Lucian's Pov
I sat behind my desk, scanning through the latest reports from the various packs under my rule. Complaints, disputes, requests—endless demands that never ceased. My fingers tapped against the polished wood, my mind already moving onto the next matter, yet a gnawing irritation simmered beneath the surface. I had half a mind to visit the training grounds today, to inspect the progress of the recruits. That was the reason I kept telling myself.
Not to see Sera.
Yet I couldn't deny it entirely. Something about seeing my mate, whether I acknowledged her or not, tangled up with Kael—a wolf who grated on my nerves like a dull blade—stirred something sharp and unpleasant inside me. Fury? Annoyance? Whatever it was, it was better than the nothingness that had settled in my chest all my life. Even if the emotions were bitter, at least they were something.
Just as I signed off on a territorial dispute, a sudden shift struck me. A familiar pulse slammed through my chest, my heartbeat out of rhythm for a moment. I clenched my jaw.
Sera.
That damned mate bond.
She was in the building.
She shouldn't be here. She had no reason to be.
My wolf stirred, claws scraping against my mind, urging me to find her. It was infuriating how restless he became whenever she was near. I forced my attention back to the paperwork, but her scent wove into my senses, taunting me—sometimes faint, then suddenly strong again, like she was moving. Wandering.
I exhaled sharply, shoving back my chair as I stood. Fine. I'd find her and put an end to whatever foolishness had brought her here.
Stepping out of my office, I spotted her easily over the railing. She moved through the hallway on the next floor, turning her head left and right like a lost pup. I gritted my teeth.
She was lost. Of course she was.
I took the stairs and rounded the corner just as she turned. She walked straight into me.
She barely stumbled. I had to give her credit for that.
Her eyes flickered with something unreadable before she schooled her expression. "Lucian."
My name on her lips sent fire through my system. I gritted my teeth
"What are you doing here?"
She lifted her chin, unbothered by my sharp tone. "I need to speak with you about something important."
I considered dismissing her outright, but curiosity won. "Go on."
She exhaled, then began explaining a weapon she wanted—a strange fusion of a sword and sickle. As she spoke, her words painted a vivid image of it, so precise it was as if she had held it before.
Something in her voice, in the way she described the weapon, felt eerily familiar. A memory I couldn't quite grasp.
"Where did you hear about this weapon?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
She hesitated for a split second. "I just… thought it up."
I called bullshit. "Really."
Her gaze wavered, then hardened. "Does it matter? I need a weapon, and I believe this one suits me."
My lips pressed into a thin line. I was already dealing with one unexplained weapon in Kael's possession, and now this? Yet, despite my suspicion, something in me agreed that this weapon—this Lunar Scythe—fit her in a way I couldn't explain.
I should've told her no. I should've sent her away and told her to find something else. Instead, I found myself saying, "It will take time, but I'll have it forged."
Her eyes widened, genuinely surprised. "You will?"
I scowled at her reaction. "Did you expect me to refuse?"
"Yes," she said bluntly.
I almost smirked. Almost. "Don't get used to it."
She huffed, crossing her arms. "Fine."
The conversation should have ended there, but of course, Sera never knew when to leave things alone.
"Does this mean I'll be allowed into the gathering next tomorrow?" she asked.
I had already decided she would be. The whole purpose of the whole thing was to ensure everyone had the best-suited weapon, and she was taking the steps to find hers.
But her determination, the fire in her eyes, made me want to push her—just to see how far before she snapped.
"No."
Her nostrils flared. "That's ridiculous!"
"Are you arguing with my decision?"
"Yes! I–"
"You'll be allowed in."
Her mouth snapped shut, and she glared at me.
I gave her a smirk. "You really are easy to rile up."
Her glare deepened, but she had no argument left. I turned away, ready to return to my office. "You can see yourself out."
She scoffed. "You realize I don't know my way around here?"
"Not my problem."
I didn't bother looking back as I walked away, but I did motion to one of the guards standing nearby. "Escort her out," I ordered.
As I climbed the stairs back to my office, my wolf's restless nagging settled. I frowned.
I blamed him for the irritation she always stirred in me.
And I blamed him for the strange flicker of satisfaction I felt knowing I had given her what she wanted.