The Forgotten Luna (Adessa)

ADESSA.

My hands were trembling, and I knew I couldn't drive further. I had been in this car for the last four hours, driving slowly and carefully to make sure I would never hit anyone or anything. Thankfully, no one was following me, or I would easily get caught. I didn't like driving. But I had no choice. I had to get away before someone found the bodies of the men I killed.

I turned off the engine and rested my forehead against the steering wheel.

I had no idea where to go.

I ended up in Bayson Bay, a human territory. Although humans were very much aware of the existence of shifters like me, we continued to live in harmony. But for their safety, they seldom travel or stay in shifters' territory, but we were often found in theirs.

So, I knew I could thrive well in this place. The problem was, I had to hide my identity, and this place being near Kael and Draco's pack, I would easily be caught here. I needed to go further.

I wasn't even sure if the men I killed were just ordinary messengers or held high positions. Either way, I was sure Alpha Draco would look for me if we didn't arrive by nightfall in their territory.

I had a few more hours ahead of me before he'd start wondering where we were. Unless someone had already found the dead bodies and informed him.

But where will I go? I didn't have anything with me.

My wallet was in my luggage, and I didn't see it anywhere in the car. They were probably still on the sidewalk where they grabbed me.

"I think I have a little money in my pants," I mumbled to myself, and my body jerked up.

I eased back against my seat and stretched my leg before inserting my hand into my right pocket.

I didn't feel any bills, but I touched something small and hard. My forehead creased as I pulled it out, only for my eyes to widen when I saw my wedding ring.

How did it get here?

This Edwardian Ruby gold ring, with encrusted small diamonds, was Kael's family heirloom and had been worn by the Lunas of the Ironcrest Pack, except for Miranda, as Kael refused to hand it down to her in respect to his late mother. He gave it to me instead as our wedding band, while I chose a plain gold ring for him.

I was confident that I had placed this ring on top of the bank cards I had returned to Kael's desk. How come I got it here?

I was still trying to make sense of it when I remembered someone pushing something into my pocket while I was in the car.

Was Miranda trying to set me up? Did she find it on his desk and give it to me so Kael thought I stole it?

Of course, she would. She sold me to another pack and had me take this so I would be a thief in Kael's eyes.

That bitch!

I gritted my teeth as I slammed my palm on the steering wheel, annoyed and furious. Then I realized I had nothing except this ring. I could pawn it, but who would accept it without raising suspicion on me?

I was sure this cost a fortune. But then I need to get away, and I could use the money I could take from it.

It didn't matter anymore what Kael would think of me. I had to stop thinking about him and move on. I want to go away from here and survive on my own like I did before I met him.

I got out of the car and locked the doors before walking with my head held up so no one would think something was strange, but all the while, my heart was thudding loudly.

A part of my shirt had a blood stain on it. I probably touched blood when I tried to take the key from the driver.

I grabbed the part with the stain and

held on to it as if I were just holding it as I walked through the sidewalk where commercial shops were lined up. I knew there were pawnshops in here, but for some reason, I couldn't see one.

Until I spotted a jewelry shop. I was not sure they would let me pawn this, but I got to try. Maybe I could convince them, as this ring is worth something big.

I took a deep breath before walking

toward it. I pushed open the glass door, and it chimed. I looked behind me to make sure no one had seen me come inside, but as soon as my eyes fell on the woman behind the counter, my body froze.

I wanted to turn around, but it was too late. She already saw me.

"Adessa? Is that you?" The woman asked, and I nodded my head as I hurried forward toward her.

She was the mother of my good friend way back in grade school. I didn't know they moved in here. I'd lost touch with them when I had to stop going to school so I could work and help at the orphanage 24/7. "Hi... How are you? How is Gracie?" I asked her.

"She works at Greenfield, and I only see her during holidays. Look at you! So beautiful..." Her smile faded as

her eyes wandered on my arm. An bruise was starting to show. I guess it was when they grabbed me "Are you okay?"

I shook my head. "I need help."

"What's wrong?"

"I left my husband, and I have nowhere to go. But I do have a ring that I can pawn here. I just need some money."

"We don't take pawns here."

"Please..." I begged before taking the ring out of my pocket. "Here, you can check it. It's pure gold, and the diamonds are worth something."

"I can see that. Where did you get this?"

"It's from my husband. Our wedding ring. I planned to return it, but I just need money for now. So if you can lend me some, I promise I will return before the week ends to buy it again."

"And where will you find the money to buy it back?" She asked, her eyebrows raising.

Her questions might be sarcastic, but her tone was not. She hadn't changed. She still had that motherly aura she had always shown me.

"I don't know. I'll think of something, but I only need a couple of thousand. I don't think I can pay back more if it's too much."

"Where will you find a couple of thousand to pay it back?" She asked again.