Chapter 2 The Life She Built

Nyra's POV

It's been seven years. Seven years since, what broke me, endangered me, made me become a survivor and now a strong business-woman in the human world.

I was no longer that naive and weak Nyra. No, things have changed, and they've changed for the better.

The sleek glass floor to ceiling window of my office glimmered in the afternoon sunlight and below was the bustling city streets. There were piles of contracts and design sketches filling up my desk, but my focus wasn't on the life I had built, it was elsewhere.

My focus was on the mischievous six-year-old currently spinning my office chair.

"Auren, stop that before you break something," I warned, arching a brow.

He grinned, his wild curls bouncing. "But I'm bored, Mom! You said we'd go shopping after this meeting."

I sighed, pushing my laptop shut. "I did say that, didn't I?"

Auren's face lit up. "Does that mean we can go now?"

"Yes, but only if you promise to behave."

He held up two fingers in a solemn salute. "Scout's honor."

I ruffled his hair, my heart swelling with love. Auren was my entire world. Mischievous, brilliant, and far too curious for his own good. But beneath his playful nature was a power I had spent years trying to suppress.

Sometimes, when he was upset or frightened, strange things happened, lights flickering, objects shifting without touch. I never let it show, but it terrified me. The supernatural world was a part of my past, a past I had buried deep.

The Crescent Moon is just a distant memory now. Seven years had passed since I fled that pack and escaped from those rogues by a tiny chance. I had left that world heartbroken and pregnant. I have built my life all over again from scratch in this human world. I created a successful business and a safe home for Auren.

His safety was what mattered most to me.

But no matter how far I ran, a part of me always stayed on edge, waiting for something to happen.

"Mom?" Auren tugged at my hand. "Earth to Mom. You zoned out again."

"Sorry, buddy." I shook off the dark thoughts. "Let's go."

We walked the busy streets hand in hand, weaving through other people shopping. The city was alive, chaotic and bustling with energy. Auren skipped beside me, chattering about superheroes and his latest Lego creation.

I smiled, letting his voice wash over me. For a moment, everything felt normal. Safe.

We reached a small boutique filled with colorful fabrics and art supplies. Auren darted toward the markers, his eyes lighting up.

"Can I get these?" he asked, holding up a rainbow pack.

"Sure," I said, grabbing a few sketchbooks for myself. "But only if you promise not to draw on the walls again."

He gave me an innocent look. "That was an accident."

I snorted. "Right."

As we moved toward the register, a prickling sensation crawled up my spine. My steps faltered and my instincts were instantly sharpening.

I scanned the store, heart pounding. Nothing seemed to be out of place, just people shopping and chatting. But the hairs on the back of my neck stood.

"Mom?" Auren's voice pulled me back.

"Stay close to me," I said in a low and tight tone.

As we walked out of the store, the feeling of being watched grew stronger. My eyes looking around to the shadows between buildings, looking for the source.

That's when I saw them.

Three men were standing near the alleyway, their postures seem tense and their eyes glowed with something far more dangerous than curiosity. Their scents hit me like a punch, wolves. Rogues.

Panic tightened my chest.

"Auren," I said quietly, gripping his hand, "we're going to walk fast, okay? Don't ask questions. Just stay with me."

He liked confused but nodded any ways.

We moved so fast, weaving through people that filled up the street. The rogues followed and I could felt their predatory energy.

My heart raced. I hadn't been followed by wolves in years. How had they found us?

"Mom, what's happening?" Auren whispered, sensing my fear.

"Not now," I said through gritted teeth.

We turned a corner, but the crowd thinned, leaving us exposed. The rogues quickened their pace.

Damn it.

I scanned the street, searching for an escape route. An alley up ahead offered cover, but it was risky.

Before I could decide, the rogues made their move.

They rushed at us from the shadow with their fangs bared and eyes glowing with malicious intent.

"Run!" I shouted, shoving Auren ahead of me.

We sprinted down the alley, my breath ragged. One rogue closed in, snarling as he swiped at my back. I spun, delivering a kick that sent him staggering.

Another wolf lunged, and I barely dodged his claws. My instincts took over and my years of silent and self-training surged to the surface. I fought with everything I had, but they were relentless.

"Auren, keep running!" I screamed, scared.

He skidded to a halt, fear etched across his face.

One wolf broke past me, eyes locked on Auren.

"No!" I roared, shoving past the others.

The wolf leaped up from the ground, his jaws widening.

And then it happened.

Auren's eyes blazed with an otherworldly light, his small body trembling with raw energy.

A pulse of power erupted from him, sending the wolf flying backward. The other rogues yelped, scrambling away as the energy rippled through the alley.

Silence fell.

Auren's chest heaved, his glowing eyes fading back to their usual hazel. He looked at me, terrified.

I didn't waste a second. I grabbed his hand, my voice shaking so much as fear took over me.

"Baby, we need to get out of here now," I whispered.

Our cover was blown. And I knew, our safe life had just come crashing down.