The Reborn Luna: Claimed by the Billionaire Alpha

Chapter 5: The Edge of Desperation

The night air was thick with tension as Selene and Killian ran through the dense forest, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. The moon cast pale silver streaks through the thick canopy, illuminating their path just enough to keep them from tripping over roots and fallen branches. Each step they took was followed by the sound of pursuit—soft but relentless.

Selene could feel it. The weight of unseen eyes tracking their every move. The rustling of leaves, the snapping of twigs—it wasn't just the wind. They were being hunted.

"Faster," Killian urged, his grip tightening around his sword. "They're closing in."

Selene didn't need to be told twice. She pushed herself harder, ignoring the burning in her legs. They had been running for what felt like hours, ever since discovering the message carved into the stone ruins. The warning had been clear: Leave while you still can.

But leaving wasn't an option. Not anymore.

The wind shifted suddenly, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and something sharper—metal, sweat, and the undeniable presence of danger. Selene's instincts screamed at her.

She grabbed Killian's arm, yanking him to a stop just as a dark figure stepped out from the trees ahead of them.

The stranger was cloaked in black, their face hidden beneath a hood. They didn't move, didn't speak—just stood there, blocking the only clear path forward.

Selene's pulse thundered in her ears.

Then, as if the forest itself had come alive, more figures emerged from the shadows. One by one, they formed a semi-circle around her and Killian, cutting off all routes of escape.

They had walked right into a trap.

Killian shifted into a defensive stance, his sword glinting under the moonlight. "Looks like they've been expecting us."

Selene's fingers curled around the hilt of her dagger. "Then let's not disappoint them."

The first attack came fast.

A blade sliced through the air toward her, its edge gleaming wickedly. Selene ducked, feeling the rush of wind as the weapon missed her by inches. She retaliated immediately, lunging forward and slashing at her attacker. Her dagger met resistance—leather armor—before she twisted away, avoiding a counterstrike.

Killian was already locked in combat with two opponents, his sword clashing violently against theirs. He moved with practiced precision, parrying blows and striking back with deadly force.

But their enemies were skilled. They fought like assassins, swift and coordinated, their attacks relentless.

Selene barely had time to react before another enemy charged at her. She sidestepped, using the momentum to drive her knee into their stomach. The impact sent them staggering, but not for long.

Too many.

Her mind raced. They couldn't fight them all—not like this.

She risked a glance toward Killian. He was holding his own, but even he couldn't keep up forever. Sweat glistened on his brow, his movements growing more desperate.

Then she saw it—an opening.

Beyond the trees, past the tangled undergrowth, was a narrow path leading toward the cliffs. It was dangerous, but it was their only chance.

"Killian!" she shouted, ducking another attack. "We need to move!"

He followed her gaze, understanding in his eyes.

Without hesitation, he fought his way toward her. Together, they turned and sprinted toward the cliffs, leaving their pursuers momentarily stunned.

The forest gave way to open air as they reached the edge. Below them, the river roared—a dark, twisting ribbon cutting through the land.

Selene's breath hitched. The drop was steep, the waters below rushing dangerously.

Behind them, their enemies were already recovering, closing in fast.

Killian met her gaze. "We don't have a choice, do we?"

Selene shook her head. "Not if we want to live."

She reached into her pouch, fingers wrapping around the small vial of flash powder she had kept for emergencies.

"This might buy us a few seconds," she murmured.

Killian nodded. "Do it."

Selene threw the vial to the ground. A blinding explosion of light and smoke erupted, momentarily disorienting their enemies.

"Now!" she shouted.

With one last deep breath, they leaped over the edge.

The Fall and the River's Wrath

The world tilted as they plummeted. The wind howled past Selene's ears, her stomach twisting with the sudden drop. The river below rushed closer—too fast, too hard.

Then, impact.

The icy water swallowed her whole, knocking the air from her lungs. Darkness surrounded her as she sank, the weight of the current pulling her deeper.

For a terrifying moment, she couldn't tell which way was up.

Panic clawed at her chest, but she forced herself to stay calm. She kicked her legs, pushing against the pull of the water, searching for the surface.

Finally, she broke through, gasping for air.

"Killian!" she called, her voice barely carrying over the roar of the river.

