Chapter 8

• There were many sounds as I walked silently through the pitch-black forest: distant peacocks calling, branches and leaves cracking beneath my feet, and animals of the night making noise. Despite the late hour, I managed to move quickly because to my keen sense of smell.
• Despite my racing heart from the narrow escape, I made an effort to maintain composure. My main goal now was to find Bustane. I inhaled deeply into my nose, taking in the refreshing aromas delivered by the chilly air.
• There…I caught a hint of that familiar pine-like alpha smell. Relief washed over me he really was out here in this forest, seemingly oblivious to the trap laid out for him. My nose carried me forward, dodging the thorns and fallen trees on my way home to that signature scent.
• The trees in front began to open up, allowing patches of moonlight to peek through. In the open area lay a large, placid lake, the perfect reflection of the starry sky on its pristine surface.
• And there, he was sitting with his back to me on a flat rock at the water’s edge…and Bustane.
• My king seemed lost in thought, oblivious to his surroundings as he stared at the calm waters. His posture was firm, stiff, and even from this distance I could feel a subtle relaxation surge through him.
• If we took a moment to study him, to just drink in his presence after our traumatic separation, how could a person, a wolf exhibit such raw power and alpha dominance, But despite its beauty, still had a wise and sad feeling to it.
• As if he could feel the weight of my stare, Bustane suddenly stiffened and turned his head slightly, his nostrils flaring. The next moment he was on his feet in a protective kneeling position, those intense silver eyes fixed on the lines of the tree where I hid myself
• "Show yourself," he called in a low, menacing voice. "I know you're out there."
• My heart sank as I heard the edge in his voice. What does this scenario look like from his perspective a potential threat lurking in the shadows when his views were accepted elsewhere? I couldn’t stand the thought of him mistaking me for the Hunter, the enemy.
• "Bustane...?" I hesitated to call him again, and I slowly and quietly walked out into the open space with my hands raised. "Bustane, it's me. It's Luna."
• Heart pounding for a long time, my king remained completely still, tension pouring into his powerful body. Then, the switch seemed to flip his posture immediately softened and pure, undisguised relief washed over his chiseled face.
• "Luna," he said my name like it was a relief, walking closer to me in just two big steps.
• Pulling me into his fiery embrace Bustane just buried his face in the crook of my neck holding me so tight it almost took my breath away. I sank against the hard walls of his chest , and I tasted again the comfort of his scent and the energy of his voice all around me.
• When he finally raised his head to look at me, those stormy silver irises twitched with too many warring emotions for me to read. With one pitiful melody, he purred my cheeks and sucked undisguised disappointment from my open eyes.
• You're hurt," he murmured, no doubt increasing the volume of his hoarse voice as he caught scratches and small cuts from my escape. Anger tightened his facial lines. "Who did this to you? what happened?"
• Shaking my head dumbly, I pressed closer, both of us needing reassurance that I was indeed here and completely unharmed. "Long story…but I'm fine now, I promise."
• A low growl of disbelief rumbled in the back of Bustane's throat. But he seemed to sense how urgently I needed this new connection now, holding me impossibly tight in silent approval.
• For many long, quiet moments, we existed only in our shared space and connected energy. Just him and me, Alpha and Mate, strangely bonded souls despite the chaos around us. My wolf made calming sounds, drawing strength from Bustane's steady presence.
• Eventually, however, the seriousness of the situation became clear again. As much as I wanted to extend this peaceful break, we were still in real danger. Regaining focus, I pulled back to meet my partner's intense gaze.
• "Bustane, I have to tell you everything," I said sadly. "Greed, they-".
• A huge explosion deep in the forest shattered the quietness, making the ground shake under us. Flames lit up the trees, and smoke filled the air as evening fell. But all of that was nothing compared to the sudden, painful feeling that came between Bustane and me, breaking our strong connection.
• A choked sound tore from my lips as searing pain ripped through me, knocking the air out of my lungs. It was as if a thousand white-hot needles were piercing my soul, an agony so utterly painful and overwhelming that I almost passed out right there.
• I was vaguely aware that Bustane's hands had tightened around me lightning fast, a terrible inhuman fury rumbling from deep in his chest. But even his steadfast presence did little to lessen the torture that burned our bond - because the torture was not my own.
• It was Bustane's.
• Somehow, our attackers succeeded in whatever plot they were making, perfectly trapping my powerful Alpha in his helpless situation. The soul-crushing torture of burning in that mysterious bond between us was the manifestation of an overwhelming assault on his true self.
