The scent of pine and smoke hung thick in the midnight air as Kael stood at the edge of the Shadowfang territory, his body tense, every muscle coiled like a predator ready to strike. The rogue wolves had sent a message—but Kael had already responded in the only way he knew: preparation.
Behind him, warriors of his pack patrolled in pairs, their eyes sharp, ears alert. Tensions had not been this high in years. Not since the Red Hollow raids.
Kael's mind was not just on defense, though.
It was on her.
Elara.
She was more than a frightened human girl now—more than even a fated mate. She was a mystery wrapped in prophecy, and the mark she carried was a beacon for every enemy who remembered the old bloodlines.
His thoughts were interrupted as Thorne appeared beside him, a dark look in his amber eyes.
"They're gathering," Thorne said grimly. "The southern packs. Rogues too. Something is stirring out there, and it's not just about the girl."
"It's about what she represents," Kael replied. "They think she's a threat."
"She is," Thorne said, folding his arms. "Not to us—but to them. If the prophecy is real, she could change everything."
Kael nodded slowly, his gaze turning toward the trees. "Then we protect her. No matter the cost."
Thorne gave a slow nod. "I've summoned the Inner Circle. The council wants a word with her."
Kael's jaw tightened. He didn't like the idea of the elders questioning Elara, especially while she was still fragile and confused—but he understood the necessity. Trust within the pack had to be earned, even by fate-marked mates.
Later that night, as the pack gathered around the stone council table deep in the earth-hollowed chamber, Kael led Elara in by the hand. She walked beside him with quiet strength, wearing a cloak that belonged to his mother—an unspoken gesture of protection.
The elders stared at her in silence for a long moment. Then, one of them finally spoke.
"Do you understand the blood that runs through you, girl?" the eldest asked.
Elara raised her chin, eyes steady. "No," she said, voice unwavering. "But I'm ready to find out."
Kael felt the bond thrum between them, stronger than ever.
The moon above cast its light through the open ceiling, and the sh
adows whispered of war—and awakening.