Page 53 of A Hunter for Luna

Luna folded her arms across her chest, arching an eyebrow. "It’s healed, thank you for your concern. And I am coming."

Of course she would insist. This woman was going to be the death of me.

"Fine," I said. "But if you get killed, it's your ass. I'm not slowing down for you."

Luna tossed her head. "I wouldn't dream of it."

I admired her determination. She was either incredibly brave or incredibly foolish. Or perhaps a bit of both.

"Let's go," I turned on my heel. "We've got a long night ahead of us."

We slipped out of the house like shadows, blending into the night. The streets of Kalion stretched before us, a labyrinth of narrow alleys and winding paths. We stuck to the shadows, moving with a swift, silent purpose.

The city was different at night. Quieter, more dangerous. Like a sleeping beast waiting to pounce.

The air was cool against my skin, carrying with it the faint scent of the sea. Moonlight glinted off the white stones embedded in the cobblestones, casting an ethereal glow that guided our way.

"Where are we going?" Luna asked.

"You'll see," I said, my gaze scanning the rooftops for any sign of movement. "Just keep up and stay quiet."

She nodded. I admired her courage, even as I worried for her safety.

She was not prepared for this. Then again, whoever was?

We moved deeper into the city, the grand marble buildings of the wealthy giving way to the cramped, ramshackle structures of the poor. Here, the shadows seemed to press in closer, the darkness more oppressive.

This was where the real Kalion lay. Behind the glittering façade, beyond the reach of the empire's law.

"Stay close," I said to Luna, my hand resting on the hilt of my sword. "And be ready for anything."

She nodded, her expression determined. And together, we plunged into the heart of the city, ready to face whatever dangers the night might bring.

We reached Tulliano Lucardi's grand mansion, a large structure that loomed before us like a fortress. The man had homes like this in all the major cities of Dimare. He had more money than sense.

High walls surrounded the property, topped with iron spikes that glinted menacingly in the moonlight. A heavy gate barred the entrance, flanked by two stone lions that seemed to watch our every move.

I signaled for Luna to follow me as I approached the wall, my fingers finding purchase in the rough stone. With a deep breath, I climb, my muscles straining with the effort.

I reached the top of the wall and paused, glancing back to see how Luna was faring. To my shock, she was right behind me.

When I touched down, she landed silently beside me in the courtyard, a triumphant grin on her face. I stared, my mouth hanging open in disbelief, not expecting her to know how to scale a wall like that. "Where did you learn to do that?"

She shrugged, smoothing her skirts back into place. "I had a good teacher."

A surge of possessiveness rose up within me, hot and bitter. Who had Vala paid to teach her? How many men had spent time with my wife, teaching her skills like this?

I pushed the thought aside, forcing myself to focus. "Let's go," I said gruffly, leading the way across the courtyard.

The mansion was huge with its white marble façade glowing in the moonlight. Elaborate carvings adorned the walls, depicting scenes from ancient myths and legends. It was a display of wealth and power, a testament to Lucardi's ambition.

He bought this place to prove he belonged among the elite. I curled my lip in disdain. But no amount of gold could buy true nobility.

I crept up to one of the windows, peering inside. The room beyond was dark, the furniture draped in white sheets like ghostly figures.

"Looks like no one's home," I glanced back at Luna. "Lucardi must have left in a hurry."

She frowned, her brow furrowing in thought. "Do you think he knew we were coming? That you know he’s in communication with Moonshifter?"

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