The clearing was a blur of fur and claws as Kael and Magnus tore into each other. Selene watched helplessly, her heart pounding with every vicious blow they exchanged. Kael's silver fur gleamed under the moonlight, but the strain of the flight was evident Magnus was a formidable opponent, and Kael couldn't afford a single mistake.
Magnus snarled, lunging at Kael with teeth bared. Kael dodged, countering with a swipe of his claws that sent Magnus skidding across the clearing. But Magnus recovered quickly, his golden eyes gleaming with triumph.
"You can't win, Kael," Magnus taunted, circling him like a predator sizing up its prey. "You've already lost. She came to me willingly."
Kael growled, his chest heaving. "Stay away from her."
Magnus laughed, a low, menacing sound. "You're fighting a battle you can't win, Alpha.
The bond makes you weak. It clouds your judgment."
Kael didn't respond. Instead, he lunged, his claws slashing through the air. The fight escalated, both wolves locked in a deadly dance of power and precision.
"Stop!" Selene shouted her voice breaking as she stepped closer.
Her cry distracted Kael for a split second, and Magnus seized the opportunity. He struck Kael across the side, his claws cutting deep.
Kael yelped in pain, stumbling back as blood seeped into his silver fur.
"No!" Selene screamed, running towards him.
Kael shifted back into his human form, clutching his side as he dropped to one knee. Selene reached his side, her hands shaking as she tried to assess his wound.
"You shouldn't be here," he rasped, his voice tight with pain.
"And you shouldn't be fighting with him alone," she shot back, tears streaming down her face.
Magnus shifted back into his human form, his smirk widening as he watched them. "Touching," he said, his tone mocking. "But you've only delayed the inevitable. Surrender now, Kael, and I might let you live long enough to watch me take her."
Kael's growl was low and menacing, but Selene placed a hand on his chest, stopping him before he could respond.
"Enough," she said, turning to Magnus. "This isn't about Kael or the pack. It's about me, isn't it? The bond."
Magnus tilted his head, his golden eyes narrowing. Go on."
"I'll come with you," Selene said, her voice trembling. "Just leave them alone."
"Selene, no," Kael said, his hand closing around hers.
"You can't fight him like this," she said, her voice breaking. "I won't let you die for me."
Magnus's grin widened. "Smart girl. Perhaps there's hope for you yet."
Kael's grip on her hand tightened. "You don't have to do this," he said, his blue eyes filled with desperation.
"Yes, I do," she whispered.
Before Kale could stop her, Selene stepped towards Magnus, her heart pounding with every step.
"Good choice," Magnus said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. But just as he reached for her, a low growl rippled through the clearing.
Damon burst into the clearing, his wolf form bristling with fury. He didn't hesitate-he lunged at Magnus, his teeth snapping inches from the rival Alpha's throat.
Magnus growled, shifting back into his wolf form to meet Damon's attack. The two wolves clashed, their snarls filling the air.
Selene rushed back to Kael's side, her hands trembling as she pressed them against his wound. "You're losing too much blood," she said, her voice shaking.
Kael's hand closed over hers, his touch weak but steady. "I'm fine," he said, though the strain in his voice betrayed him.
"No, you're not," she said, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Why do you always have to do this? Why do you always have to sacrifice yourself?"
"Because I can't lose you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Not now. Not ever."
Her heart aches at the raw emotion in his words. "Kael…"
Before she could say more, Damon's voice cut through the clearing.
"Kael! Get her out of here!"
Kael's gaze snapped to the fight. Damon was holding his own against Magnus, but it was clear he couldn't keep it up for long.
Kael gritted his teeth forcing himself to his feet. "We're leaving," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Selene shook her head. "Not without you."
"I'm not giving you a choice," he said, his hand closing around hers as he began to pull her towards the trees.
"But Damon-''
"He can handle himself," Kael said, though the anguish in his voice was evident. "Right now, you're my priority."
Kael led Selene through the forest, his steps slow but determined. Every movement sent pain shooting through his side, but he refused to let it show.
When they finally reached the safety of the den, Kael collapsed against a tree, his breaths ragged.
"You need help," Selene said, panic lacing her voice.
"I'll be fine," he said, though his pale complexion said otherwise.
"Stop lying to me," she said, her voice trembling, "You're not invincible, Kael."
His blue eyes met hers, and for the first time, she saw a flicker of vulnerability in his gaze. "I don't know how to be anything else," he admitted.
Her heart broke at his words. "You don't have to be," she said softly. "Not with me."
Kael's hand reached for hers, his grip weak but steady. "I can't lose you, Selene," he said, his voice filled with quiet desperation. "You're not going to lose me," she whispered. "I'm right here."
For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the sound of their breathing and the steady rhythm of their hearts.
"I'm sorry," Kael said, his voice breaking.
"For what?"
"For not telling you sooner," he said, his gaze locking onto hers. "That I love you."
Her breath caught, her heart pounding as his words sank in. "Kael…."
Before she could respond, his eyes fluttered closed, and his body went limp.
"Kael!" she cried, shaking him. "Stay with me! Please!"
Her desperate cries echoed through the forest as she held him, the weight of his confession and the fear of losing him threatening to consume her.