Morning sunlight fell softly across the Red Moon Pack territory.
The city-like supernatural community was already awake.
Cars moved along the wide silver roads.
People walked toward work buildings inside the territory.
Everything looked normal.
Safe.
Controlled.
Hazel stood on the balcony of the mansion, arms resting lightly on the metal railing.
The air here felt different.
Less dangerous.
More… watched.
She knew people were looking at her.
Curiosity spread quickly inside packs.
Especially when an outsider entered Alpha territory.
Footsteps approached behind her.
She didn't turn.
"You are awake early," Ryan said.
Hazel shrugged.
"I don't sleep well in new places."
Silence followed.
The morning wind moved her hair slightly.
Hazel felt Ryan standing beside her but not touching.
Always that distance.
Below them, pack members were moving along the road.
Some looked up.
Some whispered.
Hazel knew they were talking about her.
"She is the human-looking one."
"That's the Alpha's guest."
"She killed Hunters?"
"I heard she's Blood Alpha lineage."
Hazel's jaw tightened slightly.
Ryan spoke quietly.
"They are curious, not hostile."
"How do you know?"
"They would not be alive if they were hostile."
Hazel almost smiled despite herself.
Then she asked:
"Do they like me?"
Ryan answered honestly.
"Not yet."
She nodded.
"Fair."
Silence again.
Then Ryan added:
"You will meet the pack formally today."
Hazel frowned.
"I didn't agree to that."
"You don't have to agree."
Hazel turned slightly.
"You are very annoying."
Ryan's expression remained neutral.
"But effective."
Hazel scoffed softly.
"Arrogant."
Ryan did not respond.
After a moment she asked:
"Who are the strongest people inside your pack besides you?"
Ryan answered immediately.
"Liam — Beta."
"Annabelle — my sister."
Hazel blinked.
"Your sister is here?"
"Yes."
Hazel felt slightly surprised.
"You never told me."
"You didn't ask."
Fair.
She folded her arms.
"What is she like?"
Ryan's voice softened slightly.
"She is nothing like me."
Hazel frowned.
"That is not reassuring."
Ryan said quietly:
"You will like her."
Hazel did not respond.
But she made a mental note.
Pack politics were dangerous.
Especially for outsiders.
Down below, a small group of young pack members were talking.
Hazel noticed one woman watching her longer than others.
Elegant posture.
Cold eyes.
Powerful presence.
"Mila," Ryan said quietly.
Hazel looked at him.
"She is a witch," he continued.
"And she is interested in me."
Hazel's eyebrow lifted slightly.
"Romantically?"
"Yes."
Hazel was silent for a moment.
Then said:
"You should marry her then."
Ryan's jaw tightened slightly.
Venom stirred faintly.
Blade observed quietly.
Ralph stayed still.
Ryan said nothing.
Hazel continued watching the pack territory below.
After a long moment she said quietly:
"I don't want them to hate me."
Ryan answered immediately.
"They won't."
Hazel didn't believe him.
Because she knew packs.
They feared outsiders.
They respected strength.
And right now—
She was still something between both.
The wind moved softly across the balcony.
Hazel spoke quietly without looking at him.
"Why are you so patient with me?"
Ryan was silent for a long moment.
Then answered honestly.
"Because pressure breaks things that are not ready."
Hazel's heart tightened slightly.
She didn't respond.
Below them, pack members continued their daily life.
Modern.
Organized.
Powerful.
And inside the mansion balcony—
Two people stood apart.
Watching the world they were tied to.
But not yet belonging to each other.