Chapter 6 up
The morning air in Dravaryn territory felt sharper than the air in Ardhavarna. The wind descending from the stone cliffs carried the scent of damp earth, burnt wood, and iron—like this place was always preparing for war, even when the sun had only just risen.
I stood near the tall window of the main house, watching the training grounds slowly fill with warriors. The clash of swords rang out clearly, rhythmic, harsh, disciplined. There was no light laughter like the kind I used to hear in Ardhavarna at dawn.
Dravaryn lived in readiness.
And now… I was part of them.
A knock sounded at the door again, more urgent than before. I knew it wasn’t for me, but for Kael. Still, every sound now felt like an approaching threat.
Liam.
He really came.
Why?
Had he come to challenge Kael? To annul the claim? Or… for me?
I closed my eyes briefly, steadying my breath. The bond mark on my neck pulsed warmly—as if my wolf shared the alertness. I could feel Kael outside. His dominant aura spread wide, pressing, warning.
I didn’t want to hide.
If my past had come knocking on the gates of my new territory, then I would face it.
I stepped out of the main house.
The wide field at the center of the territory had turned into an unofficial arena. Dravaryn warriors stood in a half circle. On the opposite side, several Ardhavarna warriors stood stiffly, tension carved into their stances.
And in the middle—
Liam.
He was still as handsome as before. Tall. Confident. But today something was different. His eyes were darker. Harder.
Kael stood a few steps in front of him, body slightly inclined forward, like a predator ready to strike.
“Your territory is too far for a casual morning visit,” Kael’s voice was low but clear.
Liam didn’t answer immediately. His gaze searched for me instead.
When our eyes met, a flash of emotion crossed his face—something I couldn’t quite name. Regret? Anger? Possession?
“Airin,” he said at last.
My name sounded foreign on his lips now.
I walked closer and stopped beside Kael. Without thinking, I stood only inches from him. My shoulder nearly brushed his arm.
A small choice.
But it meant everything.
“What do you want, Liam?” I asked calmly.
He exhaled slowly. “You shouldn’t be here.”
Whispers rippled through the Dravaryn warriors.
Kael didn’t move, but his cold aura sharpened. “And where should she be?” he asked quietly.
“In Ardhavarna,” Liam replied at once. “As part of the pack that raised her.”
I let out a small, bitter laugh. “The pack that cast me out?”
His jaw tightened. “It’s not what you think.”
“Then what is it?” I shot back. “Like the decision you made without asking me? Or the promise you broke without explanation?”
His face hardened.
“I did it to protect you.”
The words froze me in place.
“Protect me from what?”
He glanced briefly at Kael before looking back at me. “From politics darker than you realize. From the war that’s coming.”
Silence spread across the field.
War?
Kael finally shifted slightly. “Choose your words carefully,” he said, his voice now lower—dangerous.
Liam met his gaze head-on. “You know what’s happening in the east. The rogue packs are starting to unite. They’re not moving alone anymore.”
Several Dravaryn warriors exchanged looks.
Kael didn’t deny it.
“What does that have to do with me?” I asked.
Liam looked at me, his expression complicated. “If you had remained in Ardhavarna as Luna, you would have been their first target.”
I went still.
Was that the real reason?
“Namira has offensive power better suited for that situation,” he continued. “You… you’re more valuable than just a symbol of strength.”
His words sounded like justification that came far too late.
“I’m not a symbol,” I said quietly. “I’m a future leader.”
Kael turned slightly toward me, and through our bond I felt a pulse of pride.
Liam stepped forward. “End this claim,” he said to Kael. “Our alliance can be repaired. Airin can return.”
The air suddenly felt heavy.
Low growls rose from several Dravaryn warriors.
Kael finally smiled—a thin smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“You come into my territory,” he said softly, “and ask me to annul a claim blessed by the Blood Moon… for a decision you made on your own?”
Liam’s fists clenched.
“If necessary,” he said, voice firm, “I’ll challenge you.”
The words struck like a spark on oil.
A low murmur spread among the Dravaryn warriors.
An Alpha duel.
That wasn’t a small threat.
My heart pounded.
If they fought, one of them could die.
And that… would ignite a war between packs.