Eden
I was answered with silence and a stare.
I mean there was a few blinks but other than that it was silent. I bit my lip and had my head down. This is it, I guess. Right? if he was fine with it, he would've said something.
Calm down, Eden. You dropped a big bomb on him. Emrys muses. Well, It's not even everything yet. Will I even be able to tell him everything? If he already reacts like this then what more if I told him about the rest of it?
"I don't know what to say, Eden" He finally breaks the silence and my head quickly looks up at him trying to read his expression. I'm hopeful that what Elvion said was true. That Cassian will accept me for who I was, we will try to solve everything together, then everything will be fine.
My hands trembled slightly, fingers toying with the edge of my shirt, but I barely noticed. How could I? Everything I'd known about myself had shifted in a matter of hours. And now, I told a bit of it to Cassian and he's speechless and I haven't even told him everything yet.
My chest tightened painfully. What if he rejected me?
I couldn't shake the fear, couldn't silence the voice in my head whispering that Cassian deserved better—that I was too much of a risk. He had a pack to protect. And me? I wasn't just some ordinary werewolf. I was something else entirely—something dangerous. Should I just tell the rest of the news next time?
But you can't keep running from this, Emrys whispered inside me, her presence a steadying force. He has a right to know.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves that were making my stomach churn. Cassian wouldn't reject me… would he?
"C-can you tell me what you're thinking?" I bravely ask and he takes a deep breath and a sigh. He runs his hands through his hair and I can't help but think how hot he looked but I snap out of it. It's time to be serious right now, Eden. I can't be thinking how hot he is when we're literally on the brink of being rejected.
"I just… I have never heard of this, Eden. and I want to believe you, trust me I do but is that even possible?" He asks me. He places his hand on the counter and leans his body against it.
"I didn't know either but my mother… she was one of the strongest fae of her kind, apparently. She and my father, Maximus, you might know him…" I drowse on and he nods. He was the pack's war strategist, one of the strongest soldiers, after all. Cassian's brows furrowed slightly, but he didn't say anything, letting me continue. The silence felt like a knife edge between us.
"Everything was okay and great according to what Elvion said but then I was born. They thought I would only be one or the other but when they found out I was both. That's when things turned around. They thought they could keep me safe, but they couldn't. And now… now, there are people—vampires and Unseelie fae—who know about me. The casualties we have been experiencing so far and those of in the magic realm were because they're trying to make more people like me. Experimenting…"
For a long moment, Cassian was silent again. I couldn't bear to look at him, couldn't bear to see the rejection I feared so much. This is it, Emrys. I'm sorry. If he rejects us, I'm sorry about the pain I'm about to put us through. I closed my eyes tight waiting to hear the rejection but then, his hand cupped my cheek, gently lifting my face so I had no choice but to meet his eyes.
His hand stilled on my arm, his expression unreadable. I could feel the panic rising inside me, the fear that this would be too much for him, that he'd see me as a danger to his pack, to everything he had to protect.
"I don't know what to do, I'm sorry." I admitted, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I'm scared. 'm scared that I'm putting you, the pack, everyone at risk just by being here. And I—" My voice cracked, the tears I'd been holding back finally slipping free. "I don't know if you'll still want me, knowing all of this. If not, and you want to kick me out of the pack, I understand." I said in between breaths as tears started to stream my face more. I tried to hold it back. I want to hold it back but I just couldn't. This was all too much.
"Eden," he said softly, his voice full of a tenderness that shattered the walls I'd built around my heart. "I'm not going anywhere."
I blinked at him, the tears still falling. "But—"
"No," he interrupted, his thumb brushing away a tear from my cheek. "Listen to me. You don't have to carry this on your own. You're not alone in this, okay? I'm with you. We'll figure it out, together."
His words wrapped around me like a warm embrace, chasing away the cold fear that had settled in my bones. Cassian wasn't pulling away. He wasn't rejecting me. He was… here. With me.
"Do you understand?" His voice was steady, his gaze unwavering. "I won't let anyone hurt you, Eden. I won't let anyone hurt this pack. We're in this together. You don't have to bear the weight of it all by yourself."
My breath hitched, my heart swelling with a mixture of relief and gratitude so strong it nearly knocked me off my feet. How could he be so steady, so certain, when I was falling apart?
He really is for us, Eden. I think one step to take in this battle is accepting you have a partner. Emrys added and I agree. He wipes the tears from my face and kisses my forehead so tenderly.
"You don't have to be afraid," he whispered, his forehead resting gently against mine. "Not with me. I don't know a lot about this, I admit but we will figure this out, okay?"
A sob escaped me, and before I could stop myself, I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around him, burying my face in his chest. He held me, strong and solid, his arms a fortress around me. And for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt safe. Truly, deeply safe.
We stayed like that for a while, the world outside forgotten. It was just the two of us, wrapped in the quiet promise of his words. And slowly, the tension that had been strangling me began to loosen, replaced by something warmer, something stronger.
"We'll be okay… You'll be okay" Cassian whispered against my hair, kissing my temple. The words so soft I almost didn't hear them. But I felt them, in the way his arms tightened around me, in the way his heartbeat thudded steadily beneath my cheek.