A few feet away, he surfaced, coughing. "I'm—fine," he managed between breaths.

Relief flooded through her, but it was short-lived. The current was dragging them downstream, their bodies tossed like leaves in a storm.

Selene fought to keep her head above water, but it was no use. The river was too strong, too wild.

Ahead, jagged rocks jutted out from the water like teeth.

"Killian, we need to get to the shore!" she shouted.

He nodded, already struggling toward the riverbank.

Selene followed, her limbs burning as she swam. Every stroke was a battle against the current, but she refused to let it win.

The shore was so close—just a little more.

Then, out of nowhere, a wave of water crashed over her, dragging her under again.

She tumbled through the depths, her body colliding with something hard. Pain exploded in her side, but she pushed through it, clawing her way back up.

When she finally surfaced, Killian was already reaching for her.

"Grab my hand!" he yelled.

She stretched out her arm, fingers barely brushing his—then, at the last second, he caught her wrist and pulled.

With one final surge, they broke free from the river's grip, collapsing onto the rocky shore.

Selene lay there for a moment, chest heaving, water dripping from her clothes and hair.

"That was—" she started, but Killian cut in.

"Too close."

She sat up slowly, wincing at the ache in her ribs. "They'll be looking for us."

Killian nodded grimly. "Then we'd better keep moving."

Selene glanced back at

the river, still raging, still unforgiving.

They had survived—for now.

But deep down, she knew the real danger was still ahead.

Selene's grip tightened around the hilt of her dagger as she studied the woman before her. There was something unsettling about her presence—something unreadable in the way she carried herself. She wasn't a lost traveler or a wandering merchant. She was someone who knew the dangers that lay ahead.

Killian took a slow step forward, his expression unreadable. "If you know something about Black Hollow, then speak plainly."

The woman pulled back her hood, revealing sharp features and dark, piercing eyes. "Black Hollow is not what you think it is," she said. "The stories you've heard—about its fall, about the people vanishing overnight—they are only half the truth."

Selene's heartbeat quickened. "Then what's the full truth?"

The woman hesitated, glancing at the trees around them as if she expected someone—or something—to be listening. "Black Hollow was abandoned because something unnatural took root there. Something that was never meant to exist."

Killian's expression darkened. "That sounds like superstition."

The woman smirked. "Believe what you will. But if you continue on this path, you will see it for yourselves."

Selene took a deep breath. She had heard myths of places where strange forces lingered, but she had never put much faith in them. Yet something about this woman's words felt different.

"Why are you warning us?" Selene asked.

The woman exhaled. "Because I've seen what happens to those who enter Black Hollow unprepared. And because I know who you are, Selene."

A chill ran down Selene's spine. "How do you know my name?"

The woman gave her a knowing look. "Because I know what you're looking for. And I know who is looking for you."

Selene's breath caught. Whoever this woman was, she knew more than she should.

Killian's posture tensed. "And who, exactly, is looking for her?"

The woman's gaze darkened. "The same ones who sent soldiers after you tonight. The ones who don't want you to uncover the truth."

Selene's mind raced. If this woman was telling the truth, then their enemies weren't just hunting them to stop them from reaching Black Hollow. They were hunting them because of something much bigger—something Selene had yet to understand.

"What do you suggest we do?" she asked carefully.

The woman hesitated before saying, "If you insist on going to Black Hollow, you'll need help. I can guide you—but only if you trust me."

Killian shot Selene a warning glance. They had no reason to trust this woman, and walking into a potential trap was the last thing they needed.

But Selene could feel it in her bones—this woman was the key to the answers they were searching for.

After a long pause, Selene finally nodded. "Then lead the way."

The woman's lips curled into a faint smile. "Then follow me. And don't look back."

With that, they stepped deeper into the forest, toward the ruins of Black Hollow—toward the unknown that awaited them in the darkness.

Selene and Killian followed the mysterious woman deeper into the forest, their senses heightened. The night air was thick with tension, every rustling leaf and distant howl putting them further on edge.

"What should we call you?" Selene finally asked, her voice low.

The woman didn't stop walking as she replied, "You may call me Elira."

The name stirred something in Selene's memory, but she couldn't place it. She glanced at Killian, who remained guarded, his hand hovering near his weapon.

