Blood and Moonlight

ittering vision of luxury. Yet, despite the grandeur, Alessia felt a growing unease settle within her like a weight in her chest. The

oward her father and the other high-ranking guests. Alessia, too, had fallen into the role of a quiet, obs

, as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for something to happen. Alessia's mind began to race, her

from the table. His movement was smooth, effortless, almost predatory. He offe

sia?" Luca's voice was low, his ton

to her father, who gave her a brief, almost imp

voice steady, though her

ngs, refreshing after the stifling atmosphere of the dinner. The full moon hung high in the sky, its pale light casting long shadows across the grounds

sation. She wasn't sure why she asked; perhaps to break the silenc

onlight. For a moment, he said nothing, only studying her wi

e. "The moon, it calls to me. But I try not to listen too closely." There was something almost

one she hadn't expected beneath the hardened exterior. She knew he wasn't just a mafia heir-t

asked, unable to hide th

corner of his mouth. He stepped closer to her, the air betw

he said quietly. "The wolf.

e way he spoke-so calmly, as though it were the most natural thing in the world-was almost disor

e faltered. The words felt impossible to spe

aintly in the dark, a burning amber that made her feel as if he could see strai

o deny it. She had always sensed something off about Luca-something that couldn't be explained by me

led to find the words. "Yo

't a comforting smile. "I am human. For most of the time. But when

ad stories about werewolves, of course, but the idea had always seem

aborate further, but Alessia could tell from the dark undertones of his words that the

the way he carried himself with an air of quiet dominance. But this? This was something entirely

Alessia whispered, suddenly f

ody, and for a moment, she thought he might reach out and touch her. But he didn't.

his voice low, almost a growl. "And because, sooner or later, you'll find o

her, a mix of fear, confusion, and-strangely-something else. There was an undeniable pull betw

was she going to ask him? Did he ever regret what he was? Did he ever f

he night, a sound that was so primal, so full of longing, that it sent a chill down

ide him had h