Moonborn Heir Novel Chapter 6 – “Talia,” Lucian says, his tone brisk, leaving no room for hesitation. “Meet me at the main grounds in ten minutes.”
He doesn’t wait for a response before turning on his heel and striding away, leaving me to the knots twisting in my stomach. Why is he acting so cold all of a sudden, as if last night never happened? What does he want with me at the training grounds?
Part of me wishes I could retreat, hide from his intensity, but there’s a small part – a flicker of defiance that wants to meet his challenge head-on. I don’t have the luxury of refusing, not if I want to protect my child.
I quickly dress, casting one last look at Rhea, who stirs but doesn’t fully wake, and step outside into the brisk morning air. The camp is already bustling, wolves moving with purpose, casting curious glances my way as I pass. My stomach churns under their scrutiny. They know I don’t belong here, and I have no idea what Lucian’s intentions are.
As I reach the main grounds, I find Lucian waiting for me, arms crossed over his chest, his stance commanding and still. His gaze lands on me, intense and penetrating, pinning me in place. His expression is hard, unreadable, but there’s something beneath it – a glint of curiosity, as if he’s intent on peeling back the layers of my resolve to see what’s hidden underneath.
Around us, the Darkfang wolves are in the midst of their drills, each movement precise, each form grueling. Their training is relentless rows of powerful wolves lunging, sparring, and maneuvering with a practiced ferocity that sends a shiver through me. I can feel the strength and discipline radiating from them, the kind of ruthless conditioning that isn’t meant for the faint-hearted.
“You want sanctuary in Darkfang?” Lucian’s voice breaks through my thoughts, low and unmistakably authoritative, as Cade stands nearby, watching with folded arms.
I nod, my throat suddenly dry. “Yes.”
“Sanctuary isn’t given freely here,” he says, each word a sharp reminder that safety always comes at a price. “You have to earn it. Prove your loyalty.”
The word “loyalty” jolts me, a clear warning. I know better than to offer loyalty lightly, but if this is what I need to protect my child, I’ll do it. I’ll find a way.
“What do you want me to do?” I ask, forcing my voice to stay steady.
Lucian’s gaze flickers with a hint of approval, and he gestures toward the wolves drilling in front of us. “Join the Darkguard. Prove you’re worthy of a place here by training with them. The Darkguard is our first line of defense, our most trusted wolves. If you’re capable, you’ll earn your place.”
I swallow hard as I watch the Darkguard in action. The intensity of their training is daunting, each drill harsher than the last, each wolf pushing past limits I’m not sure I could ever reach. But I force myself to meet Lucian’s gaze, refusing to let him see the flicker of fear that tightens in my chest.
“I’ll do it,” I say, my voice unwavering, even as a hundred doubts claw at me.
Lucian’s eyes narrow, his gaze sharpening, as if he’s already examining my words for cracks. “Training is brutal,” he warns, stepping closer, his presence overwhelming. “We don’t coddle anyone. If you fail, you’re out. Understand?”
I swallow again, feeling the pressure of his scrutiny settling over me, his relentless gaze seeking out any sign of weakness, any hidden truth I might be holding back. I know he’s suspicious, that he senses there’s more to my story. That only makes my resolve harden.
I nod, my pulse thundering in my ears. “I understand.”
He studies me, his expression unyielding, and for a moment, I think he might push further, demand more. But then he steps back, his gaze hardening. “Training starts in one hour. Eat something and be ready.” He reaches into his coat and hands me a small parcel wrapped in cloth — a rough, hastily packed meal. “Don’t keep me waiting.”
The parcel feels heavy in my hands, a stark reminder of the physical demands ahead. I nod, swallowing down the swell of anxiety as I clutch the food, knowing this might be the only chance to gather my strength before facing whatever brutal test he has planned.
As he turns to leave, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, my shoulders slumping with both relief and fear.
What have I agreed to? The thought of facing grueling training while hiding my pregnancy fills me with dread, but what choice do I have? My hand drifts to my stomach, feeling the faint life within, reminding myself why I’m doing this. For him. For my child. I have to stay strong.
When I return to the cabin, Rhea is sitting up, worry etched across her face. I toss the small parcel onto the bed between us, unwrapping it to reveal a simple meal of bread and dried meat. “Lucian gave me this. Said training starts in an hour.”
Rhea’s eyes widen, a mix of shock and fear flashing across her face. “Training? For what?”
I tear off a piece of bread, handing it to her before taking a small bite myself. “I’m joining the Darkguard,” I say, the tension clear in my voice.
“But…in your condition? Are you sure that’s wise?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
I hesitate, chewing slowly as the weight of my decision settles over me. “It’s the only way we can stay here, Rhea. We need Lucian’s protection. For the baby.”
Rhea reaches out, her hand warm and reassuring on my arm. “Just…be careful okay? Don’t push yourself too hard.”
I give her a small, strained smile, but inside, fear coils tighter. Lucian’s suspicions, the demands of the Darkguard, and the secret I carry — all of it pulls me in different directions, testing how far I can stretch before I break.
But I can’t break. I won’t.
As I prepare for what lies ahead, I steel myself, knowing each step will be a test, each glance a potential threat. I’ll train, I’ll fight, and I’ll protect my child. I’ll guard the secret of the Moonborn Heir, even if it means facing Lucian’s relentless gaze every single day.
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