Beyond The Edge of Instincts

Chapter 3: On the Threshold of the Inevitable

Luna felt a growing unease. Everything around her resembled an exclusive private party, but something about this place was undeniably off. The guests' gazes were too focused, their smiles stretched too tight.

She noticed how Alex watched her intently, as if assessing her reaction to everything happening around them.

"Tell me honestly," he asked suddenly, his voice calm but probing, "have you ever felt like your life... isn't entirely your own?"

The question caught Luna off guard, but it struck a nerve.

"Sometimes," she admitted, meeting his gaze. "But it feels like you know more about that than I do, don't you?"

"Perhaps," Alex replied enigmatically. "Tonight, you'll learn something that will change your life forever."

They sat by the bar, and Luna couldn't shake the feeling that she didn't belong here. Her wine glass trembled slightly in her hand. Alex, in stark contrast, exuded effortless composure, as though he wasn't just comfortable but integral to the fabric of this place.

"So, what's really going on here?" Luna asked, trying to mask her apprehension.

Alex ran his finger lazily along the rim of his glass before answering.

"Nothing in this building happens by chance. Every guest here is part of a grander game."

"And what kind of game is that?" Luna frowned, sensing she wouldn't like the answer.

Alex smiled faintly.

"A game of survival. Those who remain become part of our pack. Those who don't... well, not everyone leaves this place."

His words were spoken calmly, but they sent a chill down Luna's spine.

"A pack?" she repeated, struggling to grasp the meaning behind his words.

Alex leaned in closer, narrowing the space between them. In the dim light, his green eyes seemed to shimmer, their intensity unnerving.

"We are more than just people," he said quietly, as though sharing a profound secret. "Our blood is ancient. Our strength—greater than wealth or power."

"You're joking, right?" Luna laughed nervously, trying to mask her growing fear.

"And what do you think?" Alex narrowed his eyes, clearly enjoying her reaction.

Luna teetered on the edge of panic and curiosity. It all sounded like some wild myth, yet there wasn't a trace of humor in Alex's gaze.

"Come," Alex said, standing up and offering her his hand. "I want to introduce you to someone."

She hesitated for only a moment before placing her hand in his. His touch was firm and unnervingly warm. He led her across the room, past clusters of people murmuring to one another, their fleeting glances assessing her as she passed.

They stopped in front of a group of three: two men and a woman. One of the men, a broad-shouldered figure with gray eyes and a scar cutting through his brow, turned to Alex with a nod of respect.

"And who do we have here?" he asked, his gaze sweeping over Luna.

"Luna," Alex replied, as though that single word explained everything.

The woman, with fiery red hair and an abundance of golden jewelry, studied Luna with a sharp, cold gaze.

"An interesting choice," she drawled. "Do you think she'll make it?"

"She will," Alex said with unwavering confidence, his eyes never leaving Luna. "She's stronger than she looks."

"What does 'make it' mean?" Luna interrupted, her patience wearing thin.