Page 50 of The Blood Moon Hunt

I see the flicker of power in her eyes just before it happens. A surge of energy explodes from her, sending all of us flying back. I hit the wall hard, my head ringing from the impact. Damn. She’s stronger than I thought.

She stands in the center of the room, breathing hard, her eyes wild with fury. “I’m leaving,” she declares.

Damien, recovering first, steps forward. “Selene, you can’t leave. The shadows are closing in. The Order’s creatures will hunt you down.”

“Better them than you,” she retorts, her voice hard.

“Selene, wait,” Adrian says, stepping forward carefully. “You don’t know what you’re up against out there. You’re safer here.”

She doesn’t even look at him. “I’ll take my chances.”

With that, she storms out of the room, her power still crackling in the air behind her. The door slams shut, and for a moment, there’s only silence.

Then I push myself off the wall, brushing the dust from my clothes. “I’ll go after her.”

Damien’s eyes flash with warning. “You’re not going anywhere near her.”

I meet his gaze, feeling the familiar surge of competitiveness. “You really think you can stop me? I’m the best tracker here. I’ll find her before you even leave the manor.”

Lucien chuckles darkly from the corner. “Sounds like someone’s getting territorial.”

Adrian steps in, his voice cutting through the tension. “He’s right, Damien. Ronan is the best tracker we’ve got. If anyone can find her, it’s him.”

Damien glares at Adrian, his power rippling in the air. “You’re not seriously suggesting we let him go after her alone.”

“Of course not,” Adrian replies smoothly. “You’ll go with him.”

I scoff. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

Adrian’s eyes narrow. “You’re not getting a choice.”

Lucien crosses his arms, smirking. “Sounds like we’re splitting up, then. Divide and conquer.”

I roll my eyes but don’t argue. I can bide my time. Wait for the right moment. “Fine,” I say, turning toward the door. “Let’s go find her.”

Chapter

Twenty-Seven

DAMIEN

The forest is unnervingly still as Ronan and I move further away from the manor. Every sound feels sharper, every rustle in the trees like a whisper of danger. I know we’re being watched. The shadows are waiting, lingering just beyond the wards, eager for a misstep. They belong to the Order. Their task is to maintain balance, to prevent anyone from gaining too much of an advantage. But today, I’m not convinced that balance is their priority.

Ronan’s presence grates on me, a constant reminder that we’re both hunting the same prey—though for very different reasons.

“You’re too tense, Damien,” Ronan mutters beside me, his voice dripping with that cocky arrogance I’vealways hated. “You’re acting like you’ve never had to chase after prey before.”

I keep my gaze fixed ahead, refusing to rise to his bait. “I know what I’m doing.”

“Do you?” Ronan sneers, stepping in front of me, his broad shoulders blocking the path. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’ve lost control. First Adrian, then Lucien. Now me. And here you are, tailing after that girl like a lovesick puppy.”

I grind my teeth. He’s goading me, trying to get under my skin. And it’s working. Every second I spend with Ronan only intensifies my frustration, my anger. It’s not just about Selene—it’s about everything. The Order, the Hunt, my role as facilitator. I’m supposed to be impartial, but how can I be, when every instinct screams to protect her?

“She’s not just any prey,” I snap, my voice colder than I intend. “And you know it.”

Ronan chuckles darkly, taking another step closer, his face inches from mine. “Oh, I know. I’ve felt her power. She’s something else, all right. And you’re scared.”

My fists clench at my sides. “I’m not scared of you.”

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