The moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow across the forest clearing where Aria stood, heart pounding in her chest. The memory of Kael's lips on hers still clung to her skin like an invisible brand, and the tension between them burned hotter than ever. But now—now she stood alone, surrounded by whispering trees and shadows that seemed to reach for her.
Kael had disappeared into the woods without explanation, and Aria had the sinking feeling that he was hiding something again. She didn't chase after him. Not this time. Let him run. Let him burn off whatever storm brewed inside him.
But as she turned to leave, a presence stirred behind her.
"Leaving so soon, little wolf?"
The voice was unfamiliar. Silken, mocking. Aria spun around, instinctively stepping back. A tall figure emerged from the trees, cloaked in darkness. His eyes glowed amber—not the warm kind like Kael's—but sharp, dangerous.
"Who are you?" she demanded.
He grinned, fangs flashing. "A friend. Or an enemy. Depends on what you are to Kael."
Her blood ran cold. "What do you want?"
He stepped closer, and though her wolf snarled inside her, she stood her ground.
"I want you to understand the game you're playing. That alpha you keep kissing? He's not the hero you think he is."
Aria narrowed her eyes. "And you think I'm going to believe you?"
"I think you already know something's off." His smirk widened. "He's marked, yes. But not just by fate. He carries darkness, Aria. You're not the only one who lost something that night at the river."
Before she could ask what he meant, the stranger vanished into mist.
Back at the pack house, Kael slammed the door to his room, fists clenched. He wanted to forget the kiss, forget the feeling of her against him—because it made him weak. And weakness was dangerous.
He paced like a caged wolf, the mark on his chest aching as though it responded to her touch. She was awakening things in him—memories, feelings, truths he'd buried.
Kael grabbed the silver chain from his drawer, the one engraved with the name he never spoke aloud. His brother's. Gone. Killed in the same attack that had nearly killed Aria.
He hadn't told her everything. Couldn't. Not yet. But the past was catching up, and if he didn't act soon, it would tear them both apart.
The next morning, Aria trained harder than ever. She needed clarity. Discipline. Control. Knox watched her with silent approval, occasionally correcting her stance, but even he noticed the fire in her movements.
"You're fighting like you've got something to prove," he said during a break.
"Maybe I do."
"Or someone to impress?"
She shot him a glare. "Don't start."
He raised his hands in surrender but smirked. "Just saying. If Kael's getting under your skin, maybe that's not such a bad thing."
Aria said nothing. Her fists did the talking.
Later that evening, the pack gathered for a council meeting. It was the first one since the attack, and tensions were high. Kael stood at the head of the table, his eyes scanning the faces of his betas and elders.
"The rogue attacks are increasing," he said. "And they're not random. Someone's targeting us."
Aria sat beside Arya, her spine straight. Her gaze met Kael's for the briefest moment. It was unreadable—but it held weight.
"We found tracks deeper in the east," one beta said. "Unmarked wolves."
Kael nodded. "I'll lead the patrol tonight. Aria, Knox, you're with me."
Aria didn't flinch. "Of course."
Kael's jaw twitched. He had hoped she'd argue—hoped she'd give him a reason to push her away. But she didn't. She was becoming part of the pack faster than he expected—and that scared him.
Night fell again, and the woods grew darker still. Aria ran beside Kael through the trees, her senses sharp, heart steady. The air was thick with unease.
Suddenly, a howl echoed in the distance.
Kael raised his hand. They stopped, crouched low in the brush.
Then the rogue wolves appeared—four of them, eyes glowing red.
A fight broke out fast and brutal. Aria's wolf surged forward with practiced ease. She ducked, twisted, slashed. Kael's voice was a command in her ear, grounding her.
But something shifted. One rogue locked eyes with her—and his pupils dilated in recognition.
"You…" he rasped before Kael tore him down.
Silence returned. The clearing was littered with bodies and blood.
Kael turned to Aria. "Did he say something to you?"
She nodded slowly. "He knew me. Somehow."
Kael's expression darkened.
"We need answers," he said. "No more secrets. Not between us."
Aria looked up at him, heart thundering. "Then tell me the truth, Kael. All of it."