Moon's Beloved

SERIN:

The room was quiet now. Kairan had sent his pack back to their territory, leaving just the two of us standing in the grand hall. His presence was overwhelming yet comforting, like a storm you knew would never harm you.

We walked outside to the garden, where the moonlight filtered through the trees. I couldn't stop stealing glances at him—at the way he had grown, his sharp jawline, his broader frame. And yet, beneath all that power and confidence, I could still see the boy I had known all those years ago.

The air was cool, and the distant chirp of crickets filled the silence between us. It was almost surreal to be here with him again, after all these years.

Kairan leaned back against the stone bench, his eyes trained on me as I picked at the petals of a nearby flower, lost in thought.

"You've changed" I whispered, my voice barely audible as I continued fiddling with the flower.

He let out a soft laugh, but there was no humor in it. "So have you Luna. But I can still see through you."

I finally looked up, meeting his gaze, and I could feel my heart racing again. He always knew when I was hiding something.

"I take it back Kai, you are the same" I said with a small smile, trying to keep my voice light. "Always reading me like an open book."

"You're not the only one who has learned a few things over the years" he said, his voice lowering. "But some things never change. You still hide your emotions from everyone."

My breath caught, and I quickly looked away, trying to regain my composure. He was right, of course. I had spent so long locking everything away, pretending to be fine when I wasn't.

"It's not that simple" I muttered. "Some things... some things aren't meant to be shared."

"I'm here now, Serin." He said as he quietly took my hand in his, his voice so gentle it almost made me break.

I swallowed hard, blinking rapidly to keep the tears at bay. It was easier to be angry, to put up walls. I wasn't ready to let them crumble just yet.

The moment was interrupted by a voice that was all too familiar.

"Well, well, well" Inseo said, walking into the garden with that mischievous grin on his face. "I knew I'd find you two out here getting all sentimental."

I shot him a glare, but he didn't seem to care.

"Junghyun called" he said, holding up my phone. "He needs to talk to you." He handed me the phone, smirking as he added, "But I guess it's hard to get a word in when you're so busy with Mr. Broody Alpha or enigma I may say."

"Seriously?" I said, rubbing my temples in frustration. "Can't you leave me alone for five minutes?"

Inseo grinned like he knew exactly how much I was about to lose my patience. "Nope. You'd be lost without me." He winked at Kairan, who was now giving him an exasperated look. "And I'm just here to make sure this doesn't get too sappy."

I couldn't stop myself from chuckling at that. "You're lucky you're family" I muttered as I took the phone from Inseo.

"Junghyun, what's going on?" I asked, trying to focus as I pressed the phone to my ear.

"Noona, I need you in Seoul. It's urgent" came Junghyun's voice, steady and calm but there was an underlying tension that caught my attention.

I didn't hesitate. "I'll be there as soon as I can."

I hung up the phone and looked up at Kairan, who was watching me intently. "What's going on?"

"Junghyun needs me in Seoul" I said, slipping the phone into my pocket. My thoughts were already racing with everything I had to prepare for.

Kairan, without missing a beat, stood up. "Then I'm coming with you."

I blinked, surprised by his certainty. "You don't even know what's going on."

"I don't need to" he said, his voice firm and unyielding as he walked closer to me. "Wherever you go, I go."

"I can handle it" I tried to protest, but even I didn't believe the words coming out of my mouth.

"I'm sure you can" Kairan said with a smirk, his eyes glinting with amusement. "But I think I'll come with you anyway."

Inseo, who had been standing by with an innocent grin, suddenly piped up again. "And I'm coming too!" he declared, stretching dramatically. "I need to make sure Kairan doesn't completely ruin Noona's life while she's trying to save the day. We all know how he gets."

Kairan shot him a look that could melt ice. "I didn't ask for your input, Inseo."

Inseo just shrugged, undeterred. "Well, you got it anyway. I'm not letting you two go anywhere without me. Someone has to make sure things don't get too serious."

I sighed, shaking my head at the ridiculousness of it all. Of course, nothing ever went according to plan when my brothers were involved. "Fine, come along, but don't get in my way."

Inseo gave me a mock salute. "Of course, Princess. I live to serve."

Kairan just shook his head, but there was an amused glint in his eyes. "I'm not sure if I'm more worried about Junghyun's problems or Inseo's commentary."