Ronan’s POV

“She should not have survived.”

The words rang through my head while I sat in the Syndicate's war room, blood hardening over the tear in the sleeve of my jacket. 

Dorian Maddox, the enforcer for the Midnight Queen, paced the room, his sharp, hawk eyes slicing through the silence like the edge of a knife.

I felt the weight of his eyes upon me but did not flinch. I never did.

“You had one job, Voss.” He said this softly yet menacingly. “Kill the girl. Bring back the proof. But instead, you come back with a useless excuse of her disappearing into the lands of Shadowfang. Care to explain?”

A muscle in my jaw convulsed. “She escaped.”

Dorian’s lips twisted into amusement, though his eyes were not amused. “Escaped?” He leaned against the cold steel table dividing us. “You’re the Phantom Wolf, the Syndicate’s greatest assassin, and you expect me to believe some starving girl overpowered you?”

My silence did the talking.

Dorian exhaled through the nostrils, the deliberate expulsion of frustration. “The Queen will not like this.”

I resisted the urge to sneer. 

Like I did not know that.

The Midnight Queen did not accept defeat. She ruled by blood and subterfuge, her reach went far beyond the walls of the Syndicate. If, even for one moment, she suspected that I'd hesitated to kill Sienna or she had gone by choice. I'd be useless and gotten rid of. 

Dorian pushed the table back and folded his arms. "You now only have one last chance. Mend this, or you will leave me with no option."

He left without another word, his steps echoing through the hallway.

I remained where I sat. My eyes stuck on the gloves around my hands. 

My fingers trembled, recalling when I'd held her in my arms. How her breath hitched. How her eyes seared mine, filled with something I could not define.

And the way my body, although trained, disciplined, and ruthless, had betrayed me.

I had caught her when she tried to escape and froze when I looked into her amber eyes. She took the chance, striking me with energy I hadn't expected. 

That alone would have provided cause for my rapid return and reporting of the anomaly. But I hadn't.

I had lied.

And I did not even know why.

I couldn't tell what she was anymore. She was a wolf like the rest of us, but different. 

The scent of blood and charred wood lingered about my clothes when I stood up, the ache from the strength of the blows from her pounding through my muscles. I needed answers and I would get them.

There was only one place where you could find them.

**********

The Black Moon Witch

The chamber smelled strongly of incense and rot. Shadows crawled upon the walls, twisting into strange shapes, as I entered deeper into the innermost part of the Midnight Syndicate.

Isolde Morwyn sat in the middle, in her black dress, staring at me with her silver eyes. 

She always looked ancient, and I wondered how old she was, even if she looked thirty. 

"Ronan Voss," she said, rotating the glass of dark wine around her slender fingers. "I fear you caught me by myself."

I ignored the sarcasm laced in her tone. "I need some answers."

She smiled, slow and knowing. "And what makes you think I have them?"

I clenched my fists. "Because you know everything." The last word meant to be a mockery. 

She chuckled, leaning over slightly. "Your flattery will not succeed, wolf. But, your desperation? Hmmm, That is much more interesting."

I stepped in close, keeping my voice quiet. "The girl. Sienna. She has something about her...something different. Do you know what she is?"

Isolde’s smile did not fade, but her expression shifted a bit. "Ah, that girl," she said quietly. "It's a pity you're asking now. So, I take it that you’ve only now remembered."

My heart raced, as the air felt heavier. 

"Remember what?" I asked, taking a step forward.

She took a sip from the glass of wine very slowly. "Some things need to be buried for good."

I grabbed the table edge, my frustration unraveling. "Stop talking like you're trying to send coded messages, and just tell me what I want."

She set the wine glass aside, her fingertips trailing over the edge. "You need to leave this alone. If you dig deeper, you will not like where you find yourself."

"I don’t care," I answered. 

She studied me for a very long moment, then exhaled heavily. "Very well."

Rising gracefully, she approached me but turned to the bookshelf and pulled out a book. 

She turned the pages and then picked another, sweeping the collection of worn books and scrolls aside with her hands. 

Finally, she settled her eyes on the one below, withdrew it from the shelf, and walked to me. 

"Read," she whispered.

