Chapter 3 Shadows of the past

The heavy wooden door shut behind Celeste with a resounding thud, sealing her inside Killian's quarters. The room was larger than she expected, filled with the scent of burning embers and cedar. A massive bed sat against the far wall, its dark sheets rumpled, as if the owner rarely found peaceful sleep. A fireplace crackled with warmth, its soft glow casting flickering shadows across the stone walls.

Her pulse pounded as she turned to face the man who had dragged her into this storm of half-truths and forgotten memories. Killian stood near the door, watching her with an intensity that sent heat curling through her veins.

"You expect me to sleep here?" she demanded, crossing her arms.

"I expect you to stay here," he corrected, stepping forward. "For your safety."

Muscles tensed in protest at his authoritative tone. "My safety or your convenience?"

A low growl rumbled in his chest, but there was no true anger in his eyes-only frustration. "You don't understand what you walked into, Celeste. The pack will demand answers, and until I give them, you'll remain a target."

Fingers curled into fists at her sides. "Then tell me the truth."

A shadow crossed his face, hesitation flickering in those silver eyes. "It's not that simple."

Frustration burned through her. "You keep saying that, but you refuse to explain why. If I was your Luna-if I was so damn important-why did I disappear? Why can't I remember?"

Silence stretched between them. The fire popped in the hearth, the only sound in the tense space.

Killian's expression hardened. "I think someone took your memories."

The words sent a chill through her, colder than the night air outside. "How?"

"That's what I intend to find out."

His unwavering determination unsettled her more than the uncertainty of her own past. He truly believed she had been stolen from this place, that someone had erased her memories. But why? Who would go to such lengths?

Breath came uneven as she turned away, running a hand through her hair. "If I was taken, why didn't you find me sooner?"

Killian's silence spoke volumes. Guilt flickered across his face before he masked it with his usual stoicism. "I searched for years," he admitted, voice tight. "But you were gone without a trace. No scent. No leads. Nothing."

A part of her wanted to believe him, to trust that he had fought for her. But another part-one that had spent years alone, fending for herself-refused to accept blind devotion.

"I can't just take your word for it," she murmured, hugging herself.

Killian took a slow step closer, his presence swallowing the space between them. "Then let me prove it to you."

Heat radiated from him, sending an unfamiliar shiver through her. His scent wrapped around her senses, a dangerous mix of dominance and something darker-something that made her body betray her instincts to flee.

The pull between them was undeniable, but she refused to let it control her.

Turning away, she clenched her jaw. "I want to be alone."

A beat of silence, then a resigned sigh. "Fine."

The sound of boots against the wooden floor faded as he moved toward the door. Before leaving, he hesitated, fingers tightening on the handle. "If you need anything, I'll be nearby."

The door shut behind him, leaving Celeste in silence.

Her legs felt heavy as she moved toward the window, pushing aside the thick curtains. Moonlight spilled into the room, illuminating the courtyard below. Pack members moved in hushed whispers, casting glances toward the main house, toward her.

Something about their stares unsettled her. It wasn't just curiosity-it was fear.

A memory tugged at the edge of her consciousness, faint and fleeting. A feeling of standing in this same room before. A voice whispering her name. Strong arms wrapped around her waist.

The moment slipped away before she could grasp it.

Fingers pressed to her temples, frustration mounting. If she had truly been here before, why did it all feel so foreign?

A sudden knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

Expecting Killian, she turned, arms crossed. "I said I wanted to be alone."

The door cracked open, revealing Rafe instead. His green eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "You always were stubborn."

Her stomach twisted. "So, you knew me too?"

Leaning against the doorframe, he studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Yeah. You were one hell of a Luna."

Doubt gnawed at her. "Then why don't I remember?"

"That's the question, isn't it?" He stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. "I've known Killian a long time. The only thing that ever broke him was losing you."

Guilt clenched in her chest, unwelcome and unfamiliar. "I didn't choose to forget."

"I know," Rafe said, his voice softer now. "But whatever happened, it wasn't an accident."

A shiver crawled up her spine. "You think someone erased my memories on purpose?"

"Someone wanted you gone, Celeste. And they made damn sure you wouldn't find your way back."

The weight of his words settled over her, pressing against her lungs. If she had been taken, if her memories had been stolen, then there was a reason. A dangerous reason.

A sudden noise from the courtyard below caught her attention. A group of warriors stood in a tight circle, whispering amongst themselves. Their faces were grim, their posture tense.

Rafe followed her gaze, his jaw tightening. "They're worried."

A sense of unease curled in her gut. "About me?"

"About what your return means," he corrected. "Killian's hold on the pack has always been strong, but your disappearance left scars. Not everyone will welcome you back with open arms."

The implication settled heavily between them. If she was truly Killian's mate, his Luna, then she was more than just a lost woman-she was a threat to whatever power struggles had emerged in her absence.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "I don't even remember who I was, and people already want me dead."

Rafe's expression darkened. "That's the thing about power, Celeste. It doesn't matter if you remember it. Others do."

Fingers tightened around the window ledge, nails digging into the worn wood. Whoever had erased her memories hadn't just stolen her past-they had stolen everything. And the worst part?

She didn't even know who to blame.

Turning back to Rafe, she met his steady gaze. "Then I guess I'll have to remember."

A slow smirk tugged at his lips, admiration flickering behind his sharp green eyes. "Now that sounds like the Celeste I remember."

Determination settled deep in her chest, burning away the uncertainty. If someone had taken her past, she would take it back. If someone had stolen her life, she would make them regret it. No more running. No more questions without answers. It was time to uncover the truth.