The trek through the forest felt endless and eerily quiet. Moonlight seeped through the thick branches overhead, casting ever-changing shadows along the path. Kael walked slightly ahead, each step calculated and deliberate. Alera trailed behind, her thoughts racing with the questions swirling in her mind questions she wasn't ready to voice just yet. The air between them was dense with tension, not merely from the fight they'd just endured, but from something deeper and more primal. An invisible bond tugged at her, threads wrapping around her heart like a gentle embrace. Inside her, her wolf stirred, restless and alert.
Eventually, Kael halted at a ridge that looked out over a sprawling valley bathed in silvery light. Below them, hidden among the trees, stood a colossal fortress etched into the mountainside. Towering spires reached upward, banners danced in the breeze, and an undeniable power emanated from it.
"Home," Kael declared.
Alera's eyes widened. "That's yours?"
He nodded. "Ours. If you decide."
Alera was taken aback. "You mean I can say no?"
Kael turned to face her fully. "You are not a prisoner, Alera. The bond may draw us together, but the choice is yours. It has always been yours."
His words twisted something deep within her. She had braced herself for force and control, not this quiet respect.
They made their way down into the valley. As they neared the fortress gates, wolves perched on the high walls observed them intently. Some lowered their heads in acknowledgment, while others murmured among themselves.
Kael remained silent, though the tightness of his jaw spoke volumes.
Inside the fortress, they encountered a formidable female Lycan clad in silver armor. Her eyes narrowed as she zeroed in on Alera. "You brought her here?"
Kael responded with a single nod. "She is under my protection."
The female scrutinized Alera, something inscrutable flickering in her gaze before she stepped aside.
Kael guided Alera through a maze of stone corridors until they reached a chamber glowing with moon-crystal chandeliers. Alera gasped in awe. The room thrummed with magic. Ancient sigils adorned the walls, and a pool of radiant water sparkled at the center.
Alera approached the pool, drawn by its allure. As she knelt beside it, visions sprang to life on its surface a white wolf with eyes like hers, standing amidst flames. A symbol blazed into its fur. Then came darkness. Screams filled her ears. She instinctively recoiled.
Kael was there to steady her. "What did you see?" he asked.
Kael's expression turned grave. "Your power is awakening. The rogues have sensed it. Others will come."
Alera swallowed hard. "Then teach me. Help me learn to fight." she pleaded
Kael looked at her with a long, intense look before finally nodding. "Tomorrow, your training begins. But tonight, you rest."
She hesitated, then asked, "And what if I choose not to stay?"
His gaze softened. "Then I will still protect you. But I hope you choose to stand beside me."
Alera glanced back at the glowing pool. The fire, the wolf, the power. She didn't feel prepared. But perhaps that wasn't the point.
Maybe it was time to stop fleeing from fate