Beyond The Edge of Instincts

Chapter 2: A Night Full of Secrets

Luna and Alex walked slowly along the alley, leaving Rita and Artyom ahead. The tension between them grew, and it felt as if something was about to happen at any moment. The dim streetlights cast a faint glow along their path, while the trees rustled, adding to the sense of isolation from the rest of the world.

"You didn't come here by accident, did you?" Alex asked suddenly, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

Luna glanced at him, trying to decipher his meaning.

"If I knew why I came, maybe things would be easier," she replied honestly.

Alex chuckled but didn't say anything, leaving her with her thoughts.

They stopped at an old fountain in the park's center. Luna noticed Rita and Artyom whispering to each other, glancing in her and Alex's direction from time to time. It felt as if they were talking about her, but Luna couldn't make out what they were saying.

"What are they plotting?" Luna muttered, frowning.

"Don't worry," Alex said. "That's just how Rita is. She likes dramatic entrances."

"You sure?" Luna kept her gaze on Rita, convinced this was more than just a friendly evening.

Alex leaned in slightly closer to her.

"Sometimes it's better not to know in advance. Surprises are part of the game."

His words were both reassuring and unsettling, and Luna felt a strange mix of anticipation and dread building inside her.

Rita finally turned toward them, smiling as if about to make an important announcement.

"Well, are you ready?" she asked, clapping her hands together. "Tonight will be unforgettable!"

"What exactly are you planning?" Luna asked, struggling to keep the suspicion out of her voice.

"You'll find out soon enough," Rita said mysteriously, waving toward a long-forgotten alley. "We need to go there. Time's ticking."

Luna glanced at Alex, who simply shrugged as if saying, *"Let's go and see."*

They crossed the deserted alley, which led to an old building hidden deep within the park. The place felt abandoned by time—faded posters clung to crumbling walls, peeling paint exposed the cracked surface beneath, and broken streetlights added to the oppressive atmosphere. But neither Rita nor Artyom seemed bothered by it. Luna's tension grew with each step.

Alex walked beside her, his presence looming like a shadow that never left. In his unbuttoned dark jacket, he moved smoothly, like a predator observing its surroundings. His piercing green eyes seemed to look straight through her, as if seeing things she wanted to keep hidden. On his wrist, she noticed an expensive watch, far too elegant for a casual night out.

"Do you go to these kinds of meetups often?" Luna asked, trying to break the tension.

Alex smiled, his expression soft but tinged with amusement.

"Events like this are rare. But trust me, this one will be... special."

His voice carried an unsettling confidence, as if he knew something others didn't.

Alex wasn't just another guy at a party. He belonged to one of the most powerful families in the city, a family that hid its true nature behind the mask of wealth and influence. Behind their facade of successful businessmen and societal elites lay something far more dangerous—werewolves. For decades, they had controlled not only the city's financial world but also its political landscape, ensuring their dominance over both the visible and hidden realms of power.