Cassian leaned in slowly, giving me time to stop him if I wanted to. But I didn't. I closed the distance between us, my lips meeting his in a soft, sweet kiss. It was everything I hadn't known I needed—comfort, warmth, love. It was just a quick one but the feeling lasted for a while.
The door creaked open and sound of footsteps broke the moment. The three, Leo, Mira, and Elvion, standing in the kitchen entrance smiling. Well, Leo was more of smirking as always. He walks up and takes a seat on the kitchen bar.
"Look, I'm really happy you guys got that sorted out but based on what we heard from outside then we're fucked" Leo says as he steals a bacon from the plate Elvion left. I chuckle and wipe my tears away. Even if Leo is always sarcastic and playful, I'm definitely thankful of his presence. He always knew how to lighten the mood.
Cassian releases me, clearing his throat, his demeanor shifting into full alpha mode. "Yeah, I'm not exactly sure how to deal with this," he admits, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed, a hint of frustration in his voice.
Mira returns to the kitchen with a warm smile, casually turning the stove back on. "Sounds like a conversation best had over a meal," she says, picking up where she left off in her cooking. Elvion, already seated, wastes no time reclaiming his spot and diving into the bacon Mira keeps serving.
"Elvion might know a thing or two," I offer, gesturing to him even though he's already devouring his share of bacon. He nods in agreement, giving a thumbs up while he chews with far too much enthusiasm.
Cassian frowns, his gaze locking onto Elvion. "And... who exactly is he?" he asks, confusion lacing his tone.
"He's been with me since I was a kid—an elf. He's the one who explained all this to me, and he'll be helping me with magic," I explain, noticing the way Cassian's eyes widen in disbelief, as if he can't quite wrap his head around the idea of me practicing magic.
Leo, mouth stuffed with bacon and pancakes, cuts in before Cassian can respond. "She's telling the truth, Cass. I saw it last night. He healed this guy right here," he says, tapping Elvion on the shoulder, which startles the elf. "Though, he's not exactly little anymore," Leo adds with a smirk, and I can't help but giggle.
Elvion glares at Leo, wiping his mouth. "If you don't mind, I'm trying to eat in peace."
Cassian shot Leo a skeptical look, but it was clear the doubt still lingered. "But fae magic?" He turned back to me, his expression softening but still questioning. "Why didn't you tell me before?" he asks facing Leo
"Hey man, not my secret to tell" He admitted putting both of his hands up.
Cassian's gaze softened for a brief moment, but the doubt remained. "But magic, Eden? We've never seen anything like that here."
I knew I couldn't just tell him. I had to show him. "Then let me prove it to you," I said quietly.
His brow furrowed in confusion. "Prove it?"
I turned to Leo. "The patrol from last night—the one that was injured. He's still at the infirmary, right?"
Leo nodded. "Yeah, he barely made it through the night. He's in bad shape."
"Take me to him," I said, my resolve hardening. "I can heal him."
Cassian's skepticism grew. "Heal him? How?"
"Just trust me," I said, looking straight into his eyes. "Please."
Cassian hesitated, but then he nodded, albeit reluctantly. "Alright. Let's go." He says as he grabs Leo's shirt and drags him out and Leo trying to get every bit of bacon in his mouth. Elvion joins us as well.
We all walk out and walk towards the infirmary. Everybody nods in respect to Leo and Cassian every time we pass by and it makes me think how amazing these two are. In private, they seem kind of goofy but outside they're so well respected.
We reached the infirmary and a few people in there were cleaning and working. The patroller in the far corner of the room to give him privacy and quiet.
Cassian coughs and everybody looks at him "Everyone, can you please give us some privacy?" He commands and everyone scurries out of the room.
The infirmary turned quiet quickly. The patroller lay on a small cot, his breathing labored, his wounds deep and raw. The pack's healer had done everything they could, but it was clear the man's time was running out.
Cassian watched closely as I approached the bed, doubt still written on his face.
I knelt beside the injured wolf, my hand hovering over his chest. The fae magic within me stirred, recognizing the pain, the life fading away. I put my hands like the way Elvion and I practiced earlier this morning but no magic was coming out. I look at Elvion and he gives me a nod of encouragement and stands beside me. "You can do it, Eden. Just focus and think about the energy flowing in your body." He says as he holds my hand and guides me towards the upper extremities of the warrior. "Sometimes are magic can sense the injuries and the need for it. It can help it to come out" He says and I nod not noticing how the two of us were close not until Cassian coughed twice and Elvion turns his head and lets go of my hand quickly.
I try again and this time the magic was strong. It surged, hot and wild, responding to my call.
Cassian stepped closer. "Eden, what are you—?"
But before he could finish, the air around us shifted, growing thick with energy. My hands forming the healing orb Elvion just taught me earlier. It glowed faintly as I pressed it to the patroller's chest, feeling the magic flow from me into him. I widen the space between my hands to make the orb larger and cover more area. The wounds began to knit together, slowly at first, then faster as the magic took hold. His breathing steadied, the shallow rasp turning into deep, even breaths. Life returned to him, his wolf healing far beyond what any werewolf power could achieve on its own.
