Chapter 17
808words
"You. I saw you."
"That's impossible."
"Yes," he agrees, though he doesn't sound certain. "Which is why I said nothing."
"And Ashley? What did she see?"
"I don't know. But whatever it was, it wasn't what she expected." He touches my hand briefly. "Be ready. Tonight has become more dangerous than I anticipated."
After the ceremony, the gathering transitions to a feast. Kayden is surrounded by nobles, separating us despite his warning.
I find myself pushed to the edges, approached by Lucas.
"My cousin's pet looks lost," he says with a sharp smile. "Forgotten already?"
I start to move away, but Lucas blocks my path. "Not so fast. Kayden asked me to keep an eye on you."
"I doubt those were his exact words."
Lucas laughs. "Perceptive. But the sentiment stands." His expression grows serious. "Something strange is happening tonight. The water has never failed to show a clear vision before."
"Perhaps the Goddess has her reasons," I suggest.
"Perhaps. Or perhaps someone is interfering with ancient magic."
"An interesting theory," says a new voice.
The Western Alpha stands behind us. Up close, I notice something familiar about his features.
"Alpha Blackwood," Lucas acknowledges. "I didn't mean to imply—"
"No offense taken." His eyes fix on me. "I don't believe we've been introduced to Kayden's... companion."
"This is Freya. A human claimed by my cousin."
"Freya," he repeats. "An unusual name. Not common in these parts."
"My mother chose it," I say.
"And what was her name?"
"Elena," I answer, watching his reaction.
Recognition flashes across his face. "A lovely name." He extends his hand. "Would you walk with me? I find these gatherings tiresome."
"I should find Kayden first," I begin.
"Kayden is occupied. We won't go far."
I allow him to lead me to a balcony. Lucas watches us go, looking troubled.
"You look like her," the Alpha says once we're alone. "The resemblance is remarkable."
"I don't know what you mean."
"Elena wasn't just your mother's name. It was her human name. Among our kind, she was known as Lyra."
The name strikes a chord deep within me.
"You knew her," I say.
"Very well. She was brilliant. Fierce. Too independent for her own good."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because you're her daughter. And because you don't belong here, with these Northern wolves who don't understand what you