“I’m not letting him anywhere near you, Luna.”

But even as he said it, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.

The morning was quiet, almost unnaturally so. The weight of Orion's warning still hung in the air from last night, refusing tolet go. I was about to sink into the comfort of my routine when the sudden ringing of my phone pierced through the silence.

“Miranda?” I answered cautiously.

“Luna,” her voice came through the line, shaky and filled with desperation. “I need to see you. Please ... it’s urgent.”

I immediately tensed, suspicion creeping in. “We met yesterday, and things didn’t go so well, Miranda. Why should I trust you now?”

“I know,” she admitted quickly. “I swear, I’ll be on my best behavior this time. But you need to come. It’s about you ... and my dad.”

That was enough to get my attention. “What do you mean?”

“I can’t explain over the phone,” she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Meet me at your apartment. I have the keys. Remember you gave me the spare key some time ago. I’ll be waiting.”

I hesitated, doubt gnawing at me. This could be a trap, a ruse by Marcosias to lure me in. But if it involved Orion, I couldn’t ignore it.

“Alright,” I finally agreed. “But if you’re playing games, Miranda—”

“I’m not,” she interrupted, her tone dead serious. “Just come. Please.”

I ended the call, pacing around the room for a moment, considering my options. I couldn’t tell Orion—I knew he’d stop me from going. But I couldn’t go alone, either.

I grabbed my jacket and headed to the door, finding Jake stationed outside, ever vigilant.

“I need you to drive me to my apartment,” I said, trying to keep my voice casual. “There’s something I need to check on.”

Jake’s eyes narrowed. “Does Orion know?”

I met his gaze, keeping my tone steady. “No, and he doesn’t need to. Just drive me, and I’ll be quick.”

He nodded, but I could tell he wasn’t thrilled with the idea. Still, he didn’t argue.

We arrived at my apartment shortly after, and I could feel the tension building inside me. Something wasn’t right. As we pulled up, I turned to Jake. “Wait outside for me. I won’t be long.”

Jake frowned. “Are you sure?”

“I’ll be fine,” I assured him, stepping out of the car. “I just need a few minutes alone.”

He didn’t look convinced but nodded anyway.

I walked up the steps to my apartment, my heartbeat thudding in my ears. Miranda was already inside when I unlocked the door, pacing nervously. Her face was pale, her eyes red, as if she hadn’t slept in days.

“You came,” she said, her voice soft with relief.

I closed the door behind me, keeping my distance. “You said it was about me and your father. Start talking.”

She pressed her hands together, clearly struggling with whatever she had to say. “I overheard something. About Marcosias ... his plans for you.”

I crossed my arms, my skepticism rising. “What plans, Miranda?”

Her voice trembled as she spoke. “He used me as a pawn, to manipulate you and my father. And you ... Luna, he wants to use your powers to strengthen his clan. To turn you into a weapon.”

My breath hitched, her words hitting me like a punch to the gut. “Why are you telling me this now?”

“Because I didn’t see it before,” she confessed, her voice breaking. “I thought I could handle him. Thought I was in control. But I’m not. He’s been playing me this whole time, and now I don’t know how to escape. If I try to leave, he’ll retaliate. My father ... I can’t let him get hurt.”