Dark Moon Rising

Chapter Twenty-Nine: A Table Set for Revelation

Rogue's Point of View

"Crypta is Seraphina Dusk," I whispered to Damian when he pulled me aside to inquire about my distress upon my arrival at the packhouse for the dinner organized to welcome Eyrx.

"Really? Are you certain?" Damian asked, taken aback by this news.

I nodded while wiping away another stubborn tear. Why were my eyes behaving this way all of a sudden?

"Rogue, if Crypta is truly Seraphina and she concealed it from you, there must have been a valid reason," Damian reassured me gently.

In response, I made a rather abrupt remark and crossed my arms in frustration.

"I apologize if my perspective upsets you. Seraphina's past struggles with the Collective and hardships shed light on why she needed to hide her true identity. It wasn't about mistrust towards you. Seraphina couldn't afford to take that risk," Damian explained.

It seemed logical, although I was still upset. This raised doubts about whether she had manipulated Adrian's memories. Understanding her true identity, I realized that this was a genuine concern.

"I recall you admiring Seraphina Dusk as a hero. You've often praised her courage and found her inspiring. It's fascinating to realize that your closest friend is the one you admire the most," Damian remarked.

"It is cool, I get that. But I sense she's keeping even more from Adrian and me," I sighed.

I shared with him the news about Adrian and Crypta getting close, expressing my concerns about the potential complications.

Damian commented on the s****l tension between Adrian and Crypta within the Dark Moon pack, mentioning how their dynamic had led many to assume they were a couple. After meeting him, Damian also noted Eyrx's interest in Crypta, adding to the intrigue.

Realization struck as I connected the dots about Eyrx living in the forest, shedding light on my friend's newfound passion for outdoor activities.

Wide-eyed, I grasped that she might be interested in both of them. Why did things always have to be so complicated with Crypta?

"Are you comfortable attending this dinner, or should we leave?" Damian asked, offering me an escape if needed.

"No, I'm grateful to be here. I'm eager to meet Eyrx, especially now that I know about his significant connection with Crypta. Should we inform Luna Jo and Alpha Felix about Crypta being Seraphina Dusk tonight?" I inquired.

"It might not be the right time to do so. The Moon Goddess has been aware of Crypta's true identity all along. If it were urgent, Selene would have informed them already. Remember how much you enjoyed your time with Luna Jo and Clara, the Beta's mate, the other day?" Damian reminded me.

I grinned, recalling our enjoyable shopping trip. It was a refreshing and fun break from the usual.

"That beautiful smile tells me everything I need to know," grinned Damian.

"Focus on having fun, getting to know Luna Jo and Clara better, and meeting Eyrx. Judging by how spicy everything has gotten with Seraphina, we may want to delay having Adrian and Eyrx in the same room anytime soon," Damian encouraged.

"How could you call Crypta by a new name so effortlessly?" I groaned, frustrated at how confusing this still was for me.

"I don't know Evie, but I will use whatever name Seraphina decides to adopt going forward out of respect for her," Damian smirked.

Ouch. Point taken.

"I would love for you to spend the night at the house with me," Damian murmured while wrapping an arm around my waist and drawing me nearer.

Damian whispered, "Allow Seraphina and Adrian to resolve their issues and let me look after you," as he leaned in and gently kissed my lips.

I nodded and leaned my head against his chest. I had a feeling I would be spending more nights there soon with three new people in my home and my two best friends f*****g each other.

Damian led me into the dining room, holding my hand. Olivia had decorated it beautifully, and the enticing aroma of the food filled the air. Alpha Felix and Luna Jo were at the head of the table, accompanied by Beta Jacob and Clara. Jo and Clara greeted us with enthusiastic waves and smiles as we arrived. Damian guided me to sit beside Clara at the table, gently squeezing my hand. Percival and Olivia were engrossed in quiet conversation before rising to bring out more food.

Meanwhile, Wesley sat with Aralia, Silas, and a striking man, likely Eyrx. It suddenly made sense why my best friend had taken a keen interest in nature. I couldn't help but wonder how close they had become. The gorgeous man looked up at Damian and me, offering us both a shy smile. He looked to Silas, and the older gentleman nodded encouragingly at him.

"Good evening, Rogue. I'm delighted to make your acquaintance. I'm Eyrx, Aralia's adopted son."

Zoé ecstatically reveled in the velvety smoothness of his voice, finding it naturally captivating. Unsurprisingly, my best friend was drawn to this handsome man. Eyrx, tall and muscular with thick dark brown hair and warm hazel eyes, possessed a voice that held a mesmerizing allure. When combined with his striking looks, Eyrx was indeed the complete package.

"Pleasure," I smiled in response, trying not to drool.

Clara looked at me with a smirk, and I glared at her, earning me a chuckle from Jo.

Clara did the same thing when she met him too, laughed Luna Jo in a mind link she opened with just me.

Crypta didn't mention him to me, but she may have said something to Adrian. He is very handsome, I responded in our link.

He's very sweet and innocent. We wanted to keep the group small to make Eyrx comfortable with us first. I hope Adrian and Crytpa didn't mind too much, Luna Jo said worriedly.

Our Luna is quite sweet, Zoé said to me.

She is, especially if Luna Jo is worried about hurting their feelings. They are either fighting or f*****g right now. Regardless, I'm sure they are fine and would rather not be here now, given the day's earlier events; I agreed with my wolf.

I know they understood. I wouldn't worry about them not feeling included tonight, I replied to Luna in our link.

She expressed her gratitude with a smile and welcomed everyone to start eating upon Percival and Olivia's return with the remaining dishes. Olivia had prepared a delicious meal, including roasted chicken seasoned with herbs and a savory gravy. A salad was made of mixed greens with nuts, dried cranberries, and feta cheese, dressed with a homemade vinaigrette. Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, fresh green beans sautéed with butter and almonds were also served. Dessert included a decadent chocolate cake, iced tea, and sparkling water infused with different fruit slices for added flavor.

It was a pleasant and inviting ambiance. I found Eyrx fascinating and enjoyed getting to know him. However, he never asked about Crytpa, which made me question the strength of their connection.

Selene arrived shortly after, accepting a plate that Olivia had saved for her. The Moon Goddess then announced to the group that three werewolves would soon seek sanctuary after fleeing the Collective. These werewolves were to stay with Adrian, Crypta, and me. Alpha Felix expressed concern about space, but Selene assured him that recent house renovations had made room for everyone. When Beta Jacob questioned the house's inspection, the Moon Goddess just gave him a look, prompting a quick apology and a blush from Jacob.

Alpha Felix inquired about the fleeing wolves and their connection to the Collective. Selene explained that Argus, Seraphina Dusk's brother, had been aiding them covertly, along with Elara and Taryn, gifted Alpha heirs forced to work for the Collective.

"Will Seraphina also be joining us?" Alpha Felix asked curiously.

"She already has," the Moon Goddess replied with a mischievous smile.

"When did she get here?" Luna Jo inquired, delighted by Seraphina Dusk's presence among the Dark Moon pack. If only they knew, I thought to myself.

"Seraphina Dusk has been here for a while now and is already part of your pack," Selene said with a grin. She seemed to be relishing the moment a bit too much.

"What? But how?" a bewildered Alpha Felix questioned.

"Crypta is Seraphina Dusk. They are the adopted children of Lucius Void, the CEO of the Collective," the Moon Goddess explained.