68
68
Aria's P.O.V.
The days following the decision with Carden were harder than I’d anticipated. Every time I saw him around the pack house or out on patrol, something tightened in my chest. But I couldn’t let myself feel that way anymore—I’d decided to move on, to focus on the pack and what was best for everyone.
Keeping my distance was harder than I thought. I’d gotten used to having Carden as a quiet support, as someone who understood what it felt like to have the weight of responsibilities pressing down. But it was time to put that behind me, to set those feelings aside, and remember that my duty was to the pack, not to whatever had sparked between us.
With that thought in mind, I threw myself into training and pack responsibilities. Every morning started with patrol shifts, ensuring we stayed one step ahead of any potential rogue attacks or signs of Kane’s return. Warren had been by my side through most of it, helping me keep my focus. The tension that had once existed between us had eased, and I was grateful for that friendship we’d built. He understood the pressure, the endless demands of leadership, and he’d become a steady, grounding presence.
One morning, Warren and I were coordinating the patrol rotations when I noticed Carden approaching. Instinctively, I tensed, turning my attention back to the map spread out in front of me.
“We’re focusing more coverage on the eastern and southern borders,” Warren said, his finger tracing the paths we’d assigned to different groups. “That way, if there’s any sign of rogue activity, we’ll catch it before it gets too close.”
“Sounds good,” I replied, focusing on the lines and avoiding glancing at Carden.
“Aria,” Carden’s voice broke through my thoughts, and I glanced up, meeting his eyes for only a second before looking back down.
“Hey, Carden,” I said as casually as I could manage, trying to ignore the way my heart raced just hearing his voice.
He looked between me and Warren, a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. “I just wanted to let you know we completed the patrols for the western border,” he said, his tone professional. “Everything looks clear.”
“Good work,” I replied, keeping my voice steady. “We’ll keep to the schedule for now.”
I could feel Carden’s gaze lingering on me, as if he was waiting for something more, but I forced myself to stay focused on the map. Eventually, he turned and left, and I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.
“Everything alright?” Warren asked, his eyes flicking between me and the door Carden had just exited through.
“Yeah, fine,” I replied quickly, hoping he wouldn’t read too much into it. “Just a lot on my mind.”
Warren nodded, but there was a knowing look in his eyes. He didn’t press the matter, though, and I was grateful for that. He respected my need for space, and I appreciated having someone who understood the pressures without pushing for more than I was ready to share.
After the patrol assignments, I headed back to the training grounds, determined to keep myself busy. The more time I spent working, the less time I had to think about the ache in my chest every time I saw Carden.
\---
The days started to blend together, filled with patrols, training sessions, and late-night meetings with the pack council. I kept my mind occupied, throwing myself into every task with a single-minded focus. I could feel myself growing stronger, sharper, as I pushed myself to my limits. It was exactly what I needed to keep my emotions at bay.
But despite my best efforts, there were moments when my resolve slipped—times when I caught sight of Carden across the training grounds or felt his gaze on me during meetings. Each time, I forced myself to look away, to remind myself of the decision we had made. I couldn’t afford to let myself fall back into old patterns, not when so much was at stake.
One afternoon, I found myself in the forest, working through a series of combat drills on my own. The solitude was a welcome break from the constant demands of the pack, and I relished the quiet, the chance to clear my mind.
But then I heard footsteps approaching, and I knew, even before I turned, that it was Carden. I took a steadying breath, bracing myself as he came into view.
“Aria,” he said, his voice soft but carrying the weight of everything we’d left unsaid.
“Carden,” I replied, keeping my tone even as I continued with my drills, hoping he’d take the hint and leave me to it.
But he didn’t leave. Instead, he stood there, watching me with an intensity that made it impossible to ignore him. Eventually, I stopped, turning to face him, my heart pounding despite my efforts to stay calm.
“What is it?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral.
He hesitated, his gaze searching mine. “I just… I wanted to check on you. Make sure you’re doing okay.”
“I’m fine,” I replied quickly, crossing my arms. “Busy, but fine.”
He nodded, but there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. “I know things have been… complicated between us,” he said quietly. “But I just want you to know that I’m here, if you need anything. You don’t have to go through this alone.”
His words were kind, but they only made the ache in my chest worse. “Thank you, Carden,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I need to handle this on my own.”
He looked like he wanted to say more, but after a moment, he simply nodded. “I understand. I’ll give you your space.”
As he turned to leave, I felt a pang of regret, but I pushed it down, reminding myself that this was for the best. We couldn’t afford to let our feelings get in the way, not now.
When he was gone, I resumed my drills, moving faster, hitting harder, as if I could drive out the lingering ache with sheer force.
\---
That night, as I lay in bed, I found myself staring at the ceiling, my mind racing with thoughts of Carden, of the pack, of the uncertain future that lay ahead. Despite my resolve to focus on my duties, it was impossible to fully escape the memories—the stolen moments, the unspoken promises that lingered between us.
But I couldn’t let myself dwell on that. I had a duty to the pack, a responsibility to everyone who depended on me. And if that meant setting aside my own feelings, then so be it.
With a sigh, I closed my eyes, willing myself to sleep. Tomorrow would be another day, another chance to focus, to push forward. And I was determined to make it count.
\---
The next morning dawned bright and clear, and I rose early, preparing for another day of training and patrols. As I made my way to the training grounds, I caught sight of Warren, who greeted me with a warm smile.
“Good morning, Aria,” he said, falling into step beside me. “How are you holding up?”
I smiled back, grateful for his presence. “I’m fine, just ready to get started.”
He nodded, giving me an encouraging look. “You know, if you ever need to talk, I’m here. I get that there’s a lot going on, and sometimes it helps to have someone to listen.”
I appreciated the offer, but I wasn’t ready to share everything that had been weighing on me. “Thanks, Warren,” I said, keeping my tone light. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
We spent the rest of the morning running through drills with the other warriors, pushing each other to be stronger, faster, more prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead. Warren was a steady presence, offering encouragement and advice, and his support helped me stay focused, to keep pushing forward.
By the time we finished, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The ache in my chest hadn’t disappeared, but it was easier to bear, knowing that I had people around me who cared, who were just as dedicated to the pack as I was.
As the sun began to set, I made my way back to my cabin, feeling a sense of calm I hadn’t felt in days. I was finally starting to find my balance, to remember why I had chosen this path.
I would continue to push forward, to focus on my duties, and I would keep my distance from Carden. It was the only way to ensure the safety and strength of the pack.
And for now, that was enough.
As I settled into my cabin, a small sense of peace settled over me. For once, I felt a clear sense of direction. I was ready to embrace the responsibilities ahead, to give everything I had to the pack, leaving behind the weight of unspoken emotions. Warren's steady support and the bond of our pack reminded me of my purpose. Carden and I had made our choice—to put the pack above all else. Whatever lay between us would wait; it had to. For now, I would let my duty be my anchor, my focus, and my strength. And that was enough.