SONIA’S POV

"Would you like to sit down?" I asked, going close to him with slow, careful steps.

He took a step back, his eyes suddenly ridden with fear. His shoulders hunched slightly, and his breathing quickened, the air between us growing tense.

"You’re sensible enough to be scared. Good for you," Daniel mocked, leaning back in his chair with a lazy grin.

"Please leave him alone. Can’t you see he’s really trying to help?" I swiftly came to his defence, my voice firm but gentle as I placed myself between them.

"I’m just doing my job, Sonia." He shrugged in response, crossing his arms.

Ignoring him, I returned my attention to Moon. His posture was tense, hands clenched at his sides as if he was ready to bolt at any moment.

"You must be hungry. Is it possible for him to get something to eat?" I asked Ivy, my eyes softening as I looked at Moon’s weary face.

"I’m not sure, but I can get something. I’ll just take these plates back and snoop around for more food. Are you sure you’re going to be fine though?"

"She absolutely will, because I’ll be here with her. And would you please be a darling by bringing back two plates? No way this traitor gets to eat and I don’t," Daniel said.

"Annoying mice!" Ivy muttered, as she carried the tray away, her footsteps echoing lightly in the quiet room.

The door closed with a soft click, and I was left with Daniel and Moon. The air felt heavier now, the faint scent of leftover food and tension lingering.

"Hey, how do you feel? Tell me?" I asked, trying to get him to talk as I took a small step closer.

But every time it looked like I was going to move to him, he would step back, his eyes darting nervously.

"Just let him be. When he eats and garners more strength, I’ll question him the old-fashioned way. Rest assured he’ll be singing like a bird after I’m done with him."

"You’re scaring him, Daniel. He has done nothing wrong. Don’t listen to him, okay?" I said to Moon, my voice soft and reassuring.

He didn’t respond, but instead went to a chair and sat down on it, his body rigid.

"I don’t know why you’re being so kind to him. You’re the Alpha’s woman. You should hate any man that tries to take you from him. Except you have a soft spot for that man."

"It’s not true! She’s not like that," Moon suddenly defended me, much to my surprise. His voice was hoarse but sincere.

I smiled, as I went to sit close enough to be next to him but also far enough so he could be comfortable. The wooden chair creaked under my weight.

"You don’t have to say anything until you’re ready. We could just sit here and listen to the evening breeze," I smiled gently.

"You’re one chirpy girl, aren’t you? Well, I don’t know how to keep quiet. Tell us about your pack. I’ve always wondered what Silverpaw is like," Daniel said, breaking the brief silence.

"I can’t tell you a lot about it. I wasn’t always allowed to mingle or walk freely around. It has a pretty smell though. That I can remember—fresh pine and wildflowers after rain."

"And Bloodmoon? What does Bloodmoon smell like?"

"Resilience, great bond, family." I answered as if I had been thinking about it for a really long time.

Truth was I never gave it a thought until now. But after I answered, I knew it was sincere. I truly felt that way about Bloodmoon — the strength of its people, the loyalty that bound them, the sense of belonging that had slowly wrapped around me.

"Pretty trumps all of that though. I’m sure you have pretty women too. What if my mate is one of those women?"

I laughed, unable to help myself. The sound bubbled up unexpectedly, lightening the heavy atmosphere.

"You really do say everything in your mind."

"Is that a question or a statement?" He asked, feigning confusion with a dramatic tilt of his head.

"Whichever you want it to be."

"I thought you were boring. As it turns out, you’re not half as bad as I expected you to be. Who knows? Maybe you could further soften the Alpha’s heart so he can make you his Luna."

"You would make a really good Luna," Moon said quietly.

"Who asked you to speak?" Daniel barked at him.

"Ugh, why won’t you leave him alone?" I rolled my eyes and focused on Moon.

"Just doing my job," I heard him mutter under his breath.

"He’s right. He’s doing his job. Don’t be hard on him. I know I’m not exactly in the good graces of the Alpha right now. But thanks to you, I’m still alive."

He began to speak, and I knew I had to sit up and listen, my full attention on him.

"Like I said before, I do remember something important. The last person I saw on my way to the kitchen to check if there was anything else left to be transported to the ceremony ground was Lorena."

"Lorena?" Daniel and I asked at the same time, our voices overlapping.

"Yes, it was her. She wanted to know if I was busy. Or if I could come with her. I can’t remember exactly what she wanted." He closed his eyes tightly in frustration, his brow furrowed deeply.

"Hey, don’t beat yourself up about it. You even remember more than I do. You won’t believe I can’t recall anything that happened after I left the Alpha’s room. But it’s strange because every time someone mentions Lorena’s name, I keep getting these weird electrical vibes in my brain. Like it’s trying to communicate something with me."

"Wait, if the common factor is Lorena, does it mean she has something to do with all of this? I knew that bitch was diabolical. I just didn’t know how far she was capable of going just to come out victorious," Daniel said, his face contorting into a disgusted look as he leaned forward.

"We can’t conclude yet. She might be innocent. It could all be a coincidence. I’m not a fan of crucifying anyone without some proper investigation. Let’s just focus on finding our memories, Moon. But while we’re at it, I promise not to let the Alpha hurt you. Because I believe you."

"Thank you so much, Sonia. Thank you," he repeated, and burst into tears, his shoulders shaking.

I suddenly felt awkwardly confused. Moon was such a sweetheart, and his reaction pretty much confirmed his innocence in my eyes. The sight of his tears tugged at something deep in my chest.

"I have to go to the Alpha with this news, but I can’t leave you alone with him," Daniel said, standing up.

"Go, it’s fine. I was alone with him when everyone left. Moon is not a bad person. He won’t harm me."

"Are you sure about that? I don’t want the Alpha to get angry and punish me."

"You don’t have to bother about that," Ivy dashed into the room before I could respond, her face completely ashen, eyes wide with shock.

"What’s wrong, Ivy?" I asked, walking up to her quickly, my heart rate spiking.

"It’s Lorena. She tried to kill herself," she said, and staggered forward as she began to shake.

"Ivy!" I screamed, as I caught her body before she could fall. Her weight slumped against me, and I held her steady, my arms wrapping around her trembling frame.

I didn’t know what was wrong, but from her reaction, it was really bad. The room suddenly felt colder, the earlier warmth of the conversation evaporating in an instant.