I hesitated for a moment before picking it up. The paper felt fragile under my hands. My eyes scanned the printed letters, and my breath caught.

A list of names

Sienna’s was among them.

So was mine

My grip became tighter. "What is this?"

Isolde’s voice was soft, verging on pity. "A chronicle of the lost."

I was confused. She was speaking in parables and I hated it. 

Couldn't she talk like a normal person for once? 

Miserable witch!

"What in the devil's name is this supposed to mean?" I asked. 

She touched my wrist lightly, and suddenly, my brain split apart.

A flash of crimson. Squeals of terror. A girl’s laughter, vibrant and bright, soon got consumed by fire. She screamed, and then the moonlight shone brightly transforming her into a wolf covered in flames. She didn't look hurt. 

I ripped my hand from her grip, gasping for breath. "What the hell was that? What did you do?"

Isolde’s expression could not be read. "I showed you something you lost."

I backed up my racing heart. None of this felt right. But it felt real.

"You have the option now, Phantom Wolf." She said, "Forget everything, remain loyal to the Syndicate…or remember, and tread your chosen path. I have to warn you. It's hard."

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t.

Because deep within, I also knew what I'd do.

***********

Shadowfang Territory

The night wind felt chilly, scented by pine and ice, when I squatted by the border of Kieran Wolfe's property.

I shouldn’t be here.

But I could not leave.

Through the heavy woods, I caught sight of the packhouse, a bigger building than I'd imagined. It was fortified and protected.

And then I saw Sienna from the window, sighing. She had no idea I had attacked her earlier in the abandoned packhouse, but I couldn't bring myself to kill her. 

I had to try now. I skillfully hid from the bodyguards and kept moving towards her room, making calculations. 

Suddenly, I heard footsteps.

Chapter

Sienna’s POV

“Do you really think locking me up here forever is going to change my mind?” I said, and made a swift turn to see Kieran standing by the door. 

I had sensed him earlier. 

I was angry, and I hated being imprisoned. 

He smiled, walking right up to me. 

I was always amazed how soft his eyes could be. Yet, they would switch back to being dark. 

“You’re not a prisoner,” he said smoothly, “just… contained.”

A harsh, quaking laugh burst out of my throat. “Is that what you have been calling this? A gilded cage with silk sheets? I am not a simpleton, Kieran.”

His lips slightly curved upward. “No, you’re not. Which is why you should be smart enough to understand why you’re here.”

I had my arms folded. “I know the reason I’m here.”

“Don't you?” He asked, smiling. 

“You want me to be the cure for your mental illness. The entire werewolves clans know,” I spat. 

Kieran didn’t deny it. Instead, he moved closer to me. His gaze locked onto mine like a predator sizing up prey. “I don't see why I can't use you to get what I want,” he said. 

I fumed. He was direct and I felt hurt. 

“Right now, you need protection,” he continued.

I scoffed, stepping away from him. “Protection? From who? Probably you,” I answered.

“No,” he answered. “From the Midnight Syndicate.”

“They want you because you're the last ruby wolf, don't they?” He asked. 

How did he know? Only the queen and I knew of my origin.

“They won't stop until you're dead. If you stay with me, I can help you,” he bargained. 

“No,” I answered. “I'd rather die than be your mate.”

“You might be heading there quicker,” he answered, smiling. 

“You’ve lost your damn mind,” I whispered.

Kieran smirked. “I’ve heard that before.”

I turned away, searching silently for ways to make a run for it. 

“What do you say?” He asked calmly. 

I frowned, and lashed at him. “It will forever be no.”

“Be reasonable, Sienna,” he said, almost yelling. “I am the only thing stopping you from getting a painful death. I have no intentions to hurt you.”

“And you intend to force me to marry you for a solution,” I countered. 

“Would you rather be my slave?” He asked, looking serious. 

I stayed silent, unable to answer. I had known the feeling of being a servant. 

“Are you silent?” He asked, letting out a soft chuckle. 

“Screw you and your offers. I’d rather take my chances out there,” I retorted. 

“Then run,” he said calmly. 

I stiffened. 

“But I promise you, I won’t be the only one hunting you,” he answered and stepped out. 

*******

I paced around the room, thinking of a possible exit. The door was locked and the window seemed very high for me to jump down. 

