Elena's POV
The walk back to town was shrouded in silence, the kind that stretched taut with unspoken words and mounting tension. Caleb stayed close, his presence as steady as the forest around them, but Elena's mind churned with questions. Victor's words echoed in her head: The bond is tied to you, and through you, it can be controlled—or destroyed.
Back at her cottage, Caleb insisted on checking the locks before leaving.
"You'll be safe here tonight," he said, his voice low and firm.
"And tomorrow?" Elena shot back, unable to contain the frustration boiling inside her. "What about the day after that? I can't keep pretending I'm not part of this, Caleb."
He paused, his hand resting on the doorknob. "You're not pretending, Elena. You're surviving."
She stepped closer, her voice softening. "I can't survive if I don't know what I'm up against. You know more than you're telling me, don't you?"
Caleb's jaw tightened, but he didn't answer.
"Goodnight, Elena," he said finally, slipping out the door and leaving her with more questions than answers.
---
Caleb's POV
Caleb didn't return to his cabin. Instead, he headed straight for the forest, his mind racing. Victor's sudden appearance had shaken him more than he wanted to admit. The rogue wolf wasn't supposed to know about Elena—or the bond.
He reached a secluded clearing and shifted into his wolf form, letting the cool night air calm his nerves. His golden eyes scanned the darkness as he paced, every instinct on high alert.
You're losing control, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.
Caleb stilled, his ears twitching as another wolf emerged from the shadows. James shifted effortlessly into his human form, his expression one of exasperation.
"You've been avoiding me," James said.
"I've been busy," Caleb replied, his voice gruff.
James crossed his arms. "Busy letting Victor waltz into Blackwood Hollow and threaten Elena?"
A low growl rumbled in Caleb's throat. "It's not that simple."
James stepped closer, his tone sharpening. "You're the Alpha, Caleb. If you don't control this situation, Victor will. And Elena? She'll be caught in the middle."
"I know that," Caleb snapped. "But what do you expect me to do? Tell her everything? That she's tied to a bond older than any of us, with power even I don't fully understand?"
James's gaze softened slightly. "She deserves to know the truth, Caleb. Keeping her in the dark won't protect her—it'll only make her more vulnerable."
Caleb turned away, his hands clenched into fists. "She's not ready."
"Or maybe you're not," James said quietly.
Caleb didn't respond. He couldn't.
---
Elena's POV
The next morning, Elena found herself drawn to the old library on the edge of town. She'd only been there once before, when she first arrived in Blackwood Hollow, but something about the place called to her now.
The librarian, a kindly woman named Mrs. Thorne, greeted her with a warm smile. "Looking for something specific, dear?"
"Just... curious," Elena replied, scanning the rows of ancient books and faded maps. "Do you have anything on the history of the town?"
Mrs. Thorne's smile faltered slightly. "There are a few records in the back. They're old, though—not much use to most folks."
"That's perfect," Elena said quickly.
Mrs. Thorne led her to a dusty corner of the library, where a small collection of leather-bound books sat on a rickety shelf. Elena thanked her and began flipping through them, her heart racing as she searched for any mention of the bond—or the wolves.
One book, in particular, caught her eye. Its cover was cracked and faded, the title barely legible: The Legends of Blackwood.
Elena opened it carefully, her fingers trembling as she turned the fragile pages. The text was dense, filled with accounts of strange occurrences and whispered stories passed down through generations. But one section stood out:
The Lunar Bond
The passage described a mystical connection forged between a human and a wolf, a bond said to be both a blessing and a curse. It spoke of immense power, of fates intertwined, and of a sacrifice required to sustain the bond.
Elena's breath caught. Was this what Victor had meant?
---
The Unexpected Visitor
Elena was so engrossed in the book that she didn't hear the footsteps until it was too late.
"You've found it," a voice said, making her jump.
She turned to see an older man standing behind her, his piercing blue eyes fixed on the book in her hands. He was tall and lean, with an air of authority that made her uneasy.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize this was off-limits," Elena stammered, closing the book.
The man smiled faintly. "It's not. But few people bother to look for it anymore."
"Do you... know about the bond?" she asked hesitantly.
His smile faded. "I know enough to warn you. Some secrets are better left buried."
Before she could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving her with more questions than answers.
---
Caleb's POV
Caleb was waiting for her when she returned home, his expression grim.
"We need to talk," he said.
Elena set the book down on the table, her pulse quickening. "About what?"
"About Victor. And the bond."
She folded her arms, her gaze steady. "It's about time."
Caleb hesitated, then sat down across from her. "The bond isn't just a connection, Elena. It's a responsibility. A legacy. And it comes with consequences."
"I read about it," she said quietly. "In the library. The Lunar Bond—it requires a sacrifice, doesn't it?"
Caleb's jaw tightened. "Yes. And that's why we have to be careful. Victor wants to manipulate the bond for his own gain, and if he succeeds..."
"What kind of sacrifice?" Elena interrupted, her voice trembling.
Caleb looked away. "I don't know. The stories aren't clear. But I won't let it come to that. I'll protect you, no matter what."
Elena reached out, her hand brushing his. "You can't do this alone, Caleb. We're in this together, whether you like it or not."
For a moment, he didn't respond. Then, he met her gaze, his golden eyes filled with determination.
"Together," he agreed.
---