"Stand down, Draven," Kai's voice rang out like a blade slicing through the tense air.
Lyra turned sharply, her gaze locking onto the tall figure emerging from the shadows. His silver eyes glinted like the moon's reflection on steel, and his aura radiated dominance.
The wolves circled closer, their low growls reverberating through the night. Lyra pressed her back against the tree, clutching her arm where one of them had already grazed her with its claws. Her breaths came out sharp and uneven, panic clawing at her chest.
From the shadows, a figure moved fast—too fast for her to track. In a blur, the wolves scattered, yelping as they retreated into the forest.
Lyra blinked, trying to process what had just happened.
"On your feet," a deep, commanding voice ordered.
Her head snapped up. It was Kai. Of course, it was him.
She stumbled to stand, using the tree for support, and glared at him. "Didn't need your help."
Kai's silver eyes narrowed, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. "Sure looked like you did."
Draven stepped out from behind Kai, his dark expression making her shiver more than the cold air. His gaze swept over her like she was something foul stuck to his boots. "You shouldn't have bothered, Alpha. Letting her fend for herself would've been a better lesson."
Kai shot Draven a warning glance. It wasn't loud or forceful—just a look—but it was enough to shut him up.
Lyra straightened, ignoring the ache in her arm. "You saved me, so what now? Let me guess—more insults before you drag me back to your camp?"
Kai didn't answer immediately. He stepped closer, his boots crunching against the leaves. She held her ground, refusing to flinch under his gaze, even though her instincts screamed at her to back away.
"I didn't save you out of kindness, Lyra," Kai said, his voice low but sharp. "I need something from you."
Her lips parted in disbelief. "Need something from me? You've got to be joking. I'm nothing to you."
Kai's eyes glinted in the moonlight. "Not to me. But to the Silver Claw Tribe? You're everything."
Draven shifted uneasily, folding his arms. "Alpha, with respect, she's a liability. We shouldn't waste time—"
Kai silenced him with another glance. "Enough."
Lyra glanced between the two of them, sensing the tension. Whatever loyalty Draven had to Kai, it didn't extend to liking her.
She scoffed, crossing her arms despite the sting in her injured one. "What's this really about? Don't tell me you're scared of the Silver Claw."
Kai smiled, but it wasn't warm. It was sharp and predatory. "They're scared of you. That's why they want you dead. And I intend to use that fear to destroy them."
Lyra frowned, trying to piece it together. "Why would they be scared of me? I don't even know them."
"Doesn't matter what you know," Kai said, his voice smooth, almost taunting. "They think you're a threat. Their belief is enough."
Draven stepped forward, his glare pinned on Lyra. "And what happens when she gets in the way? When she makes things worse for us? You know she will."
Kai didn't even look at him this time. "Draven, she's staying. That's the end of it."
Lyra let out a bitter laugh. "So, what? You want me to stand there and look threatening while you fight your war?"
Kai's smirk deepened. "Something like that."
She shook her head. "And if I say no?"
Kai's expression darkened, his amusement vanishing. "You don't have a choice."
For a moment, the forest fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air.
Lyra glanced at Draven, who was glaring at her as she'd personally insulted him. "Fine," she said finally, lifting her chin. "I'll help. But only if he keeps his distance."
Draven sneered. "Trust me, the feeling's mutual."
Kai's lips twitched in a faint smile. "Done. Now let's move. The Silver Claw won't wait, and neither will I."
As they walked through the dark forest, Lyra could feel Draven's cold stare burning into the back of her head.
"You shouldn't trust her," Draven muttered under his breath as he fell into step beside Kai.
Kai's voice was low, barely audible over the crunch of leaves beneath their feet. "I don't trust anyone, Draven. But I know an opportunity when I see one. And Lyra? She's going to help us win."
Draven's jaw tightened, his fingers twitching as if he was itching to argue. Instead, he stayed silent, the tension between them growing heavier with each step.
Somewhere in the distance, a wolf howled, the sound chilling and sharp. Lyra glanced over her shoulder, her pulse quickening.
Kai smirked. "Scared already? You should be. The real danger hasn't even started yet."