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.

know you care about her," Mia said quietly,

about?" he asked, his voice sharper than

softly. "You're always watching out for her. Protecting her. But... it's more than that, isn't

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

the ground. "I've seen the way you look at her, Dain. And I know it's not what you want. I

his head toward her, anger flashing in his glowing eyes. "You

know what it's like to love someone you think you shouldn't," Mia said, her voice trembling. "I've been in love

froze, his breath catching in his

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

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

challenged, her eyes

volumes, and Mia's breath hitched. "I'm not blind, Dain. I know how complicated 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 and kissed him. Her lips were warm and soft against his,

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

not, Dain? Why can't you let yourself feel something for me? Is it because