The sun dipped low on the horizon as Aria and Kael reached the borderlands, the once-dense forest giving way to sprawling, jagged cliffs and rolling mist. The air was heavier here, filled with the scent of damp earth and the faint tang of something metallic.
Kael slowed his pace, his green eyes scanning their surroundings. "We're close," he said, his voice quiet but tense.
Aria clutched her bag tightly, exhaustion weighing her down. Her muscles ached, and her thoughts were a tangled mess of fear and determination. The encounter with the Alpha still lingered in her mind, its golden eyes seared into her memory.
"Where exactly is this safehouse?" she asked, her voice hoarse.
Kael gestured to the cliffs ahead. "There's an old mine tucked into the rock face. It hasn't been used in decades, but it's well-hidden. We'll be safe there for a while."
Aria nodded, though her unease grew with every step. The borderlands had always been a place of whispers and warnings—wolves who ventured too far rarely returned.
As they approached the cliffs, Kael stopped abruptly, holding up a hand to signal silence.
"What is it?" Aria whispered.
Kael sniffed the air, his jaw tightening. "We're not alone."
Aria's pulse quickened. She scanned the area but saw nothing beyond the mist and shadows. "Rogues?"
"Maybe," Kael said, his grip tightening on his dagger. "Stay close and keep quiet."
They moved cautiously, their footsteps muffled by the damp ground. Aria's heart raced as they rounded a bend, revealing a narrow path carved into the cliffside. Kael motioned for her to follow, and they began their ascent.
The path was treacherous, the rocks slick with moisture. Aria struggled to keep her balance, her fingers brushing against the cliff face for support. Kael moved ahead with ease, his movements precise and controlled.
Halfway up, Kael stopped again, his body tense.
"What is it?" Aria asked, her voice barely audible.
Kael pointed to a shadowy figure further up the path. At first, Aria thought it was another wolf, but as the figure stepped closer, she realized it was something else entirely.
A man emerged from the mist, his eyes glowing faintly with an unnatural light. He was tall and lean, his dark clothing blending seamlessly with the shadows. His face was sharp and angular, with a faint scar running across his jaw.
"Kael Duskbane," the man said, his voice smooth and laced with mockery. "Still running, I see."
Kael's expression darkened. "I'm not in the mood for games, Lioran. Step aside."
The man—Lioran—smirked, crossing his arms. "And here I thought you'd be happy to see an old friend." His gaze flicked to Aria, his smile widening. "And who's this? Another stray you've taken under your wing?"
Aria bristled, but Kael stepped in front of her, his dagger at the ready. "She's none of your concern."
Lioran chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, but she is. Word travels fast, you know. The Moonbound has awakened, and every pack in the region is talking about her. It didn't take long to connect the dots."
Aria's stomach dropped. "How do you know about me?"
Lioran's glowing eyes fixed on her, his expression turning serious. "Because your power is like a beacon, girl. Anyone with half a brain can feel it, and not everyone will be as friendly as me."
Kael snorted. "Friendly? That's rich coming from you."
Lioran ignored him, taking a step closer. "You're in over your head, Mooncaller. The packs will hunt you, the rogues will use you, and the shadowbeasts will tear you apart. Your best chance is to come with me."
"She's not going anywhere with you," Kael growled, his stance shifting into a defensive posture.
Lioran sighed, as if disappointed. "Always so stubborn, Kael. You can't protect her forever. She'll need allies if she's going to survive."
"Not your kind of allies," Kael snapped.
Aria glanced between the two men, her confusion mounting. "Who is he?" she asked Kael.
"A mistake," Kael said coldly.
Lioran smirked. "Come now, Kael. You and I go way back. No need to tarnish our history in front of the girl."
Kael's grip on his dagger tightened. "Leave, Lioran. This is your only warning."
Lioran's smile faded, replaced by a look of mild annoyance. "Suit yourself." He turned to Aria, his glowing eyes narrowing. "Remember what I said, Mooncaller. You won't last long without help."
With that, he stepped back into the mist, disappearing as quickly as he had appeared.
---
By the time they reached the mine, night had fallen. The entrance was partially hidden by overgrown vines and loose rocks, but Kael pushed them aside with ease.
The inside was dark and musty, the air thick with the scent of damp stone. Kael lit a small lantern he had packed, the flickering light casting eerie shadows on the walls.
"This place doesn't scream 'safe,'" Aria muttered, her voice echoing in the narrow tunnel.
"It's better than being out in the open," Kael said, leading her deeper into the mine. "Lioran might have left for now, but he's not the only one who'll come looking for you."
Aria hesitated. "Who is he, really? And why do you hate him so much?"
Kael set the lantern down on a flat rock and sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Lioran was part of my old pack. He's a hunter now—a mercenary who works for the highest bidder. If he knows about you, it's only a matter of time before others do too."
"What does he want with me?"
Kael met her gaze, his expression serious. "To use you. Your power is rare, Aria, and people like Lioran see it as a tool—a weapon. They won't care what it costs you."
Aria swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking in. She had spent her whole life as an outcast, powerless and insignificant. Now, she was the center of attention for all the wrong reasons.
"What do we do now?" she asked.
Kael straightened, his green eyes gleaming with determination. "We train. If you're going to survive, you need to be ready for whatever comes next."
Aria nodded, her resolve hardening. She didn't want to be a victim, and she didn't want to be a pawn. If she was going to face this new reality, she would do it on her terms.
"Let's get started," she said.
Kael smiled faintly, his respect for her growing. "Good. You're going to need that fire, Mooncaller. The storm is only just beginning."