Mira’s POV
I took a deep breath and slowly opened the door to my room. The hallway was quiet, with only the faint hum of the packhouse settling for the night. I peered out cautiously, my heart racing. The coast was clear.
Stepping out on tiptoes, I carefully closed the door behind me, wincing as it creaked softly. I moved quietly down the hallway, my socks muffling my steps against the wooden floor. My chest tightened with every step, afraid that any sound would alert someone.
When I reached the top of the stairs, I froze. Luna Marinette and Alpha Roger were sitting on the couch in the living room below. The TV was on, casting a soft glow across the room as they watched some late–night
show.
I crouched low, getting on all fours as I crawled down the stairs slowly. My heart pounded in my ears. I could hear them talking in low voices, but I couldn’t make out the words. Every creak of the stairs felt deafening, but they didn’t seem to notice.
Once I reached the bottom, I stayed low, crawling across the floor toward the back door. My palms brushed
against the cold tiles as I moved inch by inch. Finally, I reached the door and carefully rose to my feet.
My fingers wrapped around the doorknob, and I was just about to turn it when a voice behind me made me
freeze.
“Mira, where are you going?”
I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. Killian’s voice was calm but firm, sending shivers down my
spine.
I turned slowly to face him. He was standing a few feet away, arms crossed over his chest. His expression
was serious, his sharp eyes fixed on me. The dim lighting made the lines of his face more defined, and he
looked more intimidating than ever.
“I… I just wanted to get some fresh air,” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.
Killian took a step closer, his movements slow and deliberate. “You know how dangerous it is outside right
now, don’t you?”
“I do,” I said quickly, my hands tightening on the doorknob. “But I won’t go far. Just a few minutes. I’ll be back
before anyone notices.”
He raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing. “It’s night, Mira. It’s dark everywhere, and there are rogues out there.
You’re not stupid, so don’t act like it.”
His tone made my cheeks flush with embarrassment and frustration. “I can take care of myself,” I said, trying
to sound confident.
Killian shook his head, his voice softening but still firm. “You don’t have to take care of yourself. That’s why you’re here–so we can protect you. Now, why don’t you try the balcony in your room if you need fresh air?”
I looked away, biting my lip. He was right, but I couldn’t tell him that.
Killian took another step closer, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Where are you really going, Mira? And why are
x+
+1 x+
m
1/3
о
<
< Chapter 65
you lying to me?”
“I’m not lying!” I said, though the words felt weak even to me.
He let out a humorless laugh. “Oh, really? Because crawling on all fours across the living room doesn’t exactly scream ‘innocent walk for fresh air.”
+8 Points >
My face burned, and I crossed my arms. “Why do you care so much? You don’t need to question everything I
do.”
Killian’s expression softened for a moment, and he sighed. “Mira, I care because I don’t want anything to happen to you. The world outside isn’t safe right now. Aaron is out there, and we have no idea what he’s planning. Do you really think I’d just let you wander off in the middle of the night?”
His words made my chest tighten, and I looked down at the floor. I hated how much sense he made, but I couldn’t tell him that I wanted to go and see the witch. I did not want to involve him in this.
“I just needed some time alone,” I said quietly.
Killian stepped even closer, now only a few feet away. His voice softened further, but his eyes never left mine. “Then tell me that. Don’t sneak around like you’re hiding something. If you want to leave, fine. But you’re not going alone.”
I looked up at him, startled. “What do you mean?”
“I mean if you want to go out, I’m coming with you,” he said simply. “There’s no way I’m letting you wander around out there by yourself.”
“You can’t do that,” I said quickly. “You’re injured. You shouldn’t even be walking around!”
Killian smirked, and his tone turned playful. “So you do care about me.”
I glared at him, ignoring the heat rising to my face. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Sure it isn’t,” he said, his smirk widening.
I turned away, my frustration bubbling over. “Forget it. I’ll just go back to my room.”
Killian stepped aside, gesturing toward the stairs with a dramatic sweep of his arm. “Good choice. And hey, if you still need fresh air, I’ll personally escort you to the balcony.”
I didn’t respond, brushing past him as I walked back toward the stairs. My heart was racing, and my thoughts were a tangled mess.
As I climbed the stairs, I heard his voice behind me, softer this time. “Mira, if something’s bothering you, you
can tell me. I mean it.”
I paused for a moment, my hand gripping the railing, but I didn’t turn around. “Goodnight, Killian,” I said quietly before continuing up to my room.
When I closed the door behind me, I leaned against it and let out a shaky breath. My emotions were all over the place–frustration, embarrassment, and something else I couldn’t quite name.
Killian’s words echoed in my mind. He had seen right through me, and now I was stuck. If I wanted to see the witch, I would have to find another way. But for now, I needed to calm my racing thoughts and fige out my
next move.
t
C
ค
Em
>
