Bound by the Moon

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Chapter 1: The Stranger at Blackstone Lodge

The cold wind clawed at Luna Hart's face as she stepped off the rickety bus, her boots sinking into a fresh layer of snow. The driver gave her a curt nod before pulling away, leaving her alone on the narrow mountain road. Ahead, the trail to Blackstone Lodge wound upward, disappearing into the shadowy embrace of the forest.

Luna adjusted the strap of her duffel bag, a single reminder of her old life, and stared into the dense woods. The job listing had been vague, but the pay was more than generous. After losing her apartment and burning through what little savings she had, Luna didn't have the luxury of being picky.

"Just a lodge," she muttered, trying to steel her nerves. "Just some rich guy's fancy retreat."

The forest swallowed her whole as she started up the trail. The air was sharp, each breath a biting reminder of how far she'd come from the noisy, crowded city. Here, the silence was almost deafening. No birds, no distant hum of traffic-only the crunch of her boots and the occasional creak of branches swaying in the wind.

She tightened her scarf, the unease settling over her like a second skin. Something about the forest felt ancient, as though it had been standing long before humans dared to carve paths through it.

It was nearly dark when the lodge came into view. The sight made her stop in her tracks.

Blackstone Lodge wasn't what she'd expected. Perched on a ridge overlooking the valley, the massive structure was equal parts imposing and beautiful. Its dark wood and glass façade gleamed against the backdrop of the snow-covered mountains. But the lodge didn't radiate warmth-it loomed like a watchful predator, its lights flickering faintly in the encroaching night.

"Miss Hart?"

The deep, resonant voice startled her. Luna whipped around to find a man standing on the stone steps leading to the entrance.

He was tall, with the kind of presence that demanded attention. His black coat, tailored to perfection, did little to hide the strength in his broad shoulders. Tousled dark hair framed a face that looked as though it had been sculpted by a master artist. His silver-gray eyes met hers, sharp and unreadable, and for a moment, Luna forgot how to breathe.

"Yes, I'm... Luna Hart," she managed, clutching the strap of her bag like a lifeline.

The man descended the steps with a quiet, almost predatory grace. He extended a gloved hand. "Kael Blackstone. Welcome to my lodge."

Luna hesitated before taking his hand. His grip was firm, his palm warm despite the frigid air. A strange current ran through her at his touch, and she quickly pulled her hand back.

"Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Blackstone," she said, her voice steadier than she felt.

His lips twitched into what might have been a smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm glad you made it safely. Not many are brave enough to take the trek up here at this time of year."

The weight of his gaze made her shift uncomfortably. Before she could respond, the heavy front doors creaked open, and an older woman stepped out.

She was tall and severe, her gray-streaked hair pulled into a tight bun. Her sharp eyes swept over Luna with the precision of a blade, lingering on her worn boots and wind-chapped face.

"You're late," the woman said curtly.

"Agatha," Kael interjected, his tone smooth but firm, "our new hire has had a long journey. Let's not frighten her off on her first day."

Agatha sniffed but stepped aside, motioning for Luna to enter. "Follow me," she said briskly.

The lodge's interior was as grand as its exterior, yet no less intimidating. The foyer was vast, with vaulted ceilings and walls paneled in dark wood. A roaring fire crackled in a massive stone hearth, casting flickering shadows across the room. The scent of cedar and something faintly metallic filled the air, teasing at Luna's senses.

Agatha led her through the space with quick, precise steps, barely pausing to point out the key areas. "Dining hall is through there. Staff quarters are in the east wing. You'll start tomorrow morning-5 a.m. sharp. We run a tight ship here, Miss Hart."

"Of course," Luna said, trying to keep up with the older woman's pace.

"And one more thing," Agatha said, stopping abruptly. She turned to face Luna, her expression unreadable. "Do not wander the halls at night."

Luna frowned. "Why not?"

Agatha's lips pressed into a thin line. "The lodge is old. It's easy to get lost."

Before Luna could press further, Agatha handed her a small iron key and motioned toward a narrow hallway. "Your room is at the end. Goodnight, Miss Hart."

The air grew heavier as Luna walked down the hall alone. Her room was small but cozy, with a single bed, a wardrobe, and a window that overlooked the dark forest. She dropped her bag onto the bed and sat down, exhaustion settling over her like a blanket.

She tried to tell herself that Agatha's warning was nothing more than eccentricity, but the unease lingered. There was something about this place-something she couldn't quite put her finger on.

That night, sleep came fitfully. The wind outside howled like a living thing, and the lodge groaned as though settling into its ancient bones. Just as she began to drift off, a sound broke through the silence.

A low, mournful howl.

Luna bolted upright, her heart hammering in her chest. She hurried to the window, but the forest below was still, bathed in silvery moonlight.

"It's just a wolf," she whispered, trying to calm herself. "Nothing to be scared of."

But the sound came again, louder this time, and far too close.

Her breath caught as she noticed movement near the edge of the forest. A massive, shadowy figure slipped between the trees, too large to be any ordinary wolf.

She stumbled back from the window, her pulse pounding in her ears. For a moment, she considered running to find Agatha-or even Kael. But something stopped her.

The figure paused, turning its head toward her window. Even from a distance, she could feel its gaze, as though it could see her through the glass.

Then, just as quickly as it had appeared, the creature melted back into the shadows.

Luna sank onto the bed, her hands trembling. Whatever was out there wasn't just a wolf.

And she had the sinking feeling that Blackstone Lodge was hiding far more than she'd bargained for.