Chapter 25
Chapter 25
TWENTY FIVE
AUTHOR’S POV
The air was thick with unspoken thoughts as Gage, Lyriq, and Valtor stood just outside the training grounds, the night wrapping around them like a blanket.
The moon hung high, a silent witness to their conversation as the last traces of the battle's adrenaline slowly wore off. They were alone, save for the hum of distant wolves, but at this moment, the three Alphas were completely focused on the matter at hand.
“Everything she said,” Valtor started, his voice low and thoughtful, “it changes things. The prophecy, the bond between us… it’s bigger than any of us could have predicted.”
Lyriq's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched as he stared at the ground, his breath visible in the cold night air. “I don’t trust prophecies. Too many forces at play, too many things that could go wrong. This bond—it’s... unnatural.”
“I don't think so.” Gage started, the most relaxed one amongst them. “The night of the mating…you felt it too didn't you. The Goddess has way more for us, well more than we might think.”
“And how exactly do you know this before us?” Valtor asked and Gage shifted his gaze.
“Well, we found out together. And neither of us thought too much about it. If she hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have either, but I think we should actually pause and think this through.”
Valtor leaned against the stone wall of the training arena, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. “Believe it or not, it’s here. And right now, that means keeping our heads on straight. No one can know about the prophecy. Not yet, not even this mate bond.”
Lyriq turned sharply, his gaze piercing. “Why? Because of her? Or because of us? We’re not all ready to accept this bond, Valtor. You saw it yourself tonight. She’s not ready either.”
Gage sighed, glancing at the two of them. “We can’t be too hasty, Lyriq. We all have our issues with this bond. But we also have a responsibility to her, and to our packs. This bond—it could be the key to ending the bloodshed. Even if we aren't coming all at each other we know our people still don't see eye to eye. We just need time to figure it out. But it stays between us, for now. No one else can know.”
Valtor’s eyes flickered with something darker. “I agree. There are too many enemies out there. If this prophecy is true—and if she’s the one to bring us together—we need to control the narrative. We can’t risk anyone knowing what’s coming. It’ll make us vulnerable.”
Lyriq shifted his weight, a frown deepening on his face. “And what about the Sanctum? They want to use her as a weapon and she doesn’t even know what she’s walking into. She’ll never accept it if she knows too much, especially when it comes to… us.” He let out a sharp breath. “You saw her face when we trained her today. She’s stronger, yes, but she’s still so unsure. She’s scared of us, of the bond, of what we might expect from her.”
“Lyriq isn't wrong, there will be a time the Sanctum asks for her and needs her ready. She might think we've betrayed her if she finds out. Wouldn't she?” Valtor threw and silence fell.
A question each of them had been avoiding.
“We just have to make sure she is ready then.” Lyriq dodged.
Gage’s expression softened, his hand tightening at his side. “I know. But we can’t push her too hard. If we want this to work—if we want the prophecy to be fulfilled—it has to happen naturally. She’s got to make her own choices.”
Valtor chuckled, a hint of bitterness in his voice. “Naturally. We can’t even figure out how to make this work with just the three of us, and we’re supposed to make her feel ‘comfortable’ with all of us? No. We’re not going to force her, but we need to control this. Keep it between us.”
Lyriq looked at the ground, his expression conflicted. “It’s not just about control, though. We’ve already crossed lines we shouldn’t have. I’m not just talking about the bond, but everything that led to this. Our packs aren’t going to accept this. We’re already walking a dangerous line by even considering this prophecy. If it’s true, it’ll change everything. The old ways will die. The power will shift.”
Gage stepped closer, his voice steady. “Then we protect it. We protect her. We protect ourselves. We’re the ones who have to hold it all together.”
Valtor’s gaze flickered toward the distant woods. “It’s not just about keeping it a secret. It’s about making sure she survives it. We don’t know who else is watching, or who else wants to stop this from happening. So far, all we’ve seen are shadowed figures, but they’re not the only threat. Whoever is pulling the strings behind this—they’ll come for her. And they won’t stop until they get what they want.”
Lyriq let out a long breath, his shoulders loosening as he exhaled. “So we all agree, then. This stays between us. We’re not telling anyone—not the packs, not even the Council. Not yet.”
Gage nodded firmly. “Agreed. We have to figure out the next steps ourselves. But we do it quietly. And when the time comes… when she’s ready… we’ll face whatever comes together.”
Valtor pushed off from the wall, his expression hardening. “I’m not letting anything or anyone tear this apart. Not before I know everything there is to know about it. And not before I make sure she’s ready for whatever comes.”
The three Alphas stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their decision sinking in. They knew it wouldn’t be easy. And they knew there would be sacrifices.
But for now, they were united in one singular purpose: to keep the truth hidden, to protect their mate, and to prepare for the storm that was coming.
Together, they would stand strong.
And nothing would break them.