Chapter 25: Secrets and sanctuary

Chapter 25: Secrets and sanctuary


Eva’s POV

Trent carried me out of the training ground like I was made of porcelain, his chest rumbling with suppressed rage. I could feel the fury thrumming through his body, his steps hard and purposeful. His jaw was clenched so tightly, I was sure his teeth would crack.

“I’ll kill her,” he growled under his breath.

“Trent…” I whispered weakly, my fingers clutching at the collar of his shirt.

“Not now, Eva,” he snapped, but when his eyes met mine, they softened instantly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. I’m just… you were hurt. In my pack. I swore nothing would happen to you under my watch.”

“I’m fine,” I murmured.

“No, you’re not. You collapsed. Again.”

He kicked open the door to his room, not bothering to set me down until he’d gently placed me on the bed. The moment I was down, he pulled the covers over me and crouched by the bedside, cupping my face.

“Are you dizzy? Does it hurt anywhere?” he asked.

I gave a soft laugh. “Trent, I’m not glass.”

“You feel like it right now,” he muttered. “And if that btch had done any real damage—”

“Don’t,” I said, touching his hand.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Amelia stepped in, her gaze bouncing between Trent and me. Her expression was calm, but I could see the underlying concern.

“How bad is it?” she asked.

“She passed out,” Trent said sharply. “Amelia, I want you to check her thoroughly. And then I want a report on Kiara’s intentions, on her position, her role, her loyalty—everything.”

“Trent,” I said again, but he wasn’t having it.

“If anything happens to her again, Amelia, I swear I’ll rip Kiara apart myself. Title or not.”

Amelia raised both hands. “Easy, Alpha. You’re acting out of emotion. Let me take a look at Eva first, alright?”

Trent hovered beside me as Amelia checked me, but I saw the moment her eyes widened. She looked at my shoulder, then my back.

“You’re healing faster than expected,” she said cautiously.

“I... I tend to heal quickly,” I said, keeping my voice neutral.

Amelia’s eyes narrowed slightly, and I knew she didn’t buy it—but she said nothing. She only offered me a soft smile and nodded.

“I’m glad,” she said. “Trent, she’s fine now. Just needs rest.”

Trent exhaled slowly, clearly trying to control his emotions.

Just then, there was another knock. A pack guard stepped in, bowing slightly. “My Lord. Lord Timothee requests an audience with you.”

Trent swore under his breath. “Now?”

“Yes, my Lord.”

Trent turned to me, his face clouded with frustration and concern. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Lock the doors behind me.”

“I’ll stay with her until you return,” Amelia said.

He leaned down, brushing his lips to my forehead before standing. “No one comes near her. No one.”

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Amelia and me alone.

Silence fell between us, thick with unspoken questions. Amelia didn’t press at first, just sat by my side, gently brushing my hair back like a sister would.

“You heal like an Alpha,” she said after a while. “But you’re not an Alpha. Are you?”

I hesitated, fingers fidgeting with the blanket.

“I’m not who you think I am,” I said softly. “And I... I’m not ready to speak about it. Not yet.”

Amelia studied me for a moment and then nodded. “That’s okay. You’ll speak when you’re ready.”

I looked up at her, surprised by her calm acceptance. “Just like that?”

“You’ve been through a lot, Eva. I can feel it in the way you flinch, the way your body tenses at loud voices. You’ve seen things most of us haven’t. I’m not here to pry. I’m here to protect.”

I blinked, the weight of her words settling deep in my chest. I felt the sting of tears forming.

“You really don’t mind?”

She smiled gently. “You’re part of the pack now. Whether or not you remember the words we say at the joining, the bond is already forming. Trent cares deeply for you. He’s usually impossible to reach emotionally, but you? You broke through his walls like wildfire. So yeah, I don’t mind. I’m happy to have you here.”

That warmth… it burned away the cold ache I’d carried for so long.

“Thank you, Amelia.”

She stood, brushing down her dress. “Rest. I’ll let Trent know you’re okay.”

As the door clicked shut behind her, I let out the breath I’d been holding.

\---

Trent returned much later. I hadn’t slept. I was waiting.

His eyes immediately found me, relief and something else—hope—flickering in them.

I sat up, patting the space beside me. “We need to talk.”

He didn’t hesitate. He took the seat and waited.

“I’m going to tell you something, and I need you to believe me,” I said, voice shaking.

“Always.”

I took another breath.

“I’m not just a rogue… or some girl who stumbled into your pack.”

“I figured that much,” he said, his voice calm.

I blinked. “You knew?”

“I suspected. Your aura, your bearing, the way even the other wolves sense something in you... it’s not ordinary. I didn’t push because I knew you’d tell me in your time.”

I looked at him fully. “I’m the lost Princess of the Emerald Moon Pack.”

He stilled, every part of him freezing.

“My pack was destroyed by the Jade Moon wolves. My parents murdered. I was taken as a slave. My sister—Ava—she was with me, but... we got separated. I haven’t seen her since.”

He reached out, taking my hand. “Eva... I’m so sorry.”

I blinked back the tears. “I didn’t say anything because I didn’t know who I could trust. And honestly... I was scared. But I’m tired of hiding.”

He cupped my face gently. “You’re safe now. And you don’t have to rebuild your clan alone.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll help you. Whatever it takes. You will rise again. I swear it.”

A sob broke from my chest as I leaned into him. His arms were solid and sure, grounding me as I trembled.

“You believe me?” I whispered.

“Without question,” he said. “And I’ll burn down anyone who dares threaten you again.”

For the first time in years, I felt peace.

\---

The next morning, I was in the garden when Kyle came to visit.

He whistled low as he approached. “You’re up early for someone who passed out dramatically yesterday.”

I laughed. “What can I say? I heal fast.”

He gave me a long look. “So I noticed.”

I patted the bench beside me. “Come. Sit.”

He did, folding his arms and tilting his head. “You alright?”

“I think so,” I said, then glanced at him. “Thank you, by the way. For standing up to Kiara.”

He scoffed. “I told Myra I’d break bones if anyone touched you again. Kiara just happened to be in the way.”

“Still. I appreciate it.”

He shrugged. “You’re family now. Whether you like it or not.”

I smiled. “I like it.”

We sat for a while, the silence comfortable between us.

“I was thinking,” I said. “About learning to defend myself.”

He arched a brow. “Now you’re talking.”

“I don’t want to be a damsel. I don’t want Trent or anyone to always have to save me.”

“Good,” he said. “Because I don’t like weak wolves. But you? You’ve got fire.”

“Will you train me?”

Kyle grinned. “Only if you promise not to kick me where it hurts.”

“No promises.”

He laughed, standing and pulling me up. “Let’s start now. Just basics.”

We sparred lightly, and though I fumbled, I didn’t give up. Sweat slicked my skin, but I felt alive.

After a while, I dropped to the grass, panting.

He joined me, flopping beside me.

“You’re not bad,” he said. “Bit slow. But you’ve got heart.”

I nudged him with my elbow. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

“Trent thinks the world of you, you know,” he said quietly.

I looked at him. “Do you?”

He nodded. “You’re strong, Eva. You’ve survived hell. That earns my respect.”

I smiled, warmth blooming in my chest.

“Friends, then?”

He held out his hand. “Friends.”

I shook it firmly. “Thank you, Kyle. Really.”

He winked. “I’ve got your back.”

And for the first time, I believed it.