Kai's hand gripped hers firmly. His touch felt warm but heavy like it carried a weight she couldn't yet understand. Lyra tried to pull back, but his strength was unyielding. Without another word, he turned and began walking, leading her deeper into the forest.
The trees grew thicker around them, their gnarled branches twisting together to block out most of the moonlight. Lyra glanced behind her. The path they had come from was gone, swallowed by shadows. Fear bubbled in her chest, but she forced herself to keep moving. Her legs felt like lead, but the desperation in her heart pushed her forward.
Kai moved effortlessly, his steps sure even on uneven ground. He didn't look back to check if she was keeping up, as if he already knew she wouldn't turn back. Lyra stumbled over a root, her weakened body barely catching itself before she fell.
"Watch your footing," Kai said without stopping.
His voice was calm but firm like he was used to giving orders. Lyra gritted her teeth and quickened her pace, not wanting to appear weak in front of him.
"Where are you taking me?" she asked, her voice breaking the silence of the forest.
Kai's broad shoulders stiffened slightly before he answered. "To my pack's territory. You'll be safe there."
Safe. The word sounded strange, almost foreign. Lyra hadn't felt safe in so long that she barely remembered what it meant.
"And what happens when we get there?" she pressed, her voice sharper now.
Kai glanced over his shoulder, his dark eyes meeting hers. "You rest. Then we'll talk."
It wasn't the answer she wanted, but it was enough to keep her moving. The cold night air bit at her skin, and the damp earth clung to her bare feet. She shivered, wrapping her arms around herself as a gust of wind blew through the trees.
Kai must have noticed. He stopped suddenly, shrugging off his leather jacket. Without a word, he handed it to her.
Lyra hesitated, staring at the jacket like it was a trap. "I don't need your help," she muttered, her pride prickling.
Kai smirked, his expression unreadable in the dim light. "Take it, or freeze. Your choice."
Her fingers trembled as she took the jacket, the material surprisingly heavy in her hands. She slipped it on, the warmth enveloping her immediately. It smelled faintly of pine and smoke, a scent that felt oddly comforting.
"Thank you," she said softly, barely above a whisper.
Kai didn't respond. He simply turned and continued walking, his pace steady and unrelenting.
The forest began to thin as they approached a large clearing. Lyra's breath caught in her throat at the sight before her. Towering walls stretched high into the night sky, their edges sharp and unforgiving. A massive gate stood in the center, flanked by two guards with glowing eyes that marked them as wolves.
Kai stopped in front of the gate, his presence commanding. The guards straightened immediately, their expressions shifting to respect tinged with fear.
"Alpha," one of them greeted, nodding deeply. His gaze flicked to Lyra, lingering with suspicion. "Who is she?"
Kai's voice was calm but carried an edge that made Lyra's skin prickle. "She's with me."
The guard hesitated for a fraction of a second before stepping aside. With a low creak, the gates began to open, revealing a bustling courtyard.
Lyra's eyes darted around, taking in the scene. Wolves in human form moved through the space, their faces sharp and wary. The scent of smoke and earth filled the air, mingling with the faint tang of iron. She felt their eyes on her, whispers rippling through the crowd as they noticed the stranger at Kai's side.
She shrank under their stares, pulling Kai's jacket tighter around her. Every instinct told her to run, but there was nowhere to go.
Kai didn't stop to acknowledge the others. He strode through the courtyard with purpose, his presence parting the crowd like a blade through water. Lyra followed closely, her bare feet slapping against the cold stone.
They entered a large building at the center of the compound. The scent of wood and ash was stronger here, the warmth of a fire wrapping around her like a blanket. The walls were lined with weapons, each one polished and ready for use.
Kai led her down a hallway and stopped in front of a heavy wooden door. He pushed it open, revealing a simple but comfortable room. A large fireplace crackled in the corner, and a sturdy bed sat against the far wall.
"This is where you'll stay," Kai said, stepping aside to let her in.
Lyra hesitated, standing just outside the doorway. Her eyes darted around the room, scanning for any signs of danger. It looked too inviting, too good to be true.
"Why are you helping me?" she asked, her voice barely steady.
Kai leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. His gaze was intense, pinning her in place. "Because you have something I need."
Lyra's stomach twisted at the bluntness of his words. "And if I don't?"
Kai's lips curled into a smirk, but his eyes remained cold. "Then you won't last long here."
The weight of his words pressed down on her like a stone. She stepped into the room, her movements slow and deliberate. The door closed behind her with a heavy thud, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
Lyra sank onto the edge of the bed, her body aching from exhaustion. She stared at the fire, watching the flames dance and flicker. Her mind raced with questions she didn't have the energy to answer.
For now, she was safe. But the safety felt fragile like a thread stretched too thin. She didn't trust Kai, but he was her best chance at survival.
The fire crackled softly, its warmth lulling her into a restless sleep. As her eyes drifted shut, faint whispers curled around the edges of her mind, soft and insistent.
"Beware the shadows that save you."