A Warrior’s Second Chance novel Chapter 361

THIRD POV

Roman wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand, letting out a low breath as he stepped back from Jeffery.

“So…” Jeffery started, tilting his head slightly. “I heard that you weren’t from Blood Crescent, that you were … found at the border or something. I just thought I’d ask you directly-if you don’t mind.” His tone was careful, respectful, but the underlying curiosity was impossible to miss.

Roman straightened, running a hand through his messy hair, and let out a short, dry laugh. “So they already told you,” he said, his voice calm, almost amused. “I suppose I can’t exactly blame anyone. It does sound a little… out there.”

Jeffery’s lips pressed together in a small smile. “It was hard to believe. But I’d rather hear it from you than from stories or rumors.”

Roman shrugged, his posture relaxed, like he’d had this conversation enough times to have learned how to make it simple. “Alright, then. Whatever you heard…” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “It’s true. I’m not from here. I was found near the border. I don’t remember anything before that. That’s… about it.”

He didn’t elaborate further. There was no bitterness or defensiveness in his voice, just a straightforward delivery of facts. It was almost as if he had resigned himself to the curiosity that came with being the unknown wolf.

Jeffery nodded slowly, processing the information. There was a moment of silence, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It felt almost natural, like this was one of those rare pauses where neither of them needed to fill the air with unnecessary words.

Roman was used to people asking questions, and Jeffery, for his part, seemed content to just understand what he could without pushing for more than Roman was willing to give.

Then a familiar voice came through, carrying that slight note of amusement that always made Roman glance up immediately. “There you are.”

Irene stepped into the clearing, her presence immediately noticeable. Her eyes flicked to Jeffery first, then to Roman, and a faint smile touched her lips. She moved with her usual ease, approaching Jeffery, a hand brushing over his arm in greeting. Roman’s attention shifted just long enough to take in the exchange, but he didn’t linger.

He took a small step back, straightening his shoulders and giving a slight nod. “Good sparring,” he said to Jeffery, his voice casual but carrying a hint of acknowledgment for the effort they’d both put in. It was the kind of remark that left space for appreciation without needing to linger on it.

Jeffery grinned, a spark of competitiveness still alive in his eyes. “We should have a rematch sometime,” he said, his tone light.

Roman smirked, lifting a hand in mock salute, the corners of his mouth twitching upward in an almost teasing gesture. “We’ll see about that,” he replied. Then, without waiting for more, he turned on his heel.

STONEVALE PACK

THIRD POV

The night was heavy with mist. Darren’s boots crunched over fallen leaves as he waited, glancing impatiently at the shadows stretching between the trunks.

Janet emerged from the darkness, her movements unhurried.

“You’ve kept me standing out here too long,” Darren said, irritation lacing his voice. “Why not meet in your chambers or mine? Why out here?”

Janet’s expression remained serene. “Not at all. Right now, she is restless. Her powers are stirring. And the more she resists, the more… difficult it becomes for her to maintain balance. Her gifts will flare uncontrollably. The agitation… it will feel like madness.”

Darren blinked. “You’re telling me she is out there losing her mind?”

“I am guiding it. The magic is subtle, precise. It will continue to escalate until the final stage. And when that stage arrives…” She paused, letting her words settle in the crisp night air. “…the Celestine Luna will come to us of her own accord. No chasing, no guessing. She will appear.”

Darren’s arms fell to his sides, skepticism and curiosity warring across his face. “That sounds… convenient.”

Janet’s lips curved faintly. “Absolutely. I trust the process. I’ve seen its patterns before.”

“And if it doesn’t work?” Darren asked, his voice quieter now, a thread of caution creeping in.

Janet’s gaze sharpened. “It will. You’ll see. Patience, Darren. All things must reach their moment.”

Darren exhaled, the frustration in his shoulders easing slightly. “You make it sound so certain. But still… I would feel better if I had a name. A face. Someone to… verify.”

“You don’t,” Janet said simply. “Not yet. And you won’t. The mark will choose the moment. She cannot resist its pull forever. When it grows unbearable, she will seek us out. The spell ensures that.” Darren exhaled slowly, trying to shake off the impatience gnawing at him. “I suppose we wait, then.” Janet nodded, her expression calm in the moonlight. “We wait. And we watch.”