I didn't want to be his leverage. I searched the room again, and noticed the ventilation shaft near the ceiling. 

I smiled, happy with my discovery and moving quickly, dragging a chair. I climbed, and tested the screws. They were loose. 

I heard someone coming from the hallway and my heart raced. I had to do this before anyone came in. 

The door handle twisted, and I quickly got off the chair, as the door opened. 

“Who made you?” I asked, staring at the unfamiliar face. 

“Darius, Alpha kieran's beta,” he answered. 

I didn't know how he knew, but his eyes moved from me to the chair and then up towards the ventilation shaft. 

He smiled, and closed the door. “Alpha was right. You would try to escape.”

My eyes widened as I listened to him. 

“I was figuring you’d go off the deep end at some time,”

My muscles constricted.

I forced myself to stand up straight. "If you're going to lecture me about being a lot safer inside, then spare me the lecture. Kieran tried that."

Darius chuckled, low and sharp. “I’m not here for that.”

He stepped forward, not taking his gaze off me. I felt weak compared to him. I stood still, despite my entire body yelling for me to run. 

“You think you're special, do you?” He grumbled softly. “Untouchable just because Kieran is interested in you?”

His fingers tightened hard into a bruising hold on my wrist. 

"Let me go!" I yelled.  

I winced, struggling to free my hand.  

“I know your kind. Always greedy and looking for a way to strike a bargain,” Darius hissed softly, the chill of his voice creeping down the back of my neck. “And you can bet you will not live to see the Blood Moon.”

The way that he worded it made all the alarms go off inside of my head. He was warning me.

I yanked back again, but his grip tightened. "Let go."

He smirked. "Or what?"

A low powerful snarl appeared before I could answer. 

Darius shook hearing it, and he moved in time to see Kieran pounce on him, knocking him into the wall. 

The wall cracked, and I froze. 

Kieran had become something else. His eyes turned red and he growled. "If I ever see you touch her again, I'll rip your throat out."

Darius nodded, looking scared as his hands wrapped around Kieran's hand, trying to pull it off his neck. 

Kieran didn’t ease his grip. "She is with me."

Darius’s gaze turned to me then and a cough slipped out of him. “Of course, Alpha.”

Kieran shoved him back, his expression hard. “Get out.”

He coughed, and dropped to the floor as soon as Kieran's hand left his neck. 

I knew I had made an enemy. Darius slowly rose and left the room, flashing one last glare. 

I held my breath, only letting it out when he left. 

Kieran turned to me. "Are you hurt?"

I shook my head, avoiding his eyes. 

His gaze dropped to the bruise that Darius’s hand had left on my wrist. His jaw clenched.

“I am fine,” I grumbled.

Kieran walked closer, and raised my face with his finger, so I could meet his gaze. “I didn't ask you to lie.” His voice was slightly softer, but no less firm. 

His eyes moved down to the clothes I was wearing. "I'll have the maids send you some clothes."

I shook my head, stepping back. "When will you let me leave? Locking me in here won't make me trust you."

Kieran smirked. "I wasn't expecting your trust, little wolf."

"But I do expect you to hear," he replied. 

My fingers tightened into a fist by my side. "I'd rather take a chance out there."

His smirk increased. "Run then."

"What?" I asked.

"Run. But, I'll bet you darling that you won't last a day because I won't be the only one looking for you."

Ronan’s POV

I moved stealthily, slowing my breathing. The guards doubled before I could get to where Sienna was. 

I watched their routines and focused on their weaknesses. I knew when to push forward, when to pull back. The timing had to be right. 

A guard stepped inches from where I stood by the stone column, his boots crunching gravel. My fist tightening around the dagger on my belt eased. One mistake, one sound, and I'd have to kill him.

Not yet.

He passed by, oblivious.

I crept forward, my form slipping between the spaces in their line, unseen with slow steps. 

My muscles tensed in purpose as I inched to the edge of the building, hugging the icy stone. I was familiar with the formation; three in front, two at the stairs. They would have no clue what was coming their way.

The first man never saw me. A sharp flick of my wrist, and my knife cut across his throat, catching him before he could have hit the ground. I dropped him, silent.

