Page 87 of The Moonborn's Curse

Always watching her.

The anoman stirred, gave a single low whistle, and disappeared into the underbrush.

Seren lowered the camera slowly and glanced back. "You know," she said, "you're not very good at not being obvious."

Veyr's tongue curled further out in a wolfish grin.

She sighed. "Why do you follow me everywhere? You're like a really quiet... extremely fluffy stalker."

A shimmer passed over his form, and within seconds, the wolf gave way to the boy—tall, lean, and always a little too still, as if even in human skin, he remembered the forest's hush. Seren, her face turned away, heard the rustle of clothing being pulled on.

He stood a few feet away now, eyes locked on hers.

"You never asked," he said simply.

"Well, I'm asking now."

He was quiet for a moment, then stepped forward, fingers brushing the bark of a nearby tree. "That first day. In front of everyone... you stood like you belonged, even though you didn't. You were like one of those wild exotic flowers we read about."

Her mouth parted. He wasn't looking at her. Not quite.

"You fought," he said, softer now. "Not just on the field. With your eyes. With the way you refused to bow."

She swallowed hard.

"You were brave," he said. "I admire that."

Silence stretched between them like a thread pulled taut.

"In another time," Veyr continued, "one without prophecy or bonds, where bloodlines didn't matter..." He finally looked at her. "Hagan wouldn't have a chance."

Her breath caught.

"But," he added, quietly, "you were born to be Lunara. And I cannot take that from you."

She blinked, startled by the tenderness in his voice, by the way it curled around her name like a blessing and a farewell all at once.

"So, I will be your shadow," he said, mouth quirking at one corner. "As much as I would be to Hagan."

Seren stared at him, chest tight with something unnamed.

Then, slowly, she leaned back against the tree trunk behind her and grinned.

"Well," she said lightly, "if you're going to follow me, could you at least carry my gear next time? I'm not made for lugging tripods through brambles."

Veyr arched a brow.

"And maybe bring snacks?" she added sweetly. "Some of us don't run on silent, brooding energy alone. And don't eat raw meat."

His lips twitched. "Just energy...what about dramatic good looks? Forgot that?"

"I did. Shame on me." She tilted her head. "You're a regular forest prince, Veyr."

He gave a low chuckle, eyes flicking away like he couldn't quite hold her gaze for too long.

But Seren saw the flush rise along his neck—and how, for just a second, his shadow fell closer than ever across her own.

At school, things had... calmed.

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