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.

edge of the settlement, and my wolves follow in silence, taking

break off from the

his throat. "I'm sorry we

sharp and sudden, like a blade between my ribs. My sister.

all of us, one way or another." The words are bitter, but they're true. As shifters, we live with this certainty. "Some paths just

mean her loss doesn't hurt. I just

here, packed down over time and

details even when

I ask, forcing my thoughts toward practical matters. "Do you believe what

sighs, his breath creating a small cloud in the

sense." He gestures vaguely around us.

finish the thought. He doesn't

it to, and I haul my grief back with an iron fist.

Lucas' tone is measured,

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

possible to

vague hope still

pause as we walk by, eyes tracking us with a mixture

you lose in the attack?" I

wolves." Thе mоst up‑tо‑dаtе vеrsiоn is оn

but I push it down. There will be time

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

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

improving—evolving, as if she's transforming into something else entirely.

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