chapter Twenty–Three: Return to Red Moon
Samanthas POV
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I woke up with a yawn. This was it. Today was the day we would
return to the Dark Moon pack. The thought sent a delightful.
shiver down my spine. I slipped out of bed and tossed on my
clothes. I put my hands on my hips and stood in front of the full
body mirror. Something important was missing, I thought, then
reached for my desk.
I grabbed the white mask I chose for our disguise and put it on.
It was simple but effective, covering just enough of my face to
keep my identity hidden without being too conspicuous.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. The
mask felt strange. It was a constant reminder that I wasnot
welcome back into my own pack. But it was necessary. We had
to move unnoticed if we were to gather the information we
needed.
With one last glance in the mirror, I left my room and made my
way to Theo◆◆s study. The house was quiet, the usual hustle.
and bustle a background noise against what was at stake. As I
approached the study, I heard the low murmur of voices.
Pushing the door open, I stepped inside and saw Theo standing.
chapter Twenty–Three: Return to Red Moon
by his desk, adjusting a similar black mask.
He looked up as I entered. His eyes crinkled with a smile behind
the mask. “You look ready,” he said, his voice warm and
reassuring.
I nodded, feeling a bit more confident. “And you look…
mysterious,” I teased, trying to lighten the mood. “I think black
suits you.”
Theo chuckled softly. “Mysterious, huh? Ill take that as a
compliment. But I think the white mask makes you look like a
guardian angel.”
I rolled my eyes, a playful grin on my lips. “An angel with at
mission, maybe.”
Before Theo could respond, Alex walked in, his own mask in
hand. “Well, dont you two look like a matching set,” he said,
a grin spreading across his face. “White and black, quite the
pair.”
I couldn❖❖t help but laugh. “Thanks, Alex. I guess we��re
going for the dramatic look.”
Alex groaned, holding up his plain mask. “And I get stuck with this boring thing. You two get to look all cool while I look like I
→m going to a stuffy masquerade ball.”
chapter Twenty–Three Return to Red Moon
Theo shook his head, trying to stifle a laugh. “Come on, Alex.
You look good in anything! Maybe we should have gone with something more colorful?”
Alex smirked, slipping his mask on. “Yeah, maybe next time I
♦ll go for something with sequins. Or feathers. Really make an
entrance.”
I giggled at the mental image. “Sequins would definitely suit
you, Alex. Youd be the star of the show.”
Alex rolled his eyes dramatically. “Oh great. Just what I always
wanted.”
Theo clapped him on the shoulder, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Hey, just be glad you have a mask, alright? Without it, we⚫d be in big trouble.”
I nodded as Alex raised a brow at Theo. “Hes right. The plain mask is to stop the girls in the Dark Moon pack from obsessing over you. Youre far too handsome to stay subtle without one. This way, we can keep our cover.”
Alex laughed, shaking his head. “Well, I guess that◆◆s true. I dont need any more distractions.”
Theo chuckled, but Alexs expression turned thoughtful as he looked at me. “You know, Samantha, youve changed a
chapter Twenty–Three: Return to Red Moon
lot since you first came to the Crescent Pack. Youre more
confident and outgoing now.”
I couldnt hide my grin. “Thanks, Alex. It means a lot coming from you.”
Alex waved me off, but his expression softened.“Just
remember, were in this together. Weve got your back.”
As we gathered our things and prepared to leave, the door burst open, and Luci rushed into the room, her eyes wide with determination. “Wait! I want to come with you,” she shouted,
looking directly at Theo.
Theo shook his head firmly. “Luci, its too dangerous. We
cant risk you getting hurt.”
Luci crossed her arms and planted her feet stubbornly. “I can
help! You know I can. Besides, youll need someone to
watch your backs.”
Theo sighed, rubbing his temples. “Luci, this isnot up for
debate. Its too risky.”
Lucis tough act softened, and worry crept into her eyes. “Just be careful, okay? There are a lot of bad guys in the Dark Moon pack. I dont want anything to happen to you.”
I winced at Lucios words, feeling a pang of guilt. I knew she
chapter Twenty–Three: Return to Red Moon
was concerned for our safety, but it still hurt a little to hear her
talk about my former pack that way. “Luci, well be careful. I
promise.”
Luci glanced at me, her expression shifting as realization clicked. “Oh, Im so sorry, Samantha. I didnt mean to talk bad about your pack or make you uncomfortable. I just… I care about you guys.”
I gave her a reassured smile. “Its okay, Luci. Thanks for your concern. Well be fine.”
Luci s eyes flickered with relief, but the worry didnt completely leave her face. “You better be. If anything happens to you, I ll never forgive myself.”
I♦♦ll
Theo stepped forward, placing a hand on Lucis shoulder. “Well be back before you know it. Just keep things steady here and dont worry too much.”
Luci nodded reluctantly, her arms dropping to her sides. “I trust you, Theo. But that doesnt mean Im not going to worry.”
Alex, who had been quietly watching the exchange, stepped in with a light–hearted grin. “Dont worry, Luci. Ill keep these two in line. Besides, they wouldnt survive without me.”
chapter Twenty–Three: Return to Red Moon
Luci laughed, a genuine sound that eased some of the tension
in the room. “Im counting on you, Alex. And remember, no
flirting with other girls while you❖❖re there.”
Alex didnt answer, just nodded in agreement.
“Ill keep this one in line.” I tapped Alex on his shoulder, mimicking him.
“My Luna” Alex sighed exaggeratedly
I knew he called me Luna on purpose.
Luci rolled her eyes, but her smile didnt budge. “Not as far as I can throw you, Alex. Just promise me youll all come back safe.”
Theo nodded, his expression serious. “We will, Luci. I promise.”
With a final goodbye to Luci, we set off on our journey towards the Dark Moon pack.
The journey to the Dark Moon pack felt like it stretched on forever. Each passing day we trudged through anticipation and uneasy nerves, the weight of what we were about to do pressing down on us. The landscape changed slowly, familiar markers telling me we were getting closer to our destination.
A few days later, we finally arrived at the gates of the Dark
chapter Twenty–Three: Retum to Red Moon
Moon pack. The sight of the tall, imposing structure sent a shiver down my spine. Memories of my time here flooded back, a mix of conflicting emotions. My heart pounded in my chest, my breath coming in shallow gasps.
Theo sensed my anxiety and squeezed my hand. I suddenly felt the fear starting to fade. “Were in this together, Samantha,” he whispered, his voice steady and calm. “Youre not alone.”
I looked up at him, drawing strength from his unwavering confidence. His eyes were filled with hope, and I knew he wouldnt let anything happen to me. Closing my eyes, I nodded, steadying my nerves.
The gates heavy iron doors loomed over us as if to taunt us. I felt the eyes of the guards on us, ready and waiting. But with Theo and Alex by my side, I knew I could do this.
Gathering all my courage, I looked up at the gate, stepped
forward, and shouted in a voice loud enough so everyone could hear it.
“100m back!”
