Page 45 of The Moonborn's Curse

But now—

His father was furious. His mother looked disappointed.

And Seren—

She didn't say anything.

Didn't react.

But something in her changed.

He saw it—the way her expression stilled, the way her shoulders straightened, the way something quietly shattered behind her eyes.

And for some reason, that made his chest ache more than his father's anger.

"Hagan. Inside."

The order came through the tribelink, a voice that brooked no argument.

Then, in a gentle voice, even for his dad, "Seren, come with me"

Hagan swallowed hard.

He should feel victorious. He had stood up to his father.

He didn't.

His fingers were still curled around the blanket as he turned away, walking toward the longhouse.

The words still echoed in his ears.

Why did she come?

Why couldn't she stay where she belonged?

And yet—

That strange knowing still lingered, deep in his chest.

A memory that wasn't a memory.

Like an itch between his shoulder blades.

Chapter 22

The doors to the longhouse slammed shut behind them.

The heavy thud echoed in the vast space, but it was nothing compared to the roar of fury that followed.

"What the hell was that?" Highclaw Draken's voice thundered through the room, shaking the wooden beams as he turned on his son. His usually controlled face was twisted in rage, his fangs descending, claws elongating at his sides. His golden eyes burned with fury.

Hagan barely had time to inhale before Draken struck the table, splitting the thick wood with his palm. The force of it sent tremors through the floor.

Lia tried to step inside, her face worried, but Draken snapped his head toward her, voice sharp as a blade.

"Not you, Lia."

The command was absolute.

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