Counterback of the Despised Luna by Diana West

Chapter 419 Letting Him Go

༥ . 89%E

+8 Pearls

Caden’s shoulders twitched, betraying his fear, but he squared his neck, trying to look brave. The werewolf girl, on the other hand, froze, her lip trembling as she let go of his hand. She’d seen the truth–the boy, the one who’d been so protective, was clearly frightened of the bear.

Thrice noticed it all, his eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. With a sneer, he shifted back into his human form and cracked his whip. The black bear snarled, furious and thrashing against the chain.

“This bear was raised on werewolf meat,” Thrice taunted. “You two better keep quiet. If it gets hungry enough, I won’t stop it from eating you. And don’t think I’ll take the fall.”

The black bear growled, its eyes burning with hunger, its breath rank with a rotting stench.

Thrice’s grin grew, the sadistic gleam in his cyc unmistakable. Slowly, he loosened his hold on the rope, letting the bear inch forward.

Caden closed his eyes tightly, trying to control his fear.

As the bear lunged, Caden braced himself, squeezing his eyes shut. But then, a voice pierced the tension.

“Don’t bite him!”

Caden blinked in surprise. The werewolf girl stood in front of him, arms stretched wide, facing the bear without a hint of fear.

I thought the bear would tear into them. But the little girl, despite her small size, stood firm, blocking him. I saw the chain around the bear’s neck, and it didn’t move forward. My fear slowly began to fade.

Thrice snorted in irritation and yanked the bear back by its chain. “Scared, huh? Remember my words. Stay in line.”

With a final sneer, Thrice turned, leading his lackeys out. Once they were gone, I peeked back into the small room, watching closely.

“Thanks for earlier … ” Caden exhaled, his voice quiet with relief.

He looked at the werewolf girl, gratitude in his eyes.

she smiled sweetly, her voice soft. “You protected me,

voice was innocent, and her smile was

been kind to me. If we make it home, when I grow up, I swear

pinkies, both of them looking

stood just outside the door, watching, feeling a sharp pang of jealousy twist in my gut.

did Caden say he wanted to

brave boy–he’d be

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419 Letting Him

my stepmother, but she didn’t care where

waited for the right moment

I did, he’d

& ཏཱི 89%u

+8 Pearls

the cabin. After lunch, my dad stretched out on the earthen bed in the main room, quickly drifting off to sleep. My stepmother was nowhere to be found, likely off doing whatever she

father’s snores filled

the key to the small, dark room

pocket to retrieve the key. He didn’t stir. Then I moved quickly to the small, dark room, my hands shaking. The

I froze. The werewolf girl stood

“Who are you?”

other room. The werewolves didn’t come today. You–You need to leave, now!” I urged, glancing nervously

werewolf girl flinched, her confusion

shards of glass, and started sawing at the ropes binding Caden’s

but just as I was about to finish,

you think you’re doing?!”

there he was, standing in the doorway, rage