The days that followed Rylan's betrayal were marked by an uneasy quiet. Kael had doubled patrols, and the pack moved with a sense of urgency, preparing for the inevitable attack. Selene stayed close to the den, her training sessions with Kael growing more intense with each passing day.
But no amount of preparation could ease the tension that hung between them.
"You're holding back," Kael said one afternoon as he blocked her swing with a wooden staff.
"I'm not," Selene snapped, sweat dripping down her face as she lunged again.
Kael easily deflected her strike, his movements calm and controlled. "You are," he said, his voice edged with frustration. "You're too focused on what could happen instead of what's in front of you."
Selene dropped the staff, her hands trembling. "How am I supposed to focus when every moment feels like borrowed time?"
Kael stepped back, his blue eyes softening. "We're not out of time yet, Selene. But if you don't fight like your life depends on it, you're going to lose."
Her chest tightened, anger bubbling to the surface. "I didn't ask for any of this, Kael! I didn't ask to be dragged into your war or to be your mate or to have a target on my back. Do you think I want to fight?"
Kael's jaw clenched, his expression unreadable. "No," he said quietly. "But you don't have a choice."
The raw truth of his words struck her like a blow.
---
That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Selene found herself wandering near the edge of the territory. She needed space to think, to breathe.
But her solitude was short-lived.
"Thinking about running?" a familiar, mocking voice called.
Selene turned to see Magnus leaning casually against a tree, his golden eyes gleaming in the dim light.
Her heart raced, but she forced herself to stand her ground. "What do you want?"
Magnus smirked. "You, of course. You're the key to everything, Selene. Why else would the moon have bound you to Kael?"
"I'm not going anywhere with you," she said, her voice steady despite the fear clawing at her.
Magnus took a step closer, his smile widening. "I admire your spirit, but let's not play games. You know Kael can't win this war. And when he falls, so will his precious pack."
Selene clenched her fists. "Kael's stronger than you think."
Magnus laughed, a low, menacing sound. "Strength means nothing without loyalty. And your dear Alpha's pack is already crumbling. Rylan proved that much."
Her stomach twisted at the mention of Rylan.
Magnus's expression turned cold, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You have a choice, Selene. Come with me willingly, and I'll spare Kael and his wolves. Refuse, and I'll tear them apart, one by one."
Selene's blood ran cold. "You're lying."
"Am I?" Magnus said, tilting his head. "Ask yourself this—how many lives are you willing to sacrifice for Kael's pride?"
Before she could respond, Magnus stepped back into the shadows, his voice echoing through the trees. "Think it over, little human. I'll be waiting."
---
Selene returned to the den with Magnus's words ringing in her ears. The pack was gathered around the fire, discussing battle plans, but Selene barely heard them. Her mind was consumed by the impossible choice Magnus had presented.
Kael noticed her silence and pulled her aside. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
She hesitated, debating whether to tell him about Magnus. But the thought of adding to his burdens stopped her. "Nothing," she said, forcing a smile.
Kael frowned, clearly unconvinced. "Selene—"
"I'm fine," she insisted.
He studied her for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "If something's bothering you, you'll tell me, right?"
"Of course," she lied.
---
That night, as the pack slept, Selene made her decision.
She couldn't let Kael and his wolves suffer because of her. Magnus was right—she was the reason this war had escalated. And if sacrificing herself would save them, then so be it.
She slipped out of the den, her heart heavy as she made her way toward the meeting spot Magnus had mentioned.
The forest was eerily quiet, the shadows pressing in around her as she walked. When she reached the clearing, Magnus was waiting, his golden eyes gleaming with triumph.
"I knew you'd come," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction.
Selene forced herself to stand tall. "If I go with you, you leave Kael's pack alone. That's the deal."
Magnus smirked. "Of course. I'm a wolf of my word."
She didn't trust him, but she didn't see another way.
Magnus stepped closer, his predatory grin sending a chill down her spine. "Welcome to my pack, little human."
---
Back at the den, Kael awoke with a start, his chest tightening as a wave of panic crashed over him. He didn't know how he knew—he just did.
"Selene," he whispered, fear gripping him as he realized she was gone.
Without hesitation, he shifted into his wolf form and tore through the forest, his instincts guiding him.
When he reached the clearing, the sight of Selene standing with Magnus sent a growl ripping from his throat.
Magnus turned, his grin widening. "Ah, Alpha. Perfect timing."
"Get away from her," Kael snarled, his blue eyes blazing with fury.
"Relax," Magnus said, his tone mocking. "She came to me willingly. Isn't that right, Selene?"
Kael's gaze snapped to her, his heart sinking at the guilt in her eyes.
"Selene, what are you doing?" he demanded, his voice breaking.
"I'm ending this," she said, tears streaming down her face. "Magnus promised to leave your pack alone if I went with him."
Kael growled, his body trembling with rage. "You think he'll keep his word? He's using you, Selene. He'll destroy you—and us."
Magnus laughed. "Believe what you want, Alpha. But the choice has already been made."
Kael lunged, his wolf form overtaking him as he charged toward Magnus. But Magnus was ready, shifting into his wolf form and meeting Kael head-on.
The two clashed in a brutal display of strength and ferocity, their snarls echoing through the forest.
Selene watched in horror, her heart breaking as Kael fought to protect her.
She had wanted to save him, but now, she realized she might have doomed them all.