The second came too fast. I whacked him on the head with the hilt of my dagger to his temple before he ever had an opportunity to perceive the danger.

The third never had a chance to reach for his gun when my arm wrapped around his neck, strangling him. His body jerked. Then his body went limp.

I laid him down on the ground.

Three were eliminated. And two more were still inside.

I walked in, crouching low on the marble. The hallway was silent as I moved.

One of the guards was squatting at the half-dozen feet, yawning and reclining his weight idly. He was a slothy one.

His mistake.

I followed him back, knife flashing in the darkness. One strike and he was silent, stealthy. He was dead before he even had time to realize he had been hit. 

I dragged him around the corner statue.

The last one was tougher, standing at Sienna's door. I needed a diversion.

I looked around, finally spotting a loose rock by the base of the wall. I kicked at it with my toe, and it rolled away.

The guard turned, and I hit him.

My knife slid into his side, deep before he was able to scream. His breathing stopped, and then betrayed him as he leaned against me.

I shoved him up against me and walked him to the ground quietly.

The path was open.

I breathed slowly, trying to calm myself. Nearly one step further.

Then I sensed it.

A shift in the air.

My heart was racing. It was kieran.

His scent met me before his footsteps.  

I hid in the dark, pulling the dead guard with me and the door opened.

He must have noticed the missing bodyguards. 

I stilled my breath.

He inhaled, frowning.

His head turned slightly. A heartbeat away from looking in my direction.

He stayed for a moment, with a stern look on his face and turned his gaze at Sienna's door. 

I stood still, waiting until he turned and walked away. His footsteps were fading with every second. 

I breathed. That was close. 

I moved silently to the door, pushing it open by an inch before I slipped in. 

I noticed her. She turned to the other side of the bed, backing me and slid under the blanket. 

She looked. peaceful.

I suppressed the thought.

I drew out my silver dagger, its cold heft a comforting familiar weight in my hand.

This time I would be quick. 

I slipped in, breathing calmly. 

Her scent enveloped me, flooding my mind. I ignored it and drew out the blade.

All I needed to do was make one fast cut. 

And then her eyes snapped open.

“Ronan,” she gasped. 

My body tightened.

How did she know who I was? Did she know all along? 

I hesitated for a moment then brought the dager down with force. 

The door burst open, and Kieran stepped in. 

Shit!

A snarl ripped across the air as he strode towards me, too quick to get out of the way.

I felt pain as his fist crashed into my ribs and sent me crashing off my feet, and into the wall. 

I blinked quickly, my eyes glaring with anger as I hit the floor with the shock running through me.

I barely had time to wriggle out of his path before he was on top of me again.

His claws descended, shaving my neck by a hair as I rolled clear just in time.

I rolled over, striking with my knife, but he grasped my wrist on impulse, twisting hard that my bones cracked. 

I fell to my knees, groaning and doubled up. 

He didn't stop, throwing punches after the other and I fell to the ground with blood in my mouth.

I was boiling with rage. He kept ruining my plans. I aimed, slicing his shoulder with my knife. 

He barely flinched, and caught my neck around his arm and tossed me to the ground. 

His eyes turned a darker shade of red and his fangs grew longer. “I should rip you to pieces for trying to hurt her,” his voice thundered.

I held his hand tightly, struggling to get free. My body was weakening and I had no other choice. 

I groaned, letting my wolf take control to give me a better chance. 

This time, I broke away from his grip, attacking with my claws and teeth as he easily dodged. 

He attacked, a little faster than I had expected and held me down. His other hand raised to deliver a deadly blow. 

“Kieran, stop!” Sienna yelled. 

His hand froze, and he slowly turned his gaze to her. 

I was panting, my wolf weak from all the fight. 

She moved forward, holding his bicep. “Please,” she begged. “Don't kill him.”

I was going to kill her, and she pleaded for me. 

Kieran slowly released his grip and I hit the floor, panting, gasping as the pain washed through my entire body. 

I ran my fingers over my ribs and bit down on a moan.

Sienna's gaze shifted to mine, and she crouched down to my side. 

Kieran breathed out, and glared at me with coldblooded eyes. “You are lucky she stopped me.”