Page 80 of A Hunter for Luna

"You're out of your depth," I hissed. "Leave Kalion within a week, or Vala will hear all the details. You’ll be a laughingstock across Dimare."

Benedetto burst into the room, his sword drawn and ready. He took in the scene. Vivaldo lying half on the floor, me threatening him with the fan’s razor edge.

A flicker of surprise crossed his face before he schooled his features into a stern mask.

“My wife, what terms did you negotiate?”

“He leaves Kalion within seven days.”

"She's being generous," Benedetto said coldly as he leveled his blade at Vivaldo. "If I find you here after the deadline, you'll wish you'd taken her advice."

I took a step back, removing the fan, ready to slash if he tried to grab me.

"Fine," Vivaldi snarled, scrambling to his feet. "I'll leave. You'll regret this, cousin."

Benedetto raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Not as much as you will if you don't keep your bargain."

We exited the room, leaving Vivaldo there.

As the adrenaline faded, a new worry crept in. What would Benedetto think of me now? He’d seen me fight, yes, but this was a different level of involvement in conflicts.

I chanced a glance at him, trying to gauge his reaction.

"We should go." He sheathed his sword. "Before he reconsiders and decides to come back with reinforcements."

I brushed past Benedetto and hurried down the steps. Outside, the cool night air cooled my skin, sweaty with exertion.

As soon as I left the building, Benedetto caught up with me, speaking quietly but forcefully. "What the hell were you thinking, going in alone? You could have gotten yourself killed."

I shrugged. "I didn't, did I? Besides, it was quicker."

Benedetto pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. I could see the tension in his jaw, the way his shoulders were rigid with barely contained anger. But beneath that, there was something else. Worry, perhaps? Or maybe just frustration at my stubbornness.

"We'll stay in town for another week," he muttered. "Make sure Vivaldo actually leaves."

I couldn't help but beam at him with a sudden rush of affection. "You do care." I leaned closer.

Benedetto scowled, but I caught the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Don't let it go to your head."

As we walked toward the waiting horses, he muttered something under his breath about vixens and trouble.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

BENEDETTO

With Lunaand Rose safe at the villa with more guards, my mother a guest at the palace, and Sofia near Rose, I felt safe to leave. I needed to move, to think.

I walked to the Volonta, near the bridge, and stared over the water, in the direction it flowed toward the ocean.

Above, the sky shone a brilliant blue, the sunlight casting a golden haze over red and green tiled rooftops.

How would I handle the journey? With my mother in town, the political threat had lessened.

We had a solid lead. One day into the pass, turn left at the blasted oak, and follow the second game trail.Moonshifter will finally be within reach.

This could end Francesco’s long torment, freeing both of us. The end of this Void blasted half-life. From my previous travels, it would take me and Luna five weeks to reach the base of the Renhos Mountains, and another six days to navigate to the Ygris Pass. The terrain would be rough. Steep trails, dense forest, and the threat of snow even in early summer.

It'd be grueling. Could Luna handle it? Even if it were best for her, I didn’t want to leave her here. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. Since when did I enjoy someone's company like this?

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