The dawn broke over the forest, its soft golden light casting long shadows over the remnants of the rogue camp. The air was still heavy with the scent of blood and ash, but the sounds of battle had faded into an eerie silence. Amara sat on a fallen log near the edge of the camp, her silver dagger still clutched tightly in her trembling hands. The blade was smeared with dried blood—a stark reminder of what she had done.
Lucian stood a few feet away, issuing orders to the pack. His voice was calm but commanding, carrying an authority that couldn't be questioned. Despite his injuries, he moved with the same steady confidence that Amara had come to admire. She watched him from a distance, her chest tightening with a mix of relief and unease. The battle was over, but the scars it left were fresh.
Elena approached her, her sharp blue eyes scanning Amara with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "You held your own last night," she said, sitting down beside her. "I didn't think you had it in you."
Amara let out a shaky breath, her fingers loosening their grip on the dagger. "Neither did I."
Elena smirked. "Well, you proved me wrong. And more importantly, you proved yourself to the pack. They won't see you as a liability anymore."
Amara turned to look at her, surprised by the sincerity in Elena's tone. "You think they'll accept me now?"
"They'll have no choice," Elena replied. "You stood with us. You fought. That earns respect."
The weight of her words settled over Amara, and for the first time, she felt a flicker of hope. Maybe she could find her place here after all.
Lucian finished speaking with his warriors and made his way over to Amara. His golden eyes softened as they met hers, and he crouched down in front of her, his hand resting on her knee.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.
Amara nodded, though the fatigue was evident in her face. "I'm fine. Just… processing."
Lucian's gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable. "You were incredible last night, Amara. I don't know how to thank you."
Her lips twitched into a small smile. "I think I should be the one thanking you. You saved me—again."
He shook his head. "We saved each other. And we'll keep doing it."
The warmth in his voice sent a surge of emotion through her, and she reached out, her hand brushing against his. For a moment, the chaos of the world around them faded, and it was just the two of them.
But the moment didn't last. Elena cleared her throat, her voice cutting through the quiet. "Hate to interrupt, but we have a situation."
Lucian stood, his body tensing immediately. "What is it?"
Elena gestured toward the edge of the camp, where a small group of wolves had gathered. "One of the rogues we captured is still alive. He's asking to speak with you."
Lucian's jaw tightened, and he exchanged a quick glance with Amara before following Elena. Amara hesitated for a moment, then stood and followed them, her curiosity outweighing her fear.
The rogue was slumped against a tree, his body battered and bloodied. His wolf form had receded, leaving a gaunt, human figure with sunken eyes and matted hair. He looked up as Lucian approached, his expression a mix of defiance and desperation.
"Why did you ask for me?" Lucian demanded, his voice cold and commanding.
The rogue coughed, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. "Because… you need to know."
"Know what?" Lucian growled, his patience wearing thin.
The rogue's eyes flickered to Amara, and a cruel smile tugged at his lips. "She's the key."
Amara froze, her heart skipping a beat. "What are you talking about?"
The rogue let out a wheezing laugh. "Selene… she doesn't just want you dead. She wants your blood."
Lucian's body went rigid, his golden eyes narrowing dangerously. "Explain. Now."
The rogue coughed again, his breaths labored. "Your mate's blood… it's special. The bond between you two—it's stronger than any I've seen. Selene thinks… she can use it."
"For what?" Lucian demanded, his voice low and deadly.
"To break you," the rogue said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And to strengthen herself. She thinks… if she takes your mate's blood, she can sever the bond and absorb its power."
Amara's blood ran cold, her mind reeling. Selene's obsession with their bond suddenly made horrifying sense. It wasn't just about destroying Lucian—it was about using Amara to make herself unstoppable.
Lucian's growl was low and menacing, his claws flexing at his sides. "Why tell us this?"
The rogue's smile faded, and his expression turned somber. "Because she'll kill me anyway. And maybe… maybe this will make her fail."
Lucian stared at him for a long moment, his jaw clenched. Finally, he nodded to one of his warriors. "Take him back to the stronghold. We'll deal with him there."
The warrior grabbed the rogue, dragging him away. Lucian turned to Amara, his expression grim. "We need to talk."
Back at the stronghold, Lucian led Amara to his quarters. The room was simple but spacious, with a large wooden table, a fireplace, and a bed pushed against the far wall. He closed the door behind them, his golden eyes locking onto hers.
"This changes everything," he said, his voice heavy with frustration. "Selene isn't just trying to kill us—she's trying to weaponize the bond."
Amara sank into a chair, her hands trembling. "What does that even mean? How could she use my blood?"
Lucian ran a hand through his hair, his expression troubled. "The bond between us—it's not just emotional or physical. It's magical. It's why I'm stronger when I'm near you. If Selene can find a way to extract that magic…"
"She'll become more powerful than anyone," Amara finished, her voice shaking.
Lucian nodded, his jaw tightening. "We can't let that happen."
Amara met his gaze, fear and determination warring within her. "So what do we do?"
"We prepare," Lucian said firmly. "We strengthen the pack, fortify the stronghold. And we stay together. She won't take you, Amara. I'll die before I let that happen."
His words sent a shiver through her, but she nodded, her resolve hardening. "I'm not going to let her win, Lucian. If she wants my blood, she'll have to fight for it."
Lucian's gaze softened, and he stepped closer, his hand brushing against her cheek. "You're stronger than you know," he murmured. "And I'll fight with you. Always."
Amara leaned into his touch, her fear momentarily fading in the warmth of his presence. The road ahead was dangerous, but together, they could face it.
And as the fire crackled softly in the hearth, Amara made a silent vow: she would protect their bond, no matter the cost. Selene might be powerful, but she had underestimated one thing—Amara's will to survive and fight for the one she loved.