As for those memories with Jaxson Harper, of course, I still remember them.

But now, they feel like watching a stranger’s life unfold—detached, distant, and entirely devoid of emotion.

My first encounter with Jaxson was as cliché as the plot of a cheap romance novel. As a young werewolf, I was often scolded by my mother, Harmoni Castro, the Luna, during pack training. I would hide behind the pack’s training grounds, tears streaming down my face, when Jaxson appeared.

He was the gentlest soul I had ever met. When I cried, he would softly wipe away my tears and whisper comforting words, telling me not to cry—that tears were for the weak. He said I was the bravest little girl he knew, and brave girls didn’t shed tears.

In a world where warmth was a rarity, Jaxson was like a beacon of light, and I was helplessly drawn to him.

Jaxson was a skilled fighter, his movements fluid and precise. When he trained, it was like watching a storm—controlled yet devastating. He often took the time to teach me combat techniques, patiently guiding my claws and correcting my stance. Even when I struggled to master the basics, he never lost his temper. Instead, he repeated the drills with me, over and over, until I got it right.

I trained tirelessly, not wanting to disappoint him. Late into the night, I would practice alone in the pack’s training grounds, determined to prove myself worthy of his patience and kindness. When I accidentally nicked myself with my claws or stumbled during a pack run, I bit back my tears.

Because Jaxson had told me I was brave. And brave girls didn’t cry.

But then, everything changed.

When he saw Monroe Lewis, his mate, in tears, his composure shattered. I heard his voice, soft and trembling with concern, as he comforted her. “Monroe, it’s okay to cry. I’m here for you.”

The words struck me like a blow. That same tenderness, that same reassurance, was no longer mine. It belonged to her now.

And in that moment, I realized something I had been too young to understand before—Jaxson’s kindness wasn’t unique to me. It was just who he was.

But by then, it was too late. I had already built my world around him, and when he walked away, it crumbled.

I didn’t cry. Not then. Because brave girls didn’t cry.

Even when it hurt.

Even when it still does.

For the past few days, I had been secluded, training and honing my skills, until finally, two weeks later, I stepped out of the training room. It was then that Jaxson and Monroe arrived.

Monroe looked like a startled sparrow, cradled protectively in Jaxson’s arms. Her eyes darted around nervously, and when they met my cold, indifferent gaze, she flinched and curled in on herself.

Jaxson’s aura was heavy with unspoken emotions, his expression a mix of tension and protectiveness. He seemed to have a thousand things to say, yet he hesitated, unsure how to begin.

I spoke first, my voice icy. “What is it?”

Monroe’s voice trembled as she spoke. “I... I asked to come see you, Thea. Jaxson told me you two grew up together, and I wanted to meet you…”

I cut her off. “This isn’t the human world. Don’t call me ‘sister’ so casually.”

Jaxson’s brow furrowed. “Why are you being so harsh? She’s new here, still trying to adjust. She’s just trying to be respectful. Why are you reacting like this?”

Monroe squeezed Jaxson’s hand and said softly, “Jaxson, you’ve already argued with so many people because of me these past few days. It’s fine, really. I’ll be okay.”

She turned back to me, her voice tentative. “I didn’t mean any harm. Jaxson told me about how you grew up together, how strong and respected you are in the pack. I just wanted to meet you.”

“But... maybe I’m not likable. I’m not good with words, and I end up upsetting people. I’m sorry if I’ve angered you.”

The two of them rambled on, and I barely paid attention. What I did notice was how Monroe seemed to shrink into herself, her demeanor fragile, while Jaxson held her close, murmuring reassurances.

I had no interest in their drama. I took a step forward, ready to leave.

But Jaxson reached out and grabbed my arm, his grip firm but not harsh. He looked into my eyes, his voice hesitant. “Thea, you’ve been isolating yourself for days. Is it... is it because of me?”

I stared at him, baffled.

He continued, as if he had already decided the answer. “I know you’re angry with me, but you shouldn’t take it out on Monroe. She’s innocent in all this. She’s only here because of me. If you’re upset, direct it at me. Don’t hurt her.”

Ah, so that’s what this was about. He was worried I’d harm his precious mate.

Fine.

I nodded. “Understood.”

Jaxson visibly relaxed, but before he could say more, I added, “Now, move. You’re in my way.”

I went to visit Mother first, and she showed no particular expression when she saw me. Instead, she tossed me a thick, weathered book and instructed me to study it thoroughly.

I brushed off the dust that had settled on the cover and carefully tucked it into the pocket of my jacket. Only then did Mother look up at me, her gaze sharp and assessing.

"Training complete," she stated.

I nodded in response.

For the first time, I caught a flicker of approval in her eyes. She rose gracefully from her seat and placed a firm hand on my shoulder. "I knew this day would come."

She then slid the silver bracelet from her wrist, the one she’d worn for as long as I could remember, and pressed it into my palm. "This is the Moonstone Bracelet. It accelerates healing during combat and amplifies your aura."

Her words were measured, but there was an unmistakable weight to them. "I’m entrusting it to you. In three months, you’ll represent me at the Pack Trials."

The statement caught me off guard. The Pack Trials were a rare event, held once every few years, and each pack carefully selected their strongest warrior to compete. Victory not only elevated one’s standing but also granted access to legendary artifacts that could enhance a werewolf’s power exponentially.

I clenched the bracelet tightly, the cool metal pressing into my skin, and gave Mother a solemn nod.

"Thank you, Luna," I said, my voice steady despite the surge of anticipation coursing through me. "I won’t let you down."