• "What is this...?" Every fearful word tore from Bustane's clenched jaw with force of will, his whole body stiffening and trembling with the strain of resisting. I could taste the sharp metal of blood as his long teeth brushed against my lips.
• His eyes, those deep silver pools that had always radiated their energy into me, now blazed with rage, pain, raw, primal power twice as intense as the biggest display I'd ever seen of Bustane's true alpha power, but never with that full, glorious force now pouring out of him.
• Even in the chaos, I knew deep down that Bustane was trying hard to control that powerful force within him, to keep it in check. Right now, he was battling against his own violent urges, struggling with something deep inside him.
• What could cause so much harm to someone as strong as Bustane? The predators must have some kind of powerful magic or really advanced technology to control a creature like him.
• Another explosion shook the forest, closer this time, along with far-off sounds of battle. Bustane tensed even more, letting out a fierce roar as he struggled to stay in control. It was clear: our enemies, who had brought war to his land, had forced him into the fight by hurting him.
• "Luna..." Bustane ground out, his fingers tightening into spasms where they dug into my shoulder. Now the warmth was leaving his beastly wolf eyes, replaced by something more dangerous...if not exactly calm or controlled. "You have to...run. Get out of here..."
• "What?" I refused to let go of his grip and shook my head violently. "No, Bustane, I can't! Not when you're being attacked like that. We have to keep you away from him for whatever reason-".
• "There's no time!" He cut me off sharply without arguing and gave me a nod.
• The glowing silver triangles made me hesitate. "Don't confront the enemy alone this time," Bustane warned. "They're too strong, even for me. You should retreat and regroup with the others."
• His words ripped through a well of pain, his whole body bending under the pressure of another attack. Whatever dark strength the hunters possessed, they were relentless in their efforts to initiate violent warfare.
• Bustane was ready to meet them on the battlefield, if necessary, to defend his territory with all his mighty strength. But he saw that I, his said new partner, was overwhelmed by such unfathomable evil. He wanted to protect me from the worst, at least for now.
• I could argue no longer, and his proud head jerked sharply to the side, staring into the forest with those wild wolf eyes. His whole body tensed like a coil, ready to plunge into the terrifying plain behind the tree.
• Then he winked at me, and I caught just a glimpse of the sweet passion burning beneath all that irresistible alpha dominance.
• Run, my Luna," he commanded, his voice straining back to that of a battle-ready ruler ready for the tyranny of war leaders. "Now you must run.
• I opened my mouth to protest again, even as more explosions reverberated in the area and unholy screams ripped through the night air. If whatever the Hunters were doing could temporarily bring Bustane himself to his knees, how could I willingly side with him in such an important conflict?
• But then I saw the look in his eyes, the absolute faith and determination burning there. I knew deep down that in whatever was coming, I would just be an obstacle. I don’t want to nod off to give it a serious chance.
• Bustane gasped, some of the tension released from his battle-hardened face, and he pulled me into one last heated kiss. His mouth settled on mine in a long, sweet kiss that was equal parts pain and adrenaline, and a welcome forever-after.
• When we finally parted, he violently pressed against my chest, our mingled breaths heavy and uneven.
• "Find others," he said in a voice that broke no argument. "Gather allies and reinforcements. And keep it all sacred…return to this battle until I send word, my comrade."
• Another lightning strike emphasized his order, even closer and scarier than before. The Alpha King's powerful presence shook me to the core, daring me to fight alongside him.
• Then in the next breath Bustane turned and leaned into overwhelming conflict, his body already pale and glowing with that supernatural that preceded his complete lupine transformation in the 19th century.
• I stood there for a while, feeling my heart race and my sight blur with the pain of parting. But I understood it was Bustane's only way to protect himself and stop the hunters' attack, no matter where their strange power came from.
• And I had to repack whatever allies and resources I had, in case the unthinkable happened, and he didn’t emerge victorious from the battle. Strengthened by that solemn thought, I turned and fled in the opposite direction of the commotion, turning from house to house to search for the scattered members of Bustane's pack.
• Our battle for territory had only just started. But with our forces combined, we can stand strong against this new, unnatural danger. If Bustane had succumbed to the hunters' rage, it would have consumed everything we had.
• I pray to the Great Omega for strength and patience. Please help me find a way to aid Bustane before he's consumed by whatever darkness these lands harbor.