The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 27

**Chapter 18**

**Blair’s POV**

From the moment Cassian entered my life, a subtle yet profound transformation began to unfold.

Before his arrival, I had always sensed a void within me—a gaping emptiness that seemed insurmountable, a shadow that loomed over my existence.

Yet, with Cassian, our conversations, though often trivial and light, began to fill the silence that had long haunted me.

There were moments when words were unnecessary; he would simply sit beside me, a comforting presence, or stand nearby, as if his very being was a balm to my spirit.

We would sometimes shift into our wolf forms, racing through the woods, the thrill of the chase igniting a spark of joy I thought I had lost forever.

He was the first to ever compliment my wolf, calling it beautiful, and those words lingered in my mind like a gentle caress.

One afternoon, I found myself idly running my fingers over my chest, only to discover that the hollow ache I had grown so accustomed to had vanished. I hadn’t even realized when it had slipped away, like a thief in the night.

Even my wolf, once enveloped in sorrow, had begun to heal.

That was the moment clarity struck me like a lightning bolt—my profound loneliness stemmed from years of isolation.

We are, by nature, creatures of the pack. Even if one seeks to distance themselves from the chaos of the world, solitude has a way of creeping in, settling deep within your bones before you even recognize its presence.

I had envisioned a life spent in seclusion on that remote island, a place devoid of people, devoid of pain.

But now… my perspective had shifted.

Months had passed—surely, those who once knew me had forgotten my existence. I had already “died” once; there was no need to continue punishing myself by hiding away from the world.

So, when Cassian broached the subject of leaving again, I found myself unable to refuse.

“I’m heading out tomorrow too,” I said, keeping my tone even. “But you don’t need to guide me or keep me company. We were merely strangers whose paths crossed. Once we leave this place, let’s maintain that distance.”

I paused, locking my gaze with his earnest eyes. “And about saving your life… if you truly wish to repay me, give me a new identity.”

A fresh name. A blank slate. A chance to start anew.

He didn’t question my request; he simply nodded in understanding.

—

The day of our departure arrived, and we stood side by side on the boat, the island receding into the horizon. I felt an unfamiliar twist in my heart, a sensation I struggled to define.

Cassian approached me, placing a jacket over my shoulders with a gentle touch.

My instinct was to shrug it off, but he pressed his hand over mine, anchoring it in place.

“The wind is fierce out here. You don’t want to catch a chill,” he said, his voice laced with concern.

Then, he handed me a steaming cup of hot cocoa, the rich aroma wafting up to greet me.

I regarded him with a quizzical expression, and he simply smiled, gesturing toward my chest.

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