Chapter 19

The sanctuary’s stillness was both comforting and unnerving. The faint hum of the symbols on the walls filled the air, a reminder of the power shielding us from the Alpha Heir’s relentless pursuit. But even in this protected space, my chest felt tight, the weight of what lay ahead pressing heavily on me.

Kael wasted no time. As soon as we’d crossed the threshold, he began setting up an area near the altar, laying out weapons and supplies he’d seemingly conjured from nowhere. Canary leaned against a wall, arms crossed, his watchful eyes darting between Kael and me. The tension between them was a constant undercurrent, but neither spoke.

“Let’s begin,” Kael said, his voice cutting through the silence. He gestured for me to join him near the altar.

I hesitated, the enormity of what I’d agreed to creeping into my thoughts. Facing the Alpha Heir seemed impossible. Even thinking about him sent a shiver down my spine. But Kael was right—I couldn’t run forever.

As I stepped closer, Kael’s dark eyes studied me, his expression unreadable. “The power within you is vast, but it’s untamed. That’s why the bond still has a hold on you. We need to change that.”

“How?” I asked, my voice quieter than I intended.

Kael picked up a small, jagged blade from the altar and held it up to the faint light. “By pushing you to your limits. You’ve already shown you can channel your energy in moments of desperation, but that’s not enough. You need to wield it with intent.”

The blade gleamed ominously, and my stomach churned. “What does that mean?”

“It means pain,” Kael said bluntly. “The bond is tied to your very essence. To break it—or even weaken it further—you’ll need to confront it directly. And that’s not something you can do without sacrifice.”

Canary pushed off the wall, his expression darkening. “You can’t be serious. You’re asking her to hurt herself?”

Kael didn’t flinch. “This isn’t about hurting her. It’s about forcing her to face the truth of the bond—its origins, its weaknesses, and its hold on her. Pain is part of that process.”

Canary stepped between us, his voice sharp. “She’s not your experiment. You don’t get to decide what’s necessary.”

“I don’t have to,” Kael said coldly, his gaze flicking to me. “This is her choice.”

Their words faded into the background as I stared at the blade, its jagged edge catching the light. The bond pulsed faintly in my chest, a reminder of its constant presence. Kael’s methods might have been harsh, but deep down, I knew he was right. This wasn’t a fight I could win without sacrifice.

“I’ll do it,” I said, my voice steady despite the fear coiling in my stomach.

Canary spun toward me, disbelief flashing in his eyes. “Catnip, you don’t have to—”

“Yes, I do,” I interrupted, meeting his gaze. “I need to do this, Canary. For me.”

His shoulders sagged, frustration and concern warring on his face. But he didn’t argue. Instead, he stepped back, his hands clenched into fists.

Kael nodded, his approval subtle but unmistakable. “Good. Sit.”

I lowered myself to the ground, the cold stone biting against my skin. Kael knelt in front of me, holding the blade between us. “Close your eyes,” he instructed. “Focus on the bond. Feel where it connects to you.”

I obeyed, shutting out the sanctuary, the flickering symbols, even Canary’s watchful presence. The bond was there, a faint thread tied to the core of my being. It pulsed gently, deceptively quiet.

“Now,” Kael said, his voice calm and steady. “Reach for it. Pull on it, like you did before. But this time, don’t let it guide you. Force it to reveal itself.”

The bond resisted immediately, tightening like a coiled snake. My breath hitched as a sharp pain bloomed in my chest. “It’s… fighting me,” I said through gritted teeth.

“It will,” Kael said. “It’s tied to him, and he won’t let go easily. But you’re stronger than it. Keep going.”

I pushed harder, digging deeper into the bond’s energy. The pain intensified, spreading through my body like fire, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop.

Suddenly, a flash of something—an image, a memory—flooded my mind. The Alpha Heir’s face loomed before me, his eyes dark and piercing, his voice echoing like a thunderclap. You’re mine.

My eyes flew open, and I gasped, the connection severed for a moment. Kael’s hand was on my shoulder, grounding me. “What did you see?” he asked, his voice sharp.

“Him,” I whispered. “His voice… his claim. It’s like he’s still inside me.”

Kael’s expression darkened. “He is. The bond allows him to reach you, even from a distance. But you can use that connection against him.”

“How?” I asked, my voice trembling.

“By turning the bond’s energy inward,” Kael said. “It’s a part of you now. If you take control of it, you can sever his hold. But it won’t be easy.”

I nodded, determination hardening within me. “Then let’s try again.”

Kael handed me the blade, his gaze steady. “You’ll need to channel the bond’s energy through this. Focus on the pain—it will guide you.”

I hesitated, the weight of the blade cold in my hand. But I couldn’t back down now. I gripped the handle tightly and closed my eyes again, diving back into the bond’s depths.

The pain came faster this time, sharper and more consuming. My breath caught as the Alpha Heir’s presence surged forward, a wave of dominance that threatened to drown me. But I held on, pushing back with everything I had.

And then, for the briefest moment, I felt it—the bond weakening, its threads fraying under the force of my will. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to give me hope.

When I opened my eyes, the blade was glowing faintly, its edge tinged with the same golden light that had coursed through me before. Kael’s expression was grim, but there was a flicker of pride in his gaze.

“You’re getting stronger,” he said. “But this is just the beginning.”

Exhaustion swept over me, but I nodded, gripping the blade tightly. The Alpha Heir’s voice still echoed in the back of my mind, a reminder of the fight that lay ahead.

But for the first time, I felt like I had a chance.