Page 53 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

The questions piled up, crushing down on me. I bit my lip. My heart hammered faster.

Then the window burst open. A figure vaulted through with practiced ease.

"You—" I gasped, but caught myself, swallowing the sound. I stared at the man before me, stunned.

What the hell was he doing here?

Prince Adrian landed smoothly, dusting off his hands with that infuriating smirk still plastered on his handsome face.

"Good evening, beautiful lady." He bowed with theatrical grace, like we were at some goddamn ball.

"Prince Adrian?" My voice shook. "What are you doing here?"

"Rescuing you, obviously." He said it like it was the most natural thing in the world, those amber eyes glinting in the moonlight.

I stared at him, heart pounding. "Do you have any idea what you're doing? If Cedric finds out, this could start a war between our kingdoms!"

Adrian went quiet for a moment. Then that smile returned. "So what? I can't just stand by and watch them execute an innocent woman. Only your mate would be stupid enough to believe that woman's lies."

He strode over and extended his hand, still playing it casual, like he wasn't risking everything. "Come on. While the guards haven't noticed yet, let me get you out of here, beautiful."

I looked at his outstretched hand, mind racing. I couldn't escape the kingdom alone. Caspar was too far away. And right now, Adrian was all I had.

"Thank you, Prince Adrian," I said, meeting his eyes. "But I need you to take me somewhere first."

Adrian's eyebrows shot up. "What?"

"The forest north of the palace." I clenched my fists, voice edged with desperation. "I have to go there."

Adrian looked at me like I'd lost my mind. "Do you know how dangerous that is? Not just the beasts—Cedric too. He'll figure out you've escaped by tonight at the latest. He'll come after you..."

"I know." I cut him off, locking eyes with him. "But I have to go there. Please. If you really want to help me, take me there."

Adrian studied me, something complicated flickering in those amber eyes. "You're sure?"

"Yes." I bit down hard. "Please."

He stared at me for what felt like forever. Finally, he sighed.

"All right." An exasperated smile tugged at his lips. "This is a terrible idea, but... when a beautiful woman asks, how can I refuse?"

He offered his hand again. This time, I didn't hesitate. I took it.

The forest was darker than I remembered.

Moonlight barely penetrated the thick canopy, only scattered fragments reaching the leaf-covered ground. The silence was oppressive—no insects, no birds. Just the crack of branches under our feet echoing through the trees.

"This is deep enough." Adrian stopped, scanning the area warily. "What do you need to—"

"This is it." I stared at the clearing ahead. The place where I'd died once before. Now it was eerily quiet. My heart sank.

Then I saw a figure emerge from the darkness. Moonlight traced a familiar silhouette.

Serena.

"Serena?" Her name escaped before I could stop it. I stepped forward involuntarily. "What are you doing here?"

She looked at me, that kind face pale and ghostly in the moonlight.