---- Chapter 21 No.21 Nyx POV: Six years. Six years of peace, of healing, of becoming. The Northern Sanctuary was my home, its people my family. The weak, limping Omega girl was a distant memory. In her place stood Nyx, a warrior, an artist, and a respected member of our community. My hidden white wolf blood, once a source of fear and secrecy, had flourished in the wild freedom of the north. It had awakened fully, granting me strength, speed, and senses that surpassed even those of our leader, Andi. | was no longer hiding. | was whole. Life was good. Which was why | was hesitant when the opportunity arose to travel south. A regional trade summit was being held, and the host was none other than the Blackmoon Pack. Andi couldn't go, and she asked me to go in her stead, alongside our primary trade partner, a shrewd but fair merchant named Alistair. It was time, she had said, for the Blackmoon Pack to see the power of the north. Returning felt... surreal. The guards at the border were younger, their faces unfamiliar. But as we approached the main gate, | saw a familiar face. Finn, Lyra's loyal subordinate, was now the Captain of the Guard. He was older, more serious, but his eyes widened in recognition when he saw me. ---- "Elara?" he breathed, his voice filled with shock. "It's Nyx now," | said, offering a small, polite smile. "It's good to see you again, Finn." "You too," he stammered, quickly regaining his composure. "Welcome to the Blackmoon Pack, Emissary Nyx." We agreed to speak later, and he ushered our delegation inside. That evening, a welcome feast was held in our honor. The great hall was exactly as | remembered, but | felt no attachment to it. It was just a room. | was Nyx, an emissary from the north, here on business. And then | saw him. Kaelen was standing across the hall, talking to some of his elders. He was older, his face etched with lines of stress and a profound sadness that hadn't been there before. But he was still the Alpha, his presence commanding, powerful. As if he felt my gaze, he turned. His eyes met mine. And the world stopped. | saw it happen. | saw the moment of recognition dawn on his face. He inhaled sharply, his nostrils flaring. My own scent-no. longer the submissive scent of an Omega, but the wild, unique fragrance of a white wolf, like arctic snow and night-blooming moonflowers-had reached him across the crowded room. His eyes widened, his face paling. The silver goblet in his hand slipped from his grasp, clattering to the stone floor. ---- His heart began to pound, a frantic, desperate rhythm that | could hear as clearly as if | were standing next to him. His blood roared in his veins. | could feel the shockwave of it, the desperate call of his soul reaching out to mine. And deep within me, my own wolf, long dormant in matters of the heart, stirred and let out a possessive, triumphant roar that only | could hear. 'Mine.' "Elara," he breathed, the name a ghost on his lips. He took a step towards me, his eyes locked on mine, filled with a desperate, wild hope. Alistair, the merchant beside me, noticed the Alpha's strange behavior. "Emissary Nyx, does the Alpha know you?" he asked, his voice low. | turned my gaze from Kaelen's, my expression cool and composed. "| don't believe so," | said, my voice clear and steady. "He must be mistaken." Kaelen froze, the hope in his eyes dying, replaced by confusion and a devastating pain. He watched, helpless, as Alistair led me to the dance floor. | did not look back at him. Not once. In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.