"How do you know about Black Hollow?" Killian asked.

Elira's pace remained steady. "Because I was once part of it."

Selene's stomach tightened. "You lived there?"

Elira nodded. "Before it fell. Before the shadows consumed it."

Selene and Killian exchanged glances. The way she spoke sent a shiver down Selene's spine.

"What happened there?" Killian pressed.

Elira stopped abruptly, turning to face them. "Not all wounds bleed. Some wounds fester beneath the surface, unseen—until it's too late."

Her words sent an eerie silence over the group. The weight of something unspoken lingered in the air.

"That doesn't answer my question," Killian said.

Elira's gaze hardened. "Because it is not a question you want the answer to—not yet."

Before Selene could push further, Elira turned and continued walking.

The Path to Black Hollow

The deeper they went, the denser the forest became. The trees twisted unnaturally, their branches curling like skeletal fingers reaching for them. A faint mist curled along the ground, and the temperature dropped noticeably.

Selene wrapped her arms around herself. "It's getting colder."

Elira barely acknowledged her. "That means we're getting close."

Killian frowned. "Close to what?"

Elira didn't answer, but Selene could sense her tension. Whatever awaited them ahead, even Elira was wary of it.

The moonlight barely reached through the thick canopy, making it harder to see. But Selene felt something else—a presence.

They weren't alone.

Killian must have sensed it too because he reached for his sword. "We're being watched."

Elira remained still, listening. Then, she spoke softly, "Do not react. Do not run. Keep walking."

Selene's pulse quickened. "Who—"

A low growl echoed from the darkness.

Then another.

Shapes moved between the trees, shadows shifting unnaturally fast. Yellow eyes flickered in the darkness.

Selene's breath hitched.

They were surrounded.

The Beasts of Black Hollow

A deep, guttural snarl came from their left. Then a second from behind. The creatures were closing in.

Killian tightened his grip on his weapon. "What are they?"

Elira's voice was calm, but firm. "Wraith wolves. They hunt those who trespass here."

Selene swallowed hard. She had heard the legends of the wraith wolves—beasts that were neither alive nor dead, creatures bound to the cursed lands of Black Hollow.

"Can we fight them?" Selene whispered.

Elira's lips twitched in something almost like amusement. "You don't fight them. You survive them."

The first wolf lunged.

Killian was fast—his sword flashing as he pivoted, barely avoiding the creature's snapping jaws. The beast was massive, its fur dark and matted, its eyes glowing an unnatural yellow.

Selene reacted instinctively, raising her dagger as another wolf lunged at her. She ducked, rolling to the side as its claws slashed the air where she had stood moments before.

Elira moved like a shadow, evading the creatures effortlessly. "Stay close!" she ordered.

The wolves circled them, growling, their movements unnatural.

Selene's heart pounded. They needed to do something fast—or they wouldn't make it out alive.

A Desperate Escape

Elira suddenly grabbed Selene's wrist. "Trust me?"

Selene barely had time to nod before Elira moved. With a sharp whisper, she traced a symbol into the air. The moment she did, a gust of wind erupted from her hands, sending a powerful force outward.

The wraith wolves howled as the energy hit them, their forms flickering like shadows against the wind.

Selene's eyes widened. "Magic?"

Elira didn't answer. "Run!"

Selene and Killian didn't hesitate. They sprinted through the trees, following Elira as the wolves snarled behind them. The wind had slowed them—but not for long.

Branches whipped at Selene's face as they ran. The air grew heavier, the mist thickening around them.

Then, suddenly, the trees thinned.

Selene skidded to a stop, panting. Before them lay the ruins of Black Hollow.

Crumbling buildings stretched out in eerie silence. The once-thriving village was now a ghost of its former self, the remnants of stone walls covered in creeping vines. The air was thick with an unnatural stillness.

Selene turned back. The wraith wolves had stopped at the edge of the ruins, pacing but refusing to step forward.

"They won't follow us," Elira murmured.

Selene's chest heaved. "Why?"

Elira's gaze darkened as she stared at the ruins. "Because there is something far worse waiting inside."

Selene swallowed hard. Whatever secrets Black Hollow held, they were about to find out.

And there was no turning back.