The elder did not bow.
That alone told Kael everything he needed to know.
Elder Maelor stood near the heart-tree of the pack territory, his weathered hands clasped behind his back, sharp eyes fixed not on Kael—but on Lyra.
Lyra, who was crouched a few steps away, marveling quietly at the way the tree's roots curved out of the earth like veins beneath skin.
"It's beautiful," she murmured. "It feels… kind."
The heart-tree responded.
Its leaves rustled though there was no wind.
Maelor's jaw tightened.
"She shouldn't be here," the elder said calmly. "And you know it, Alpha."
Kael stepped subtly closer to Lyra—not touching her, but close enough that she would feel his presence.
"She is under my protection."
"For now," Maelor replied. "But bonds have consequences."
Lyra looked up at them, confusion flickering across her face. "Did I do something wrong?"
"No," Kael said instantly.
Maelor's gaze softened—just a fraction.
"You are unusual, child."
Lyra tilted her head. "I get that a lot."
The elder huffed. "You are not merely a werewolf."
Kael stiffened. "Careful."
Maelor raised a brow. "You feel it too, don't you? The pull. The wrongness of how right it feels."
Lyra's cheeks flushed. "Pull?"
Kael cleared his throat. "Lyra, why don't you go sit by the stream? I'll join you shortly."
She hesitated—then nodded obediently. "Okay."
As she walked away, flowers bloomed in her wake.
Tiny. Pale. Unseasonal.
Maelor watched them grow.
"Nymph-blood," he said quietly. "Rare. Dangerous. Revered."
Kael's fists clenched. "She doesn't even know."
"That makes it worse."
"She's innocent."
"That never stopped the world from hunting what it wants."
Kael exhaled slowly. "What are you suggesting?"
"That her presence will draw eyes," Maelor said. "And claws. Especially if her former pack realizes what they lost."
Kael's voice dropped to ice. "They abused her."
"I know," the elder said. "And abusers do not let go of power easily."
A sharp cry echoed from the stream.
Kael moved before thought.
Lyra stood frozen at the water's edge, staring at the surface. The stream was glowing—soft, silver-blue light rippling outward from where her reflection stared back at her.
"I didn't touch it," she whispered. "I swear."
"It's okay," Kael said, coming to her side. "Breathe."
She tried. The water surged higher.
Kael placed a hand gently on her back.
"Focus on me," he murmured. "Just me."
The glow dimmed. The water settled.
Lyra sagged slightly, trembling. "I think the water listens to me."
Kael swallowed. "I think it always has."
Her eyes widened—not with fear, but wonder. "Is that bad?"
"No," he said softly. "It just means you're more than you were told."
She smiled weakly. "I was told I was useless."
Kael's chest ached.
"You were lied to."
She looked up at him then—really looked.
"Will you lie to me too?" she asked, quietly.
Never.
"No," he said. "I promise."
Behind them, Maelor watched, unease etched deep into his face.
From beyond the forest, unseen and unheard, a howl rose—low, distant, unfamiliar.
Lyra shivered.
"What was that?"
Kael's gaze turned sharp, protective instincts roaring awake.
"Someone who shouldn't be this close."
And for the first time since she'd arrived, Kael realized—
The past had found her.