Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 453 - 453: Clayton: Sister

CLAYTON

It's good to see Lucas again.

I clasp his forearm firmly, feeling the tension ripple through his muscles as we pull each other into a one-armed hug. The solid thump of my palm against his back carries more meaning than words could express between alphas. Our history sits between us like a third presence—unspoken but undeniable.

"It's good to see you, Lucas."

The words come easily, despite everything. Despite Ivy. Despite Ava. The complicated web binding us together has never fully untangled. Some boundaries, once crossed, leave permanent markers on a relationship.

Lucas studies my face, his golden eyes searching mine. Whatever he finds there seems to satisfy him—his shoulders drop a fraction of an inch, the line of his jaw softens.

The subtle shift speaks volumes to someone who's known him as long as I have.

It's been months, and my infatuation has faded. Even my wolf is calm in my head, no longer possessive over the whiffs of her scent, prolific in this place.

I thought coming here would be tinged with a little more sadness. A little more regret. Instead, I only feel fondness as I see my friend's face.

Their bond burned bright. It seems to have only grown brighter in the time I've seen them, and the horrors their pack has endured. Their kind of connection is rare. Worth protecting.

And in today's world, allies who can be trusted without question are worth more than any territory or power.

Wolf's Landing sprawls before us, a patchwork of temporary structures and permanent foundations. Not what I expected from Lucas' pack—more improvised than I thought.

Signs of recent conflict mark the landscape: construction, mainly, and the weary look on faces walking by. They're on alert, but the danger keeps wearing at them.

No matter how strong a pack is, repeated conflict will always wear down our people.

young wolf—Wes, Lucas called him—leads my group toward the eastern edge of the settlement, and my wolves follow in

I break off

I—" Lucas clears his throat. "I'm

pain hits sharp and sudden, like a blade between

The words are bitter, but they're true. As shifters, we live with this certainty. "Some paths just end

doesn't hurt. I just can't let it hold

here, packed down over time and

even

my thoughts toward practical matters. "Do you believe what Ava

breath creating a small cloud in the

strange world we're living in now, it only makes sense." He gestures vaguely around us. "The rules keep changing. What we thought

doesn't finish the thought. He doesn't

it to, and I haul my grief back with an iron fist. Lucas doesn't seem

Lucas' tone is measured, careful. "Not dead, but

creature that consumes not just flesh but essence—soul—turns my stomach. The thought

to get

But the vague hope still lingers

wolves. Their movements pause as we

many did you lose in the attack?" I ask, noting the

flat. "Good wolves." Thе

to rise again, but I push it down. There will be time for that later, in private, away from eyes that watch for any sign

mate handled herself well," I say instead, careful not to use her name. I don't want to reopen wounds between us. "Taking down a creature like

with concern. "Ava is... evolving. Her power grows

of words. Evolving. Not learning or improving—evolving, as if she's transforming into

for her. Well, for the both of you. From the Aspen Pack. A token of our