Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 223

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting warm hues across the forest. Dain sat on the edge of the creek that bordered the school grounds, skipping stones across the water. His fiery orange eyes caught the reflection of the setting sun, but his thoughts were elsewhere-

on Elyra, as always.

"Dain?" a soft voice broke his reverie.

He turned to see Mia standing a few feet away, her sketchbook tucked under one arm. Her timid smile faltered slightly as she looked at him.

"Mia," he said, his voice neutral. "What are you doing out here?"

"I was looking for you," she admitted, stepping closer. "You've been acting different lately. I just... I wanted to talk."

Dain frowned but didn't respond, turning back to the water. He wasn't in the mood for a conversation, but Mia wasn't going to leave.

you care about her," Mia said quietly, her

he asked, his voice sharper than

said softly. "You're always watching out for her. Protecting her. But... it's more than that,

hand tightened. "She's my sister," he said firmly, though his voice

hand to the ground. "I've seen the way you look at her, Dain. And I

anger flashing in his glowing eyes. "You don't know anything

shouldn't," Mia said, her voice trembling. "I've been

froze, his breath catching in

loyal, and you care so much about the people you love. I thought maybe if I told you how I feel, it might...

his usual confidence was gone. "You shouldn't feel

her eyes searching his. "Because of

be what everyone needs you to be. Can't I be what you need?" Before he could respond, Mia stepped forward and kissed him. Her lips were warm

her, his chest heaving. "I can't..." he started, but the words

Dain? Why can't you let yourself feel something