The Moon Temple was larger than Aiden had expected.
He had imagined a lonely place.
A god living above the world.
A few servants.
Perhaps a handful of guards.
He hadn't expected...
people.
The moment Theron stepped through the enormous silver doors, several figures turned toward them.
Aiden stopped.
The first was an omega.
They had soft features, dark hair, and calm eyes. Their clothing was simple but elegant, decorated with small silver ornaments.
They smiled politely.
"Welcome home, Lord Theron."
Theron gave a small nod.
"Li Mei."
Aiden's eyes moved to the second person.
An alpha female.
Tall.
Strong.
Long hair tied back for combat.
She wore light armor beneath a flowing ceremonial cloak.
Her eyes immediately brightened when she saw Theron.
"You're back."
She crossed the room.
Aiden's ears twitched.
Luna stopped directly beside Theron.
Close.
Very close.
She reached up and adjusted the edge of his cloak.
"You left this crooked again."
Theron glanced down.
"I didn't notice."
"I know."
She smiled.
Aiden stared.
His ears slowly flattened.
What is she doing?
Luna's hand lingered on Theron's shoulder for another moment.
Aiden's tail flicked once.
Take your hand off him.
He immediately caught himself.
Why am I thinking that?
Because he knew exactly why.
That was his mate.
Even if this Theron didn't know it.
Luna stepped away.
"How was the offering?"
Aiden's eyes narrowed.
"He's unusual."
Theron answered.
Luna looked at him.
Then at Aiden.
Her eyes traveled over the simple cream robe, the chains still hanging loosely from his wrists, the black wolf ears pressed against his hair.
"Unusual?"
"He threatened to fight me."
Li Mei blinked.
Luna stared.
Then she laughed.
"Did he?"
Aiden crossed his arms.
"He deserved it."
Theron looked at him.
For some reason, the corner of his mouth lifted.
Luna noticed.
Her smile disappeared for half a second.
Aiden noticed that too.
Oh.
So she really did like him.
Wonderful.
Before Aiden could think of anything else—
a familiar voice came from behind them.
"My Lord."
Aiden froze.
Node.
He turned.
A young man stood several steps away.
Dark hair.
Familiar face.
Familiar eyes.
Ronan.
Aiden's breath caught.
"Ronan...?"
The young man immediately looked at him.
His expression hardened.
"Yes."
Aiden stared.
He was...
different.
Not completely.
The face was unmistakable.
Their eyes were the same.
The scent was the same.
But the warmth wasn't there.
This Ronan stood straighter.
His expression was more serious.
His voice was formal.
His entire posture screamed duty.
He looked at Theron first.
Always Theron.
"Your safety has been maintained while you were away."
Theron.
"Good."
Ronan's eyes moved toward Aiden.
They stopped.
He studied him carefully.
Not like a friend.
Like a guard assessing a stranger.
Aiden's chest tightened.
This was the same man who had carried sleepy Kael.
The same man who had scolded Theron for forgetting to eat.
The same man who had stood beside Aiden through some of the worst moments of his life.
And this Ronan...
I didn't know him.
Aiden swallowed.
"Ronan."
The young beta frowned.
"Have we met?"
Aiden's heart dropped.
"...Node."
Ronan continued looking at him.
"You said my name as though you expected me to know you."
"I..."
Aiden looked away.
"Never mind."
Ronan didn't seem convinced.
But he didn't push.
Instead, he turned back toward Theron.
"My Lord, should I have the offering's quarters prepared?"
Offering.
Aiden flinched.
He hated that word.
Theron.
"Yes."
Luna stepped closer again.
"I'll show him."
Aiden looked at her.
Then at Theron.
Then back to Luna.
"Node."
Everyone stared.
Aiden blinked.
"...I mean..."
He quickly corrected himself.
"I can find my own way."
Luna raised an eyebrow.
"You don't know the temple."
"I'll manage."
Theron's eyes narrowed slightly.
"You're jealous."
Aiden was nearly choked.
"What?!"
Li Mei quietly covered her mouth.
Luna looked between them.
Ronan looked confused.
Theron simply watched Aiden.
Aiden's ears turned bright red.
"I'm not jealous!"
His tail betrayed him.
It flickered sharply behind him.
Theron looked at it.
Then back at his face.
"...You are."
Aiden glared.
"I hate you."
Theron's mouth twitched.
"You've said that before."
Aiden's heart skipped.
Because for one tiny moment...
it sounded like the Theron he knew.