Chapter Ten
Kael’s POVN
The night air was sharp, carrying the faint scent of pine and fresh earth. I leaned against a tree near the edge of the trading grounds, keeping my eyes on her. Calla moved gracefully through the bustling market, her silver hair catching the moonlight like a beacon. She had always been radiant, even in moments like these, where she tried to disappear into the crowd.
I shouldn’t have followed her. She didn’t need someone like me complicating her life further. But when I caught the scent of rogues nearby–foul and predatory–I knew I couldn’t stay away.
The attack came sooner than I anticipated.
She had just turned onto the quiet path leading to her cabin when shadows moved between the trees. Three figures emerged, their snarls cutting through the still night. My wolf stirred, ready to fight.
One of them lunged for her, but I was faster. I burst from the shadows, shifting mid–stride as I tackled the rogue to the ground. My claws raked across his chest, and his howl of pain echoed through the forest.
Calla didn’t hesitate. She shifted into her wolf form, sleek and silver, and met the second rogue head–on. Her agility was stunning, each move calculated and precise.
The third rogue faltered, hesitating when he saw us fighting side by side. He didn’t get a chance to retreat. I leaped at him, knocking him down with a growl that sent him scrambling away, his tail tucked in submission.
When the rogues finally retreated into the darkness, I turned to Calla. She had shifted back, her breathing labored but steady.”
“Are you hurt?” I asked, my voice low.
She glared at me, brushing dirt off her cloak. “I didn’t ask for your help, Kael.“>
“No, but you needed it,” I replied, meeting her glare with calm resolve.
She rolled her eyes and started walking toward her den, clearly done with the conversation. But I wasn’t about to let her brush this off.
Her cabin was small, the kind of place that promised solitude. She opened the door and stepped inside without a word. I followed, ignoring the way she tensed at my presence.
“You can’t stay here alone,” I said, leaning against the doorframe.
She spun to face me, her eyes blazing. “I’ve been doing fine on my own, Kael. I don’t need you or anyone else watching over me.”
“You call that fine?” I shot back, gesturing toward the door. “Those rogues weren’t random. Someone sent them, and you know it.”
Her jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought she might argue. But then she sighed, the fight draining out of her. “Do you think it was him?” she asked quietly.
I hesitated, knowing exactly who she meant. ” Alpha Rowan wouldn’t send rogues after you,” I said firmly. “From what I have heard, he is many things, but he wouldn’t stoop to that.“@
Her shoulders relaxed slightly, but her expression remained guarded. “Then who?”
“Mina,” I said, the name dripping with disdain. “She’s bitter about being banished. She’s desperate to hurt both you and Rowan. This is her doing.”
The mention of Mina’s name sent a flicker of pain across her face. “Of course, it is,” she muttered.
I stepped closer, softening my tone. “Calla, let me help you. You don’t have to face this alone.“}]
Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, the walls she’d built around herself seemed to waver. But then she shook her head. “I can’t trust anyone right now, Kael. Not even you.”
Her words stung, but I didn’t let it show. “I understand,” I said quietly. “But I’m not going anywhere. Whether you like it or not, I’m staying to keep you safe.“}
A knock at the door interrupted our conversation. My wolf bristled as I opened it, expecting trouble. Instead, a scout stood there, his face pale and tense.!!
“Kael,” he said, his voice urgent. “We found something.”
I glanced back at Calla, who was already moving toward the door. “What is it?” she asked.“]
The scout handed me a piece of parchment. I unfolded it, my stomach twisting as I read the words:
“Calla will pay for what she’s stolen from me. She will never know peace.”
It was unsigned, but the intent was clear. Mina.
Calla read over my shoulder, her hands curling into fists. “She won’t stop,” she said, her voice trembling with barely contained anger.
“No, she won’t,” I agreed. “But neither will we.“}]
We spent the rest of the night planning. The scout left to gather more information, and I stayed close, offering ideas and strategies. Calla was sharp, her determination shining through with every suggestion she made.
As the fire crackled in the hearth, I couldn’t help but admire her. She had been through so much, yet here she was, standing strong.
A distant howl broke the quiet, and I tensed. Calla’s eyes flicked to the window, her expression unreadable.
“She’s closer than we thought,” I said, my voice low.
Calla straightened, her jaw set with resolve. “Let her come,” she said. “I’m done running.”
