Rowan's invitation arrived wrapped in courtesy.
A single Ashclaw wolf stood at the border, hands empty, posture deliberately non-threatening. He spoke the words clearly, formally, so there would be no misunderstanding.
"Alpha Rowan requests a parley. Neutral ground. No weapons. No claims. Only conversation."
Kael's response was immediate.
"No."
The wolf hesitated. "He expected resistance. He also said this—"
The messenger swallowed. "—that the girl deserves to understand what she is choosing."
That was when Lyra stepped forward.
"I want to hear it," she said quietly.
Kael turned sharply. "Lyra—"
"I won't go," she added quickly. "But I want to know what he thinks I don't."
The wolf bowed once and retreated.
Silence settled heavy between them.
Kael exhaled slowly. "You don't owe him anything."
"I know," Lyra said. "But everyone keeps talking around me. About bonds. About choices. About mating."
The word came out hesitant. Careful.
Kael stilled.
She clasped her hands together, nerves obvious. "I don't really understand what that means. Not fully."
He gestured toward the training grounds. "Walk with me."
They moved slowly, side by side, close but not touching.
"In werewolf packs," Kael began, "mating is more than… physical union. It's a bond of territory, protection, loyalty. It links two souls."
Lyra frowned slightly. "Souls?"
"Yes," he said. "Once completed, it's permanent."
Her steps slowed. "Completed how?"
Kael stopped walking.
He turned to face her fully, expression serious—but gentle.
"There are stages," he said carefully. "Recognition. Choice. Claim. And finally… consummation."
Lyra's cheeks flushed instantly.
"Oh," she murmured.
He noticed—and softened his tone further. "Nothing happens without consent. Ever."
She nodded quickly. "I know. I just… I don't know much about any of it."
"That's okay," he said. "You're not supposed to."
She hesitated, then asked in a small voice, "Does it hurt?"
Kael's chest tightened.
"No," he said firmly. "Not when done right. Not when done with care."
She looked relieved—but still anxious. "And if I chose… someday… would it change me?"
"Yes," he said honestly. "But not by taking anything away."
She thought for a long moment. "Rowan wants that bond with me."
"Yes."
"And you?"
Kael held her gaze. "I want you to choose yourself first."
Her breath caught. "Even if that means not choosing you?"
His answer came without pause. "Yes."
That sincerity shook her more than any declaration could have.
They reached the training circle. Kael gestured for her to stand at the center.
"Today's lesson," he said, "is control."
"Of power?" she asked.
"Of desire," he replied.
Her eyes widened.
"Power and desire feel similar," Kael continued. "They surge. They pull. They can overwhelm if you don't understand them."
She swallowed. "I feel that pull sometimes."
"I know," he said quietly. "I feel it too."
He stepped closer—not touching, but close enough that the air between them tightened.
"Focus on your breathing," he said. "Not on me. On you."
She nodded, closing her eyes.
Green light shimmered faintly around her—but steadied this time. No explosion. No panic.
Kael smiled faintly.
"Well done."
She opened her eyes. "You didn't even touch me."
"You didn't need me to," he said. "That's the point."
A sudden pulse rippled through the territory.
Kael's head snapped up.
"He's impatient," Kael muttered.
"Rowan?" Lyra asked.
"Yes."
She squared her shoulders—small, but determined. "Then I should learn faster."
Kael studied her, pride and fear twisting together.
"You will," he said. "But on your terms."
Lyra nodded—then hesitated.
"Kael?"
"Yes?"
"If… someday… I choose you," she said softly, "will you be patient with me?"
His voice was low. Steady. Certain.
"I would wait a lifetime."
The bond pulsed—not completed, not claimed—
—but unmistakably alive.