Chapter 75 Chapter 75
_Leah’s POV_
That evening, the room felt quiet....too quiet. The candles flickered gently, throwing soft shadows on the walls. Kayden and I sat across from each other at the small table near the window. Dinner was served but I could barely taste anything. My stomach was tight. Every time I lifted my eyes, his gaze met mine, and my heart would skip.
I tried to focus on my food. I pushed the peas around the plate, pretending to eat. My hands were trembling slightly, so I kept them in my lap when I could.
Kayden was watching me. “You haven’t eaten much,” he said quietly.
“I’m not that hungry,” I murmured while keeping my eyes on my plate.
He smiled faintly. “You’re thinking too much again.”
I frowned. “I’m not.”
“Yes, you are,” he said and leaned forward slightly. “Your thoughts are loud. You’re worried about me reading them, aren’t you?”
I froze. My cheeks heated instantly. “I’m trying not to think at all, actually,” I said quickly.
He chuckled softly. “That’s impossible, Leah. You can’t stop thinking. But I promise, I’m not listening unless you want me to.”
“That’s not helping,” I muttered while stabbing a piece of meat.
He tilted his head. He was studying me. “You’re adorable when you’re mad.”
I glared at him. “Kayden.”
“What?” His grin widened. “I’m just saying what I think.”
I pressed my lips together. My heart thudded. Athena’s soft laughter echoed in my head. He is teasing you on purpose.
I know, I groaned inwardly. And it’s working. I can’t even think straight.
You like him staring at you that way, Athena teased again.
No, I don’t, I snapped in my head. But I did. The bond made it worse. Every time his eyes lingered on me, I felt it deep in my chest; the warmth, the pull, the strange comfort that came with it.
I pushed my chair back a little. “Stop smiling like that,” I said, my voice coming out smaller than I intended.
“Like what?”
“Like you can hear everything I’m thinking.”
Kayden laughed under his breath and shook his head. “All right, I’ll try. But you’re making it very difficult.”
I crossed my arms and leaned back. “This bond thing is unbearable.”
“You’ll get used to it,” he said gently. “It’s new. It’s intense. But it means we’re connected now. I’ll always know when you’re hurt or scared.”
“That’s the problem,” I whispered. “You’ll know too much.”
Before he could respond, a sharp knock came at the door. It was hard and quick.
Kayden rose immediately. “Stay here,” he said, his voice suddenly serious. He walked to the door and opened it.
Fred stood there. He was breathing hard. “Alpha, the Seer....she’s back. She says it’s urgent. She needs to speak to you both right now.”
Kayden’s face hardened. “Where is she?”
“In the main hallway.”
Kayden glanced at me. “Come,” he said simply.
I followed him. My heart was pounding. The hall was dimly lit and the Seer stood in the center. Her cloak was slightly damp as if she had come through the forest in a rush. Her eyes were wide and filled with worry.
Before Kayden could even speak, she said sharply, “We must prepare immediately. Tariq and his men are coming. They will wage war against the Blood Moon Pack.”
My breath caught. “War?” I whispered.
Kayden stepped forward. “What did you see?”
The Seer looked at him grimly. “A vision. His army is already on the move. They are close...too close. He plans to strike before dawn.”
Kayden’s jaw tightened. “How many men?”
“Hundreds,” she said. “Wolves, rogues, his followers and Susan is with him.”
At the mention of Susan’s name, a chill ran through me. I could still remember her face, her voice, her lies. Athena growled softly in my mind. That witch will pay for what she’s done.
Kayden’s voice rose. “Fred! Summon Ray. Gather the warriors. Tell them to line up outside and prepare the troops and guards. Every fighter we have must be ready within the hour!”
“Yes, Alpha,” Fred said before running off down the hall.
The Seer turned to me. “Leah, you must stay strong. He is coming for you.”
I swallowed hard. “For me?”
She nodded. “You are his target. Susan told him of your awakening. He knows your powers have returned. He wants to destroy you before you become unstoppable.”
Kayden cursed under his breath. “Not while I’m alive,” he said, pulling me closer. “I’ll never let him touch you.”
The Seer’s face remained solemn. “Be cautious, Alpha. His army is vast. He knows you well....your strengths and your weaknesses.”
Kayden’s hand tightened around mine. “Then we’ll show him that I have no weakness.”
