The rival Alpha felt her before he heard her.
Far beyond Nightfang territory, where the land turned wild and the air tasted of iron, Rowan of the Ashclaw Pack lifted his head sharply. The bond he had never completed—never claimed—burned suddenly, violently.
Female.
Powerful.
Awake.
His lips curled into a slow smile.
"So," Rowan murmured, voice rough with hunger, "you finally surfaced."
The forest around him stirred uneasily.
"She's not dead," he said to the shadows. "And she's not unguarded."
That only made it better.
Lyra couldn't explain the sensation.
It started as a shiver—then spread through her chest like something calling out and being answered at the same time. She gasped softly, fingers clutching the front of Kael's shirt without thinking.
Kael stiffened instantly.
"Lyra," he said quietly. "What did you feel?"
"I—I don't know," she whispered. "Like someone looked at me from far away."
That was all it took.
Kael's aura flared, silver eyes sharpening. He stepped closer, one hand hovering near her waist, not touching—but close enough that the heat was undeniable.
"That wasn't imagination," he said. "That was recognition."
Her heart raced. "Someone knows about me."
"Yes," he said grimly. "Another Alpha."
Fear flickered across her face—then confusion. "Why does it feel… strange? Not bad. Just—heavy."
Kael's jaw tightened. "Because power recognizes power."
She hesitated. "And mates?"
His gaze snapped to hers.
"That," he said carefully, "is where this becomes dangerous."
She swallowed. "Am I… bonded to someone else?"
"No," he said instantly. "You're not claimed."
Relief rushed through her so fast it startled her.
Kael noticed.
His voice softened. "But that doesn't mean others won't try."
She took a step closer, almost unconsciously. "I don't want anyone else."
The words hung between them.
Kael's restraint snapped—just enough.
He placed his hands on her shoulders, firm but gentle, grounding her. She looked up at him, breath shallow, eyes luminous in the low light.
"Lyra," he murmured, "you don't fully understand what you're saying."
"Then explain it to me," she whispered. "Don't leave me guessing."
He leaned down slightly, foreheads nearly touching.
"If I cross that line," he said, voice rough, "it binds you to my enemies. It paints a target on your back. It takes away your choice."
Her fingers curled into his sleeves. "And if you don't?"
"Then I fight every instinct I have," he said honestly. "Every moment."
She smiled faintly, sadly. "That sounds lonely."
His chest tightened.
"It was," he admitted. "Until you."
The bond surged—stronger this time. Lyra's power responded instinctively. The room warmed. Soft green light pulsed along the walls, vines pressing gently against the stone like they were listening.
Kael exhaled sharply and pulled back at once.
"That's enough," he said, steadying himself. "You're exhausted."
She nodded, swaying slightly.
He guided her to the bed, sitting beside her but not lying down. She watched him with heavy-lidded eyes.
"Will you stay?" she asked quietly. "Just until I sleep."
Kael hesitated—then nodded.
"I'll sit," he said. "Nothing more."
She smiled, content, and lay down. Within moments, her breathing evened out.
Kael stayed exactly where he was.
Outside, the heart-tree glowed faintly—answering a call it hadn't heard in centuries.
And far away, Alpha Rowan turned toward Nightfang land.
"She chose a protector," he said softly.
His smile sharpened.
"Let's see how long he can keep her."