The first scout crossed the border at sunrise.
Not by force.
By arrogance.
Kael felt the ward ripple—a deliberate test, light as a claw brushing skin. He was already moving when the alarm sounded, cloak snapping behind him as he strode into the clearing.
"Report," he snapped.
"Ashclaw scent," one of the guards said grimly. "Three of them. They didn't attack. They just… stood there."
Kael's eyes hardened. "Where?"
"The eastern stones."
Kael turned sharply—and froze.
Lyra stood at the edge of the steps, pale, trembling, one hand pressed to her chest.
"You shouldn't be here," he said immediately.
"I felt it," she whispered. "Something cold. Watching."
Before he could respond, the ground beneath her feet shuddered.
Cracks spidered through the stone.
Vines burst upward, whipping violently, thorns gleaming like blades. The air thickened with pressure—raw, furious magic pouring out of her.
"Lyra," Kael said urgently, crossing to her. "Breathe. Look at me."
Her eyes glowed—gold flooded with green light.
"He's close," she whispered. "Not here… but looking."
Kael swore under his breath.
"That's Rowan," he said. "Alpha of Ashclaw."
The name alone made the vines lash harder.
"I don't want him to see me," she said, panic threading through her power. "Make him stop."
Kael caught her wrists gently but firmly, grounding her.
"You're safe," he said. "He cannot cross without my permission."
Her breath hitched. "Then why does it hurt?"
"Because he's reaching for you," Kael said grimly. "Testing the bond potential."
That did it.
Kael straightened, fury blazing through him. He turned to the gathered guards and elders.
"Summon the council. Now."
Minutes later, tension crackled through the council chamber.
"He's provoking us," Elder Maelor said. "Ashclaw has never challenged Nightfang directly."
Kael stood at the head of the table, Lyra seated beside him—his presence unmistakably protective.
"He sensed her," Kael said. "And he will not stop."
Selene scoffed. "Then give her up."
The room went deadly silent.
Kael's voice dropped to a dangerous calm. "Say that again."
"She's the reason this is happening," Selene pressed. "Offer her sanctuary under treaty. It could prevent war."
Lyra shrank inward, guilt flooding her face.
Kael slammed his hand onto the table.
"No," he said. "Lyra is under my protection. And from this moment forward—"
He looked at the council, daring them to challenge him.
"—she is recognized as my chosen Luna."
Gasps filled the chamber.
Lyra's head snapped up. "Kael—"
"This does not complete the bond," he said quickly, softer now, for her alone. "It gives you status. Protection. Voice."
Her eyes shone. "You don't have to do this."
"I do," he replied. "Because if Rowan wants you, he will have to come through me."
The heart-tree roared.
Power surged through the chamber, ancient and approving. Lyra cried out softly as the magic wrapped around her—not binding, but sheltering.
Outside the borders, Rowan staggered.
His scouts dropped to one knee as the territory flared like a living thing.
Rowan laughed—low and delighted.
"So," he murmured, clutching his chest, "you chose him."
His eyes gleamed with challenge.
"Good," he said. "That makes this personal."
Back in the chamber, Lyra whispered, "What happens now?"
Kael took her hand openly—no hiding it anymore.
"Now," he said, voice iron-strong, "I teach you how to stand beside me."
And for the first time since her rescue, Lyra felt it—
Not fear.
But the beginning of defiance.