Her eyes flicked to me. “Do not lie to yourself. Leah is your heart. That is his advantage.”
Kayden said nothing but his silence was the answer.
The Seer took a deep breath. “Prepare your defenses. I will stay to help. Susan’s dark spells can only be matched by my light. I will do what I can.”
Kayden nodded once, then turned to me. His expression softened. “Come,” he said, guiding me back toward our room.
“Kayden,” I whispered, “I can help.”
“No,” he said firmly. “You’ll stay inside.”
“But...”
He stopped and looked at me. His eyes were dark and full of fear. “Leah, please. I can’t fight if I’m thinking about you every second. If something happens to you out there....”
“I won’t let anything happen to me,” I said, cutting him off. “I’m not weak anymore.”
“I know you’re not,” he said, his voice softer now. “But you’re still learning. Your powers are unstable. If you lose control, you could hurt yourself....or worse.”
“I don’t care,” I said stubbornly. “You’re not going to fight alone.”
He shook his head. “This isn’t up for debate.”
“Kayden!”
“Enough, Leah,” he said, his tone sharp. “I need you safe. That’s final.”
The Seer, who had followed us partway, spoke gently. “Alpha, Leah is right. She can help. Her powers may turn the tide if things go wrong.”
Kayden turned on her. “No. I will not place her in danger. I won’t risk her life.”
The Seer sighed. “And if you fall because you do not let her stand beside you?”
Kayden’s jaw clenched. He looked at me. I could see pain flickering across his face. For a moment, I thought he would give in. Then he shook his head. “No. I’ve made up my mind. Seer, if you can, stay back and protect her.”
The Seer shook her head firmly. “I will be more useful on the battlefield. Susan’s dark magic is powerful. Only I can counter it. I cannot stay behind.”
Kayden swore under his breath. His eyes softened when he looked at me again. “Fine,” he said finally. “But you stay here.” He brushed his lips against my forehead. “Take care, Leah. Please.”
I could feel everything through the bond—his worry, his fear, his love. It made my heart ache.
“Kayden…” I whispered, but before I could say anything else, he stepped out of the room and locked the door behind him.
I ran to the door and pounded on it. “Kayden! Don’t do this! Let me out!”
There was no answer.
I leaned against the door, breathing hard. Anger and fear tangled inside me. I wasn’t a porcelain doll. I could fight. I could help him. Why wouldn’t he understand that?
Athena’s calm voice filled my head. He only wants to protect us, Leah. You must trust him.
Protect me? By caging me? I hissed inwardly. I’m not helpless.
I know, she said softly. But he loves you. His fear is love. Remember that.
I paced the room restlessly. Minutes passed, though they felt like hours. My ears caught faint sounds. There were distant shouts, commands and boots striking the ground. Then came the first cry. It was sharp and wild. The war had begun.
I ran to the window and looked out. My breath caught in my throat. Outside, the forest was alive with chaos. Wolves shifted mid-run, tearing into enemy ranks. Metal clashed. Sparks flew. The air smelled of blood and earth.
Then I saw him....Tariq. He stood tall among his soldiers. His eyes were burning red. Susan was beside him. Her hands were glowing with dark magic. Her smile was wicked.
A wave of sickness rolled through me. My hands shook. My throat burned. I whispered a prayer to the Moon Goddess. “Please… please protect Kayden. Keep him safe.”
I couldn’t watch anymore. The sight of blood and claws and pain made me dizzy. I turned away and pressed my hands over my heart. I whispered another prayer.
Then, suddenly, I heard it.....
“Leah, come. We need you.”
I froze. My eyes darted around the empty room. “Who’s there?” I whispered.
No answer.
I swallowed hard and stepped closer to the window again.
The voice came again, stronger this time. “Leah, we need you. Come now.”
My heart raced. It was the Seer’s voice.
Then I noticed the amulet around my neck. It was glowing bright and silver. The light pulsed with every word. The voice was coming from it.
“Leah, come,” it said again.
I looked outside. The Seer stood in the middle of the battlefield. For a moment, she lifted her head and looked straight at me. Her eyes met mine. Then she nodded, calling me silently.
I understood.
My pulse thundered in my ears. Kayden’s words echoed in my head, Stay here, Leah.
But my heart screamed louder.
They needed me.
I took one last look at the battlefield, my hand gripping the glowing amulet.
And in that moment, I knew....I was going to help them.