Page 77 of The Blood Moon Hunt

I nod, the promise of unimaginable power thrumming in my veins. "And once she does... I get what’s owed to me. Power. Freedom. The ability to hunt as I please, when I please." My voice drops to a growl, the hunger for more bubbling just beneath the surface. "You’ll give me what I want."

The Prime’s voice grows darker, more sinister. "Youwill have it. Power beyond your imagination. The human realm will be yours to roam, to feast on. You will no longer be shackled by the rules of the Hunt. You’ll feed freely, satiating that hunger you’ve only barely tasted."

The promise sends a shiver of anticipation down my spine, and I grin, the coldness of it settling into my chest. "Good. But you need to make sure the shadows and the lesser warlocks don’t interfere until the right moment. If they take Selene, if they devour the others, there won’t be a chance for her to break the curse. She needs to be at the altar. She needs to release you."

There’s a pause, the shadows seeming to pulse with the Prime’s cold authority. "We will hold back the shadows. They will not strike—until you give the signal."

The wraiths coil around me, ready to disperse. I stand there, feeling the weight of the pact we’ve just solidified. My chest tightens, the reality of my role in this hunt settling in. They are all counting on me, trusting me... but none of them know what I’m about to do.

"You’ve chosen wisely, Ronan," the Prime says, his voice fading into the shadows. "Do not fail us. Your reward will be great, but your punishment will be far greater should you falter."

I smirk again, this time darker, more dangerous. "I won’t fail."

And with that, the wraiths scatter, vanishing intothe night. The forest around me feels eerily still, as though holding its breath, waiting for what’s to come. I turn and begin my journey back to the manor, already picturing how this will all end. I’ll let them think we’re all on the same side... for now.

But soon enough, Selene will break the curse, and I’ll claim the power I’ve always craved.

Let the others try to stop me. They won’t stand a chance.

As I walk back through the forest, the weight of the Prime’s promises lingers in my mind. Power. Freedom. Everything I’ve ever wanted, within reach. All I have to do is wait for the right moment.

When I arrive at the manor, the heavy door creaks open, and the warmth of the firelight washes over me. Adrian is standing near the hearth, his sharp eyes narrowing as he notices me enter. There’s a tension in the air, something electric.

"You’re back," Adrian says, his voice flat, but his sharp eyes scan me from head to toe, assessing every inch of my demeanor. "What’s your decision?"

I raise an eyebrow, letting the smirk curl at the corner of my lips as I play my role to perfection. "I’ll go along with the plan," I say, my tone casual. "We’ll take Selene to the altar during the Blood Moon, just like you wanted."

Adrian crosses his arms, his gaze unwavering, as if he's searching for a crack in my words. "You seem...awfully agreeable all of a sudden," he remarks, his tone laced with skepticism.

I shrug nonchalantly, keeping my expression neutral. "I’ve had time to think it over," I say, keeping my voice smooth and unbothered. "Besides, it’s the best way to get what we all want, isn’t it?"

Adrian narrows his eyes, clearly not convinced. I can almost feel his magic swirling beneath the surface, probing at the edges of my defenses, trying to sense any deceit. But I’ve been preparing for this. I’ve spent years perfecting my masks, playing both sides when needed. He won’t find a damn thing.

"You’re not exactly known for following orders," Adrian says, his tone growing colder. "Especially not ones that involve teamwork."

I lean casually against the stone wall, crossing my arms, and give him a lazy grin. "What can I say? I’m full of surprises. But I’m no fool. We’ve got the same goal—get to the altar and defeat the Order, ending the Hunt. You want power, I want power... seems simple enough."

Adrian’s gaze sharpens, and for a moment, I see the calculating mind at work behind his carefully controlled exterior. He’s suspicious, as he should be. He knows I’m not to be trusted. But he also knows that, for now, he needs me.

"Power isn’t the only thing in play here," Adrian mutters, almost to himself. "You’ve been after more than that for a long time, haven’t you, Ronan?"

I meet his gaze head-on, my smile never faltering. "And you haven’t? Don’t try to play the noble one here, Adrian. We all want what’s best for us."

He lets out a low hum, the sound more thoughtful than agreeing. His eyes linger on me a moment longer before he speaks again, his voice dropping. "Fine. We’ll leave when the moon is at its peak. Be ready." He turns as if the conversation is over, but I don’t move.

"One more thing," I say, my tone casual but laced with an edge of mockery. Adrian glances back at me, his expression unchanged. "You don’t have to worry about me... just make sure you’re ready when the shadows come calling."

He stiffens, just a fraction, but it’s enough. He knows the shadows will come, knows that something’s lurking beyond this game we’re playing, and it unnerves him. His gaze flickers over my face one last time, and for a moment, I wonder if he’s going to call me out right then and there. But he doesn’t.

Instead, Adrian merely nods. "I’ll be ready." His tone is firm, but I see the wariness in his eyes. "But I’ll be watching you, Ronan. Don’t forget that."

I flash him a grin, showing just enough teeth to remind him of the predator lurking beneath my skin. "I wouldn’t expect anything less."

Adrian lingers for a moment longer, his eyes still calculating, before he finally turns on his heel and walks away, disappearing into the shadows of the manor.

As soon as he's out of sight, my grin fades, and the cold determination settles back in. Let him watch. Let them all watch. I’ll play along for now, but when the moment comes... I’ll make sure I’m the one standing at the altar, the one holding all the cards.

They think they know me. They think they can predict what I’ll do.

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