Moonbound: Caught Between Mafia and Mate

Chapter 10: Battle at Dawn

The night was torn apart by chaos.

Luna's heart raced as the explosion's aftershock vibrated through the walls of the mansion. Smoke curled into the night sky, illuminated by the flashes of gunfire. The distant yells of Lorenzo's men as they scrambled to defend the gates filled the air, punctuated by the unmistakable metallic clang of steel meeting steel.

Luna stood frozen for a heartbeat, her body reacting before her mind could catch up. Instinct had taken over, her legs moving before she had fully processed the danger. She sprinted after Lorenzo as he barked orders to his men, pulling her closer into the fold of the battle.

"Luna, stay close!" Lorenzo's voice cut through the noise as he rushed her toward the armory. The dim light of the hallway flickered ominously as the sounds of battle grew louder.

But Luna didn't stop. She couldn't. There was something pulling her forward, something deep inside her that wouldn't let her retreat.

The power that had been stirring within her for days surged to the surface, as though the chaos outside was calling to it—feeding it. Her skin prickled with electricity, and she could feel the wolf inside her responding to the threat.

"We need to get to the control room!" Lorenzo yelled, his eyes narrowing as he glanced toward the entrance of the mansion. His entire body was tense, coiled like a spring, ready to defend. "That's where they'll make their first strike."

"No," Luna said, stopping abruptly. "They're not going for the control room."

Lorenzo turned to face her, confusion flashing across his face. "What are you talking about?"

"They're coming for me," Luna said, her voice quiet but firm. "Matteo's men are after me. They won't stop until they have me."

Lorenzo's eyes darkened with understanding. "That's why we need to keep you safe. You can't fight them, Luna. Not like this."

Luna's eyes flickered with silver light, her power beginning to pulse beneath her skin. "I'm not hiding anymore, Lorenzo. I'm done being protected. I have to face this."

Lorenzo stared at her, his jaw clenched, torn between his need to protect her and the realization that Luna had to stand on her own. After a tense moment, he nodded. "Fine. But you're not doing this alone."

A sudden crash echoed through the hallway, and both of them whipped around just in time to see the door at the far end explode inward. Matteo's men poured through the breach, their dark uniforms blending into the shadows as they advanced.

Lorenzo moved faster than Luna had ever seen, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her behind him as he drew his gun. His eyes flickered between the intruders, calculating every possible outcome.

"Stay behind me," he growled, his voice cold and focused.

But Luna didn't listen. The power inside her was boiling over, pushing her forward. She could feel the pull of the moon outside, the energy coursing through her veins. The surge of adrenaline made her stronger, faster. Her senses sharpened, and the world around her became crystal clear.

With a burst of silver light, Luna stepped forward, placing herself between Lorenzo and the advancing men.

"Luna, what are you—"

Before Lorenzo could finish his sentence, Luna raised her hand. The power inside her, wild and untamed, roared to life. The air crackled with energy as a wave of force exploded from her palm, slamming into the first line of attackers and sending them flying backward into the wall.

Lorenzo's eyes widened in shock, but he didn't hesitate. He raised his gun and fired at the remaining men, taking out the ones who were still on their feet.