The Lost Queen

Chapter Nine

Daya's P.O.V.

The time I spent with Destiny was amazing. We watched at least three movies, devoured every snack she brought, and talked until I felt like I'd known her forever. I learned so much about her—how she's engaged to Noah, the pack's lead warrior, and that she's an only child. She told me that Emma, Chloe, their mates, and Kaden are all best friends.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I hesitated before asking, "What about Kaden and that blonde?" My voice wavered slightly.

Destiny looked up at me with a curious expression before realization dawned on her. "Ohh, you mean Hailey. She's just someone who won't take a hint. She was there for Kaden during his rough times and thinks that entitles her to be Luna. But don't worry—Kaden doesn't want her. He wants you, his mate." She gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, her warm smile putting me at ease.

I nodded, mulling over her words. Maybe I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions so quickly. Perhaps Kaden deserved a chance to explain himself. Tomorrow, I would give him that opportunity. For now, though, exhaustion was overtaking me, and it wasn't even 9:30 p.m.

"Do you need anything to sleep in?" Destiny asked, noticing how tired I was.

"Yes, please," I replied, stifling a yawn. She chuckled softly and left the room.

I stretched, hopping off the bed, and turned off the TV. Destiny had mentioned this room was usually used for sleepovers and girl talk, and I could see why—it felt cozy and safe. A moment later, she returned, holding a pink tank top and gray shorts.

"I'm going to leave you to it. You look like you could use a good night's sleep," she said, handing me the clothes.

"Goodnight, Destiny, and thank you," I said sincerely.

"Goodnight, Daya. Anytime," she replied with a wave and a smile before leaving the room.

I headed to the bathroom, turned on the shower, and stripped out of my clothes. Pausing to look at my reflection in the mirror, I felt a wave of disgust. My body was marred with scars—constant reminders of the life I'd endured. A particularly long scar ran from my collarbone to the valley of my breasts. Ryan had left that one. He'd said it was a "reminder of our first time." The thought made my stomach churn. Thank the Moon Goddess he was dead now.

I tore my gaze away from the mirror and stepped into the shower. The warm water cascaded over me, washing away the day's tension. After finishing, I slipped into the clothes Destiny had given me and returned to the room.

Then it hit me—where was my backpack? Panic surged through me. That bag held everything I owned: my savings, my real ID (finally obtained after turning eighteen on March 3rd), and my passport. I needed it.

Kaden might know where it was. But how was I supposed to find him? Groaning, I stepped out of the room and followed his scent down the hall. It led me to a door at the very end. Taking a deep breath, I knocked.

"Come in, Daya," Kaden's deep voice called from inside. Of course, he'd already smelled my scent.

I pushed the door open hesitantly and stepped inside, shutting it softly behind me. Kaden looked up from the papers on his desk, pushing his chair back to give me his full attention. He was still wearing the same clothes as earlier, clearly not planning to sleep anytime soon.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.

I nodded quickly, fiddling with my hands. "Um... have you seen my bag? The one I came here with?"