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.

her," Mia said quietly, her

are you talking about?" he asked, his voice sharper

out for her. Protecting her. But... it's

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

sketchbook slipping from her hand to the ground. "I've seen the way you look at her, Dain. And I know it's not

his glowing

think you shouldn't," Mia said, her voice trembling. "I've been in love with

froze, his breath catching

strong, and loyal, and you care so much about the people you love. I thought maybe if I told

but his usual confidence was gone. "You shouldn't feel that way about me,"

eyes searching his. "Because of

this is for you, but I also know that you're trying so hard to be what everyone needs you to be. Can't I be what you need?" Before he could respond, Mia stepped forward

kiss broke, he stared at her, his chest heaving. "I can't..." he started,

were shimmering with unshed tears. "Why not, Dain? Why can't you let yourself feel something for me? Is it because of