The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 131

-Grayson’s POV-

The sound of birds chirping and Rickon’s heavy b echoed through t

the damp cat

This place was like nothing I had Countless generations had walked

ever encountered before–dim and ancient, the walls worn smooth with time, as though through these very paths. The humans–or whatever they were that had brought us here had been uncharacteristically hospitable.

Too hospitable.

“Do you think they’re going to eat us?” Rickon whispered, his voice low but tinged with genuine concern.

I sighed, leaning back against the cold stone wall. “Yes, Rickon. I’m sure they offered us food and fresh clothes because they’re fattening us up for a feast.”

Rickon scowled at me, his expression dripping with irritation. “This is the worst time for you to discover the workings of sarcasm, your highness.”

Before I could retort, the sound of approaching footsteps silenced us both. The leader of this odd community appeared from the shadows, his gait steady and his presence commanding. Rickon immediately straightened, but I kept my posture relaxed, my eyes fixed on the man as he walked towards us and sat down.

to someone in his late fifties. His He wasn’t wearing his mask this time. His face, weathered with age, looked like it belonged expression was calm, and my wolf, ever attuned to danger, remained strangely still. There was nothing threatening about him, but that only unsettled me more.

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Did you enjoy the meal?”

Rickon, ever the tactless one, wrinkled his nose. “Not really. Whatever it was you gave us could do with a little everything.”

more…

I fought the urge to glare at him, refusing to take my eyes off the man. The leader’s gaze shifted to me, his eyes sharp yet curious. “Do you share your friend’s opinion?”

“He’s not my friend,” I said curtly.

Rickon let out an exaggerated gasp. “Now you’re just hurting my feelings.”

I reached into his mind, slamming a mental door shut in the hope the jolt of pain would silence him. Instead, he groaned loudly. “What the hell was that for?”

The leader cleared his throat, drawing our attention back to him. His smile didn’t waver, but there was something about the way he was looking directly at me now.

Settling

The silence stretched on, thick and oppressive, until I finally broke it. “Who are you?” I asked, my voice steady. “And what do you plan to do with us?”

The man inclined his head slightly. “My name is Alaric, and as you might have guessed, I am the leader of my people here.”

smile remained, but his eyes darkened–literally. The irises shifted to an inky black, a stark contrast to

what? You’re like werewolf cave people?”

his expression unchanging. “We prefer the term ‘The Old

to me, and his smile grew faintly amused “You’re a long

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Chapter 131

is an honor to have you here.”

blinked, startled. “You know who I am?”

Alaric replied smoothly. “Everyone knows of the Blackwoods. You, in particular, have made

could respond, he rose to his feet with a fluidity that belied his age.

I exchanged a

got to our feet and followed him deeper into the cave.

we walked, the path narrowing. The walls were adorned with ancient markings–symbols and patterns I couldn’t begin to decipher, though they seemed to pulse faintly with an otherworldly

mine: This is getting very

replied: I

water growing louder. The dim light from luminescent stones embedded in the walls cast an ethereal glow, lighting our way through the

cascading from above, the sound deafening in the enclosed

Without a word, our eyes communicated the unspoken agreement: we attack

necessary.

emerged into the most breathtaking place I had ever

a hidden valley bathed in golden sunlight. The air was crisp and pure, carrying the scent of blooming/ flowers and fresh grass. Small huts, built with natural materials, dotted the landscape, and people dressed similarly to Alaric moved about, their laughter and chatter creating a soothing

flitted between the trees. Everything

for sentimentality, but this place felt… different. As though I had stepped into an entirely different realm, untouched

to see the large, bird–like creature perched on a rock, its intelligent eyes watching us. My wolf bristled slightly, recognizing

chuckled. “You must forgive Ortor. He doesn’t take well to

broke the silence.

Alaric replied simply, his voice carrying

what they were doing to look at

group of women that would be about Ava’s age.

roughly, glaring at him.

grinned, unapologetic. “What? I

help myself.”

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attention shifting back to Alaric as he led us deeper into

under his breath, before turning back to Alaric. “So, what exactly are you planning to show us?”

when it came, was calm but tinged with a certain weight. “I want you to see what the