Clyde

The hospital was colder than it should have been. Luna walked silently toward Dylan's room, the call from his security guards still fresh in her mind. They'd said he wanted to see her. But as she turned the corner, voices drifted through the door—open only a crack.

"She's just... holding on to something that's not real," Dylan said.

"Dude, you dated her for months," another voice scoffed.

"I didn't mean to," Dylan replied, his voice strained. "She's like family, we grew up together. I didn't want to hurt her. But I'm not in love with her. Never have been. I want Camila. She's the one everyone wants, anyway."

A third voice laughed.

"So what's stopping you?"

"I thought Luna would break first. But she didn't. And I can't bear to see her cry."

Something in Luna snapped. She turned and walked away, her footsteps hollow on the tile.

Your phone rang. Unknown number.

"Miss Luna," said a deep voice. "I am Luca, Lord Arven's guard. Come to the third floor. Now."

"I — why?"

"It's Clyde. The full moon is at its zenith. He's in pain. But there's more you need to know."

"Like what?"

"Clyde saved you—twice. First, on the ski trip. Dylan froze. Clyde dragged you outside and performed a blood ritual. It bound your soul to your body... and marked you as his partner."

"What?"

"That's how wolves claim life. He didn't tell you. He said you loved your brother."

Luna staggered.

"And the fire on campus?" Luca continued. "He sensed it. That's what the bond does. You were choking on the smoke—he ran straight into the flames and carried you out. Your arms were burned. He passed out. But when you woke up, Dylan was beside you."

"He... never said anything," she whispered.

"He didn't want to burden you. But tonight—if he loses control under the moon, only you can bring him back. Help him, Miss Luna."