Elena woke to the sound of rain lashing against the window. The room was still dark, the moon hidden behind thick storm clouds. For the first time in years, she had slept without nightmares of screaming villagers or burning homes. The shadows inside her were quiet—almost peaceful.
She sat up slowly, clutching the soft blanket around her shoulders. The scent of Kaelan lingered in the room: pine, smoke, and something darker. It made her stomach twist in ways she didn't want to admit.
The door opened without a knock. Kaelan entered carrying a folded pile of clothes—soft black leggings, a deep green tunic, and a warm cloak. Simple, but clearly chosen for her.
"I had the pack's seamstress make these overnight," he said, placing them on the bed. "Your old clothes were… unsuitable."
Elena glanced at her torn, mud-stained dress from the forest. "Unsuitable for what? Running away?"
His lips twitched in a half-smile. "For living here."
She stood, keeping the blanket wrapped around her like armor. "I'm not staying, Kaelan. As soon as the storm passes, I'm leaving."
He crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe. The movement made his shirt stretch across his chest, and Elena forced herself to look away.
"You won't survive the next full moon alone," he said calmly. "It's in three days. I can feel your shadows growing restless already."
As if on cue, faint wisps of darkness curled from her fingertips. Elena quickly clenched her fists, hiding them behind her back.
"I've survived every full moon alone so far."
"Barely." His voice softened. "You carry scars I haven't even seen yet. I won't let there be more."
Elena's throat tightened. No one had ever spoken to her like that—like she mattered.
"Why do you care?" she whispered. "You don't even know me."
Kaelan stepped closer, his eyes intense. "I know you're brave. I know you've carried this curse alone for years without letting it break you. I know the way your shadows reach for mine when you're scared." He paused, voice dropping. "And I know the Moon Goddess doesn't make mistakes. You're mine to protect."
The air between them crackled. Elena's heart raced. She wanted to hate him—his arrogance, his possessiveness—but part of her ached for the safety he offered.
A sharp knock interrupted them. A young wolf—barely eighteen—stood in the doorway, eyes wide.
"Alpha," he said breathlessly. "The elders request your presence. There's… something in the border woods."
Kaelan's expression hardened instantly. "What kind of something?"
"Dead animals. Drained. Like the shadows took them."
Elena felt the blood drain from her face. "That wasn't me," she said quickly. "I was here all night."
Kaelan turned to her, his gaze searching. "I know. But the pack doesn't."
He reached out, brushing his knuckles gently across her cheek. "Stay here. Lock the door. I'll handle this."
Then he was gone, the young wolf trailing behind him.
Elena stood frozen for a long moment before moving to the window. Through the rain, she could see figures moving toward the tree line—Kaelan's broad form leading them.
Her shadows stirred again, stronger this time. Whispering.
Not her whispers.
Something else.
She pressed her palm to the cold glass. In the distance, where the forest met the storm, she saw it—a flicker of darkness that didn't belong to her or Kaelan. Something older. Hungrier.
The elders' fear suddenly made sense.
Her curse wasn't just growing.
It was calling to something worse.
Hours later, Kaelan returned soaked and furious. He slammed the door behind him, shadows pouring from his body like smoke.
"They found more," he growled. "An entire deer herd. Nothing left but husks."
Elena stood by the fireplace, arms wrapped around herself. "It's not me," she repeated quietly.
"I know." He ran a hand through his wet hair. "But the elders are demanding answers. Some want you gone before the full moon."
Her heart sank. "And you?"
Kaelan crossed the room in three strides, cupping her face in his large hands. His touch was warm despite the rain.
"I told them if anyone touches you, they answer to me." His voice was steel. "You're staying."
Elena searched his eyes. "Why risk your pack for a cursed human?"
"Because you're not just a human." He rested his forehead against hers. "You're my mate. And I'm starting to think your curse isn't a curse at all."
He pulled back slightly, shadows dancing between their joined hands.
"It's a key."
Elena's breath caught. "A key to what?"
Kaelan's expression darkened.
"To something the Shadow Pack sealed away centuries ago. Something my ancestors died to contain."
Outside, thunder rolled. Inside, the shadows whispered louder.
The full moon was coming.
And whatever was waking in the woods knew Elena's name.