Chapter 6 : Eastern Horizons Chapter 6 : Eastern Horizons ( Samantha's POV ) I sat across from Hector Grayson in the private dining area of The Silver Fang Restaurant , my fingers nervously twisting the napkin in my lap . The elegant space overlooked Hong Harbor's glittering waters , but I barely noticed the view . " So , " Hector said , his deep voice breaking the silence between us . " You want to collaborate on a healing project ? * I nodded , gathering my courage . " Yes . I'd like to return to my healing career . " His dark eyes studied me with unsettling intensity . " And what would your husband think about that? " The question hung in the air between us . I swallowed hard , looking down at my hands . " Ethan and I are … going through some difficulties , " I admitted , my voice barely above a whisper . Hector raised an eyebrow but didn't press . Instead , he leaned back in his chair , his posture relaxed yet somehow still commanding . " Why me , Samantha ? " he asked . " There are many healers you could approach . " I took a deep breath . " You remember our work during the Silver Plague outbreak . We saved lives when traditional methods failed . " A flicker of something - recognition , perhaps even pride - crossed his face . " That was three years ago ," he said . " And it was groundbreaking , " I countered . " Our combined techniques are still being studied in healing schools . " I hesitated before continuing . " Also , Ethan has … complicated things for me in the Northern Territories . Every healing establishment has suddenly filled their positions . " Understanding dawned in Hector's eyes . " So you need me as a shield from your husband's influence . " " No , " I said quickly , then sighed . " Well , not just that . Our partnership was successful . We could do important work together again . " Hector leaned forward , his face inches from mine . " Are you using me as a stepping stone back to prominence , Luna Reed ? " His words stung with their directness . Before I could answer , a server approached with a steaming platter of venison . " Your meal , Alpha Grayson ," the server said , bowing slightly . The interruption broke the tension . Hector leaned back , his expression unreadable once more . Throughout dinner, Hector remained aloof , offering little conversation . I found myself stealing glances at him , noting how the years had changed him . The youthful eagerness I remembered had been replaced by a controlled power that commanded attention . " Would you like to see the Hong Harbor skyline ? " he asked as we finished our meal . I nodded , grateful for any break in the uncomfortable silence . Outside , the night air was cool against my skin . Hector led me to a viewing platform overlooking the harbor , the city lights . reflecting in the dark water below . 1/4 Chapter 6 Eastern Horizons " It's beautiful ," I breathed , momentarily forgetting my troubles . * 15 Puntos > Hector stood beside me , his presence warm in the cool night . " The view from Territory Tower is even better ," he said , " I could take you tomorrow . " I turned to him , surprised by the offer . " I'd like that . " After our brief sightseeing , Hector escorted me to SilverCrest Hotel's Eastern branch . " My assistant arranged your stay ," he explained . " Ryan ? " I asked , remembering the name from his text . Hector nodded . " He handles my affairs . " Before parting , I gathered my courage . " Hector , what healing projects are you working on now ? I haven't seen your name in medical journals recently . " A slight smile touched his lips . " Good night , Samantha . " He turned and walked away , leaving me with more questions than answers . In my hotel room , I immediately searched online for information about Hector Grayson . Strangely , I found little beyond our Silver Plague project . For someone of his status and abilities , his digital footprint was remarkably small . What had he been doing these past three years ? And why had he agreed so readily to meet with me ? My phone chimed with a message from Hector : " I have a prior obligation tomorrow morning . I'll take you to meet someone in the afternoon . " I stared at the cryptic message , wondering who this " someone " might be . Meanwhile , in the Northern Territories , a very different scene was unfolding . ( Ethan's POV ) I stumbled through the front door of Blackwood Manor , the moonlight wine I'd consumed making the world tilt around me . " Sam ? " I called , my voice echoing through the empty foyer . " I'm home , Sam ! " Martha Thompson appeared from the kitchen , her face creased with concern . " Alpha King , Luna Reed isn't here . " I blinked at her , my alcohol - fogged brain struggling to process her words . " What do you mean ? Where is she ? " " She left two days ago , sir , " Martha said gently . " Don't you remember ? " The memory crashed over me like a wave - Samantha's tear - streaked face as she packed her bags , her voice cold as she told me she was leaving . " Right ," I mumbled , running a hand through my hair . " Of course . " I made my way upstairs , each step feeling heavier than the last . Our bedroom door stood open , exactly as I'd left it that morning . I'd half - expected - hoped - to find Samantha there , her anger cooled , ready to talk things through . Instead , I found only emptiness . Her side of the closet remained half - empty , her nightstand bare of the books she usually kept there . I collapsed onto our bed , burying my face in her pillow . Her scent still lingered - lavender and something uniquely her - but it was already fading . The manor felt wrong without her presence . The same furniture , the same walls , but hollow somehow . I reached for my phone , scrolling to Samantha's number before I could think better of it . 