My carriage had just left the main stone road outside the old manor when a strange iron van appeared in the mirror rune.
At first, I paid it no mind. Then the vehicle suddenly sped up and swerved hard toward me. A sharp screech cut through the night air.
Before I could react, my carriage door was yanked open from the outside. Strong hands grabbed me. The world spun. The back of my head struck something solid.
Before I could cry out, a rough palm covered my mouth, and I was thrown into the van.
The door slammed shut.
In the darkness, I heard the engine roar again.
Fear surged through me. By instinct, I wrapped both arms around my belly, protecting my pup. My fingers shook badly as I searched inside my bag for my communicator.
When the screen lit up, I called Ronan without thinking.
No answer.
I called again. A third time. A fourth time.
The crystal device vibrated again and again in my hand. But he did not answer.
I began sending voice messages, forcing my tone low though it trembled.
“Ronan… something has happened to me.”
“Please answer, alright?”
“Just pick up. I am begging you…”
Each message disappeared into silence, as if swallowed by a dark forest with no echo.
I stared at the glowing screen. My hand grew colder with each passing second.
The man sitting across from me suddenly laughed.
“Stop trying. It is useless.”
The inside of the van was dim. His face remained hidden in shadow, but his voice carried open mockery.
“You are Luna of Valloren, right?”
“You look miserable.”
His tone was lazy.
“You cannot even get your own Alpha to answer your call. Makes me wonder why you still cling to him.”
I forced myself to stay calm. My throat felt tight, but I managed to ask,
“Why did you kidnap me?”
“Because you are blocking my sister’s path. If someone blocks the road, she must be removed.”
My heart sank.
“Your sister… is she Marielle?”
