Chapter 338

[ 881 words ]

Talia’s POV

I couldn’t sleep that night. Moonlight came in through the window, drawing silver lines over the messy sheets and floor. Whenever I shut my eyes, I saw the figure from Moonbrook under the tree, smiling at me.

‘Please tell me it’s just my nerves,’ I said to my wolf.

‘It is. The witch is not bothering us. Get some rest,’ my wolf responded.

Even though she confirmed I was safe, I still couldn’t sleep. It bothered me how easily Morgana had put a spell on me. We needed to stop this from happening again. Would the coven’s protection be strong enough, and would they even want to help?

I let out a frustrated groan and threw my pillow off the bed, almost knocking over the lamp on the nightstand. Nolan moved beside me and turned to face me. “What’s wrong?” he asked with a yawn.

“Sorry,” I apologized. “Go back to sleep.”

He leaned up on his elbow. “Come on, talk to me. What’s keeping you up?”

“There’s too much on my mind,” I replied.

“There’s always too much on your mind,” Nolan agreed, “but that never stopped you from sleeping before.”

“I’m worried we’re moving too slowly, or that she’s already casting spells on us. What if the coven won’t help? I can’t stop thinking about it,” I said.

Nolan nodded and sat up. “If you can’t sleep, let’s go for a run. It always helps me clear my head. What do you think?”

My wolf responded to the suggestion, eager and restless. ‘Yes, please. We haven’t gone on a run in months.’

“Why not? It can’t hurt,” I said.

We slipped outside and paused under the stars, waiting a moment before we shifted. As my wolf, I took in the scents and sounds: roses, the distant river, and animals moving in the dark. I felt alive, every sense sharp.

Nolan started off, and I kept up before moving ahead. He caught up, and we took turns leading as we ran through the dark. Moonlight came through the trees. The ground felt soft under my paws.

My wolf had waited months for this, and I let the run loosen my tension with every step. We ran through Bloodmoon woods, moving through old trees and jumping over roots and streams. Dew cooled my fur, and Nolan kept pace with me. For a while, there was no war or fear. There was just the run, the wind, and us.

We ran until we were too tired to keep going and reached the lake, where the moon’s reflection moved on the water. We shifted back, out of breath and relieved. I sat on the cool grass, hugging my knees, and Nolan sat next to me, pulling me into his arms. No longer running, all my worries returned.

He brushed my hair out of my face, his thumb tracing my cheek. “I can tell you’re still bothered. Talk to me now.”

I paused before I spoke. “I’m scared, Nolan. I keep doubting every decision. What if going to the witches is a mistake? What if my instincts are off? I misjudged Jason so many times. What if I’m wrong again?”

His eyes flashed with anger, not at me, but at what Jason had done. “Don’t say that. Don’t doubt yourself because of him. Jason made you question your instincts and lose trust in yourself. That’s over now. You’re stronger than he ever was.”

I closed my eyes, letting his words register. “You sound so sure.”

“That’s because I am. You’re brilliant, Talia. Don’t ever think otherwise. The fact that you worry is what makes you a great Luna.” He took my hand, squeezed it gently, and kissed my forehead.

For now, I would trust him, since I couldn’t trust myself.

“Have you told Solon that we’re going to visit the coven tomorrow?” Nolan asked.

“No, he’s been too busy. I don’t want to add to his stress. He has so much to deal with right now,” I said. I honestly felt bad for Solon. I knew he wanted to be Alpha King one day, but not like this.

Nolan nodded. “You should tell him. You’ve kept him out of the loop for too long. I think you’ve shown us we shouldn’t have done that to you, either.”

I pulled away from Nolan. “Wait, I’m not doing it on purpose,” I said, pouting. “I just wanted to wait. I didn’t want him to talk us out of going, or worse, try to come with us.”

“I know. I’m just teasing,” Nolan said, laughing as he pulled me back into his arms. “Solon trusts you to make the right call, whether you tell him or not, though he should know where you are. But I get why you waited.” He brushed my hair from my face. “Whatever you decide, I’m with you.”

“You are not afraid I am wrong.”

“I’m afraid of a lot, but you making a mistake isn’t one of them,” he said with a crooked grin. “If Morgana ever tries to send something or someone through my gates disguised as you, I’ll spot it before it even gets a word out and I’ll tear it apart. There’s only one you. No magic could ever convince me otherwise.”

I laughed. “You’re ridiculous, you know that? But you’re the best mate I could ever ask for!”

He grinned, leaning in. “Does the best mate get a reward?”

“I think so,” I said seductively before kissing him.

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