The Truth about the Barren Luna

The day passed in tense silence.

At the Alpha Hall, Raiden hovered near the edge of my station several times, clearly wanting to speak. But each time, I kept my gaze fixed on the glowing runes of my ledger.

In the end, he chose to give up. He retreated into his chamber and shut the door.

It wasn't that I didn't want to talk to him. I did. The words even burned in my throat like silver-taint, threatening to spill out.

Still, I held them back because I was already weary of speaking and sparring with him over the she-wolf, Kaia.

What was the point of another clash when he'd already decided whose side he stood on?

By the time the evening meal rolled around, I was too emotionally drained to bother with the pack politeness. I ate alone at the long table, not waiting for him as I once did.

When Raiden finally walked in, shrugging off his mantle and setting his satchel by the door, I barely acknowledged him.

"You didn't wait for me," he remarked, his gaze sweeping over the half-finished bowl of savory stew on the stone table.

I didn't look up. "I wasn't sure you'd return before the stars changed."

His lips tightened, but he said nothing as he pulled out a chair and sat down across from me.

For a while, the only sounds were the scrape of his utensils and the low hum of the birds outside. Finally, he sighed as he set down his meat. "Freya, how long will you give me the silent treatment?"

I shrugged, swirling what remained of my elderberry wine. "Until you figure out why I'm angry."

"That's the issue," he muttered, fingers dragging through his dark hair. "I don't understand why you're making this a whole territorial dispute. Kaia didn't mean to disrespect you."

I set my glass down harder than I meant to. "You always have a defense for her, don't you?"

His gaze sharpened. "That's not fair."

"No, Raiden. What's unfair is having to compete with your ally for your attention. What's unfair is you choosing her side every time she openly disregards me."

He groaned, leaning back in his chair. "This is why I want us to settle things. Let's have lunch tomorrow, just the three of us. You, me and Kaia. I want you to see there's nothing between Kaia and me."

A humorless laugh escaped me as I shook my head. I would rather face a silver blade than share a meal with Kaia.

"Thank you, but no. I have a territorial council during the sun-high."

"Then dinner," he insisted as he leaned forward with his elbows on the table. "There is a new trout lodge I've been meaning to sample. We'll sit down, share a proper meal and talk as packmates should."

"No thanks," I insisted.

He frowned, looking clearly frustrated. "Why not? What's wrong with a feast?"

I pushed my chair back and I stood as I wiped the corner of my lips with a napkin. "Because I have an adverse reaction to river-caught fish."

Raiden's eyes narrowed instantly. "You can't eat the fish?"

"Yes," I lied smoothly while clearing my table. "But don't let me stop you. I'm sure Kaia would be thrilled to accompany the Alpha of Ironwood pack."

His mouth opened to argue, but I didn't give him the chance.

I turned to depart. Before passing the doorway, I gave him a final glimpse. A bitter twist touched my mouth when a realization struck me.

He didn't even know I was lying.

The Alpha I had bound my life and spirit to didn't know one of the most basic truths about me. Or perhaps he did. But he just didn't care enough to remember.

"Freya," Raiden's voice stopped me halfway.

I glanced over my shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "What is it now?"

His gaze was sharp as a claw, his knuckles already white where he gripped the edge of the stone table. "You're being willful as a lone wolf. You know that, don't you?"

I didn't answer. I waited for him to continue, to say something that might mend the tattered bond between us.

Instead, he stood abruptly, shoving his chair back. "Fine. Keep howling at shadows. But don't say I didn't try to call you back."

After that, he stormed out of the dining den without another word.

For a moment, I stood frozen, staring at the space where he'd been. I should've felt relief that he was gone, but all I felt was the bitter sting of his words.

It wasn't until I reached the stone stairs that I noticed something. A faint, enchanted humming reached my ears.

His crystal communicator lay forgotten on the corner. The runes on its surface glowed with a name that made my blood run cold: Kaia.

The message preview shimmered into view. "Can't wait for tomorrow. I've got a surprise for you."