When it was done, I pulled back, feeling drained but steady. The patroller's eyes fluttered open, his gaze confused but clear.
Cassian's eyes were wide, disbelief giving way to awe. He stared at the man, then at me, like he was seeing me for the first time. "How…?"
"I told you," I said quietly, rising to my feet. "I'm not just a werewolf. This is my magic."
Leo let out a low whistle. "I knew it, but damn, that's something else."
"Good job, Eden." Elvion pats my back.
Cassian didn't say anything at first. He just kept looking at me, like he was trying to reconcile the girl he knew with the power he had just witnessed.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I was afraid," I whispered "Afraid of what it would mean for us. For you. For everyone." Cassian's hand reached out, gently cupping my face, his touch sending a familiar warmth through me. "I don't care what you are," he said softly, his thumb brushing my cheek. "I care about you. We'll figure this out. We'll protect the pack—together."
Something in his voice broke the last barrier I had been holding onto, and suddenly, the mate bond—our bond—snapped into place with a force that took my breath away. I gasped, feeling the connection between us solidify, deeper than anything I had ever felt before. It wasn't just the magic. It was us. The bond we had tried to ignore, tried to suppress, was now undeniable.
Cassian's eyes widened slightly as the same realization hit him. His grip on me tightened, and I saw it—the imprint, the recognition that I was his and he was mine. There was no hiding it anymore. The mate bond had fully awakened.
"I… I can't hide this anymore," I said, my voice trembling. "Everyone will know."
Cassian pulled me closer, his forehead resting against mine. "Then let them know. You're mine, Eden. Our Luna."
The weight of his words settled over me, but for the first time, it didn't feel heavy. It felt right. Leo talks to the once wounded warrior and thanks him for his service. We said our goodbyes to him and told him to rest up and not tell anyone yet. He agreed.
He tried to stand, intending to kneel in front of me to thank me, but I quickly stopped him. I didn't deserve his gratitude—I was the reason he became a victim in the first place. I only did what anyone should.
As the four of us walked away from the infirmary, Leo broke the silence with a casual comment. "Well, we're going to have a lot to explain to the pack. We need to clear up the confusion—especially about this guy right here," he teased, swinging his arm over Elvion's shoulder. "How about a haircut, little guy?" he added with a grin.
Elvion rolled his eyes dramatically, clearly used to Leo's antics. "How do you even put up with him, Eden?" he asked, sounding exasperated.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "It's a challenge, trust me."
Cassian, still in alpha mode but with a softer edge now, glanced over at Leo with a smirk. "Then call for a meeting, Beta," he said, the command laced with a hint of amusement.
As Cassian spoke, he slid his arm around my waist, pulling me closer in a gesture that sent heat rushing to my cheeks. It was the first time he'd shown any public display of affection, and the warmth of his touch made my heart race. The mate bond between us was undeniable now, and with the imprinting process done, it was only a matter of time before everyone in the pack knew.
Leo raised an eyebrow, clearly noticing the subtle shift between us, but said nothing as we headed toward the main hall. The time for jokes was over.
Once we reached the heart of the pack's gathering area, Cassian's voice took on a more serious tone. "It's time. Gather the pack. We need to inform them of the threat we're facing." His words echoed with authority, his arm still resting protectively around me.
Within minutes, pack members began assembling, their murmurs filling the room as they exchanged confused glances. It wasn't every day the alpha called an urgent meeting. The tension was palpable, the weight of what was coming pressing down on all of us.
Leo stepped forward first, clearing his throat to address the group. "There's something you all need to know," he began, glancing at Cassian for approval. "We've discovered a dangerous alliance—vampires and Unseelie fae working together, targeting us. And they're not just after our land; they're after something far more valuable. Eden." He gestured toward me, and every eye in the room shifted in my direction and I lower my head.
Cassian tightened his grip around my waist, his presence a silent reassurance as he stepped up to speak next. "They're trying to create hybrids—like her," he said, his voice low and firm. "Half-werewolf, half-fae. Stronger, more dangerous. She has the power of both worlds which they want to achieve as well. We need to be prepared. This is no ordinary threat."
Murmurs grew louder as the pack members processed the information. Fear, curiosity, and disbelief mingled in their expressions, but they knew better than to question their alpha's word.
"As of today," Cassian continued, his tone leaving no room for doubt, "we'll be on high alert. Our borders will be fortified, patrols doubled. But more importantly, we stand united. No one faces this threat alone."
Leo nodded in agreement, while Elvion, who had remained silent on the side, pokes Leo because he was forgetting something else "And additionally, we will have an elf alongside us who will assist us in preparing for the enemies. Do not be alarmed." Leo announces.
I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze on me. The reality of my situation sank in deeper—this was just the beginning of what was to come.
Cassian's hand found mine, squeezing it gently. "We'll face this together," he whispered, just loud enough for me to hear.
With the pack now fully aware of the looming threat, we all knew there was no turning back. The war was coming—one that would test not just our strength, but our bonds as well.