What if…”
Mabel grabbed my arm. “What is it? Freja, what’s going on? Ashley has been so depressed lately. What has your family done to her?”
Her accusation stung, but I didn’t have time to respond. I pulled my arm away. “I have to go, Mabel. I promise you, we’ll find Ashley.”
I turned and ran out of the hospital, my heart pounding.
******
Freya’s POV
The moonlight streamed through the large bay windows, casting long shadows across the living room. I paced relentlessly, ignoring Liam’s attempts to calm me down.
“She’ll be fine, Freya. I’m sure Luna is alright,” Liam said from the couch, but his words didn’t reach me.
“I’ve called Freja a dozen times, and she’s not picking up,” I said, biting my lip. “I can’t just sit here, Liam. I need to do something. I should go look for her myself!”
The door flew open, and Freja burst in, her face a mask of anger and frustration.
“Where’s Steven?” she demanded, her voice cutting through the tension in the room.
“Freja,” I called, rushing to her. “Did you find Luna?”
“No, I didn’t. I looked everywhere, and she’s gone!” Her voice cracked. “I’m starting to think this has something to do with Maya. What if she took Luna to get back at Steven?”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “That can’t be.”
Freja rounded on me, her eyes blazing. “It’s very possible, Freya! You know Maya. She’s capable of anything.”
“Where is Steven?!” she demanded again.
“Upstairs,” I said reluctantly, and Freja didn’t wait for further explanation. She stormed up the stairs, and we followed close behind.
When we entered the room, it was empty.
“He’s not here,” Freja said, turning to me.
“He was here just a few minutes ago,” I said, glancing around the room in confusion.
Freja crossed her arms, her voice laced with frustration. “Steven must’ve gone to find Luna.”
Liam frowned. “How can you be so sure? He didn’t seem to care when you mentioned her earlier.”
I took a deep breath. “Steven’s cold exterior is just a facade. Deep down, he still has compassion. I reminded him of our mother, and I think that struck a nerve.”
Freja’s expression softened for a moment before she steeled herself again. “Even if Steven’s looking for her, we can’t just sit here. I’m going out to search for Luna myself.”
Without another word, she turned and walked out.
I made to follow, but Liam grabbed my arm.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, his grip firm.
“You heard what Freja said. Maya might have taken Luna. I’m going to her pack’s territory to confront her,” I said.
“You can’t be serious, Freya. That’s dangerous!”
“I can take care of myself,” I snapped, pulling my arm free.
“Freya, you’re still not strong enough,” Liam said, his voice lowering. “You know that.”
I glared at him, my resolve hardening. “Thank you for your concern, but I’m not sitting around while Luna is out there alone.”
I shifted into my wolf form and raced toward the Moon Pack’s territory, the wind howling in my ears as trees blurred past me.
******
When I reached the edge of their territory, guards surrounded me instantly, their arrows trained on my chest.
I shifted back into my human form and raised my hands. “I request an audience with Maya Empire.”
The guards hesitated, glancing at each other. “And who are you?”
“Freya Blackwood,” I said, standing tall.
A familiar voice rang out. “Freya.”
I turned to see Maya stepping forward, a smirk playing on her lips.
“Steven’s sister,” she said mockingly. “You must have a death wish, coming here alone.”
“Where’s Luna?” I demanded, ignoring her taunts.
Maya feigned confusion. “Luna? Oh, you mean Steven’s precious human mate? Is she missing?” She laughed, the sound grating against my nerves.
“Maya,” I warned, stepping closer. “If you’ve taken her-”
“I didn’t,” she interrupted, her smile widening. “But now that I know she’s missing, I might as well take this opportunity to track her down. I could kill her and weaken Steven in the process.”
“You won’t lay a finger on her,” I said, my voice low and dangerous.
Maya’s smile faded. “Who’s going to stop me? You?”
Her warriors moved to follow her orders, but I stepped in front of her.
“Touch her, and you’ll regret it,” I said.
Maya’s eyes glinted with malice. “You’re in no position to make threats, Freya. You’ve always been weak, ever since you lost your mate.”
“You’re right,” I said, meeting her gaze. “I was weak. But it’s been years, Maya. If you think I’m still that girl, you’re in for a surprise.”
Maya sneered. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
She lunged, and I braced myself for the fight.
******
Ashley’s POV
The lake shimmered under the moonlight as I sat on the grassy bank, hugging my knees to my chest. Tears streamed down my face, the salty tracks burning against my skin.
“I’m so tired,” I whispered to no one. “I just want all of this to disappear-Steven, Maya, everyone.”
A familiar voice broke through the silence.
“Luna.”
I turned to see Steven standing behind me, his expression unreadable.
“How did you know where to find me?” I asked, my voice trembling.
“You’re predictable,” he said, sitting beside me. “This was always your safe place.”
I looked away, the weight of his presence almost unbearable. “Why are you here? To hurt me again? To turn me into a werewolf and erase my memories?”
Steven’s voice softened. “I’m not here to turn you or hurt you.”
“Then what? Are you here to kill me?”
He shook his head. “Your mom is still alive, Luna. She’s still breathing. You shouldn’t be here, hiding. You should be with her, making the most of the time you have left.”
His words struck a chord, and for a moment, I saw a glimpse of the boy I used to know.
“Get up,” he said, offering his hand. “It’s not over until it’s over.”
I hesitated, then took his hand, letting his words anchor me. Somewhere beneath his coldness, the boy I loved still existed.