2/4 < Chapter 6 Easter Horizons She answered on the fourth ring , her voice thick with sleep . " Ethan ? " . " Sam , " I breathed , relief washing over me at the sound of her voice . " I'm so sorry . Please come home . " A long silence followed , broken only by her soft breathing . " I can't , " she finally whispered . " It's too late . " The call ended abruptly , leaving me staring at the darkened screen . +15 Puntos > I woke the next morning with a throbbing headache and the stark realization of Samantha's absence hitting me anew . The sun streaming through the windows felt like a personal affront . I grabbed my phone , calling James Quinn . " Any word on Samantha ? " I asked without preamble . " Good morning to you too , Alpha King , " James replied dryly . " Luna Reed took a flight to Hong Harbor yesterday . Eastern Territories . " I sat up straighter . " Hong Harbor ? What's she doing there ? " " I don't know , sir , " James said carefully . " But if I may speak freely … it looks like she might be leaving you. " I laughed , the sound hollow even to my own ears . " Don't be ridiculous . She has nowhere to go , no one to help her there . " " If you say so , sir . " After ending the call , I scrolled through my social media feed . On impulse , I snapped a picture of October , our pet dog cub , sniffing the bouquet of flowers I'd bought for Samantha days ago . " October misses mother , and so do I ," I captioned it before posting . Within minutes , the first like came from Rebecca Taylor . Curious , I clicked on her profile and felt a surge of anger . She had changed her profile picture to mirror one Samantha had used months ago - same angle , same soft smile . " Unbelievable , " I muttered , quickly replacing my own profile picture with a close - up of October and the flowers . The message was clear : my affection remained with Samantha alone . I blocked Rebecca from my accounts , then tossed my phone aside , rubbing my temples . This situation was spiraling out of control . ( Rebecca's POV ) I stared at my phone in disbelief . " Account not found . " The message glared back at me from Ethan's profile page . Had he blocked me ? After everything we'd been through together ? My hand drifted to my stomach , where his child grew . Surely this was a mistake . I was carrying the Blackwood heir - his heir . I was important to him now . My phone rang , startling me . James Quinn's name flashed on the screen . " Hello ? " I answered , trying to keep my voice steady . " Rebecca , " James said , his tone clipped . " I'm calling regarding your social media activity . " I frowned . " What about it ? " " Change your profile picture , " he said bluntly . " It's causing distress to Luna Reed , which in turn upsets the Alpha King . " " I don't understand ," I began , but James cut me off . 3/4 Chapter 6 Eastern Honzons " Let me be clear, " he said , his voice hardening . " You are carrying Alpha King Blackwood's child , but you are not replacing Luna Reed in his heart . She holds a special place that you cannot fill . " The words stung like a physical blow . " The Alpha King loves Luna Reed beyond your comprehension ," James continued . " The child you carry is important to him , but make no mistake - it doesn't mean you are . " I swallowed hard , fighting back tears . " I understand . " " Good ," James said . " Change the picture . Today . " Chapter 7: New Horizons Chapter 7 : New Horizons ( Samantha's POV ) Warm sunshine streamed through the hotel window , bathing me in golden light . For the first time since discovering Ethan's betrayal , I felt a sense of peace . The new day in Hong Harbor seemed to promise possibilities that had been absent in the Northern Territories . I stretched languidly , savoring the comfort of the plush hotel bed . After a restful sleep , my mind felt clearer , my resolve stronger . Reaching for my phone , I scrolled through social media . Ethan had posted another picture of October , our rescued pet dog . The caption read simply : " Missing mother . " My heart clenched at the sight of October's soulful eyes . I missed her too - her excited barks when I returned home , the way she would curl against me during thunderstorms . I noticed Ethan had changed his profile picture to one of just him and October . Rebecca Taylor was conspicuously absent from his likes list , as if she had never existed . " Too little , too late ," I whispered , setting the phone aside . The damage was done . The trust was broken . No amount of social media manipulation could erase the reality of Rebecca carrying his child . Standing before the bathroom mirror , I studied my reflection . My eyes were clearer today , the shadows beneath them less pronounced . My skin had regained some of its natural glow . " Time to start anew , " I told my reflection , determination replacing the uncertainty that had plagued me . After a refreshing shower , I wrapped myself in the hotel's plush bathrobe and called the front desk to have my clothes cleaned . I had packed light , not expecting to stay long in Hong Harbor . A knock at the door came just minutes later . " That was fast , " I murmured , pulling the bathrobe tighter around me . To my surprise , two hotel staff members arrived with several carts of food rather than laundry service . " Compliments of Alpha Grayson , " one explained with a bow . " He arranged for a selection of Hong Harbor's famous dishes . " The thoughtful gesture touched me unexpectedly . The carts held steaming platters of venison dumplings , aromatic herbal teas , and delicate pastries filled with berry preserves . I thanked them and began sampling the food with a renewed appetite . The flavors were complex and satisfying , unlike anything available in the Northern Territories . Another knock came as I was savoring a particularly delicious dumpling . Assuming it was more hotel staff , I answered without hesitation . Hector Grayson stood in the doorway , his tall frame filling the space . His eyes widened slightly as he took in my bathrobe - clad form . " Oh ! " I gasped , clutching the robe tighter . " I thought you were the hotel staff . " Hector averted his gaze quickly , though not before I noticed his eyes lingering on my lips where a smudge of berry 1/3 ( Chapter 7 New Horizons preserve remained , " I apologize for not warning you ," he said , his deep voice sending an unexpected shiver down my spine . " I finished my morning appointment earlier than expected . " He turned away , giving me a moment to compose myself . " Should I come back later ? " " No ," I said quickly . " Just give me ten minutes . " I closed the door , heart racing as I rushed to find something suitable to wear . My options were limited - just the clothes I'd brought from the Northern Territories . Ten minutes later , I emerged from the bathroom dressed in a white and purple dress , the skirt adorned with delicate iris patterns . I'd styled my hair with a wooden pin I'd found in my bag , a simple yet elegant solution in the absence of my usual moonstone hairpins - gifts from Ethan that I'd deliberately left behind . Hector stood by the window , his powerful frame silhouetted against the morning light . He turned as I approached , his dark eyes taking in my appearance with quiet appreciation . " Thank you for the food ," I said , gesturing toward the half - empty platters . " It was delicious , though I couldn't finish it all ." " I'm glad you enjoyed it , " he replied , his expression softening slightly . " Are you ready to go ? " " Go where ? " I asked , curious about his plans for the day . " I'm taking you to see someone , " Hector explained , his tone revealing little . " Diana Grayson . The renowned Master Healer of the Eastern Realms . My aunt . " I stared at him in surprise . Diana Grayson was a legend in the healing community , known for her revolutionary healing techniques that had saved countless werewolf lives and bridged the gap between human and werewolf medical practices . " Your aunt ? I didn't know , " I said , genuinely surprised . " I'd be honored to meet her . " Hector's expression grew somber . " She's ill . That's why I want you to meet her now . " The news saddened me . " I'm sorry to hear that ." At Crescent Moon Medical Center's Eastern branch , we were led to a private room in the VIP wing . Diana Grayson lay in bed , her once - vibrant presence diminished by illness . Despite her frail condition , her eyes lit up when we entered . " Samantha Reed , " she said , her voice weak but warm . " At last . " I approached her bedside , taking her outstretched hand . " It's an honor to meet you , Master Grayson . " " Please , call me Diana , " she insisted . " I've wanted to meet you for some time . " She gestured to a leather - bound tome on her bedside table . " That's for you . ' The Ancient Arts of Soul Healing . I compiled these techniques with you in mind . " I accepted the book with trembling hands . " For me ? But my practice has been so limited . " Diana smiled knowingly . " A gift like yours doesn't fade . This contains healing arts that practitioners have been waiting generations to learn . " She squeezed my hand , her grip surprisingly strong despite her illness . " Never lose yourself for a man , Samantha . A man's love is fleeting , but a woman's strength and healing abilities are her own . " Her words struck a chord deep within me . How had she known exactly what I needed to hear ? " I hope you and my nephew will consider continuing my research , " Diana continued . " It would fulfill the wishes of both the 2/3 < Chapter 7. New Horizons healing community and myself . " We spent the afternoon with Diana , discussing ancient healing techniques and her vision for advancing werewolf medicine . By the time we left , my mind was spinning with possibilities . +15 Puntos > With my healing practice and Diana's ancient techniques in hand , I realized I had a chance to revolutionize werewolf medicine alongside my own practice - if Hector approved , of course . His silence on the matter made me anxious as we walked through the hospital corridors . Would he support this venture ? Or was he only interested in our potential healing collaboration ? As we entered the elevator , Hector pressed the button for the top floor rather than the ground level . " Where are we going ? " I asked , confused . " You'll see , " he replied cryptically . Following him through a series of security doors , we emerged onto the Grayson Tower Helipad where a sleek helicopter waited , its blades already beginning to turn . " Hector , where are we going ? " I asked again , raising my voice over the growing noise of the rotors . Standing in the doorway of the helicopter , his features partially obscured by shadows , Hector resembled a powerful figure looking down at me . The wind whipped around us , playing with my dress and revealing my slender legs and the faint red mark around my left ankle . I stared back at him , wary and cautious . After several long moments , he finally replied . " To see the night view , " he said , his voice cool yet softening toward the end . " From a unique vantage point . " The helicopter soared over Hong Harbor's vibrant cityscape , where the lights of skyscrapers twinkled like stars against the night sky . As we reached the confluence of two rivers , a brilliant light illuminated the sky , followed by a breathtaking fireworks display that painted a magnificent panorama across the night canvas . " Hector , look ! " I exclaimed , awestruck by the beauty . He leaned closer , his hand resting on the glass , his scent enveloping me . His simple acknowledgment , a low " Hmm , " sent shivers down my spine . As I instinctively leaned back , I found myself pressed against his firm chest . Turning around , my lips nearly brushed his ear . In that intimate proximity , his warm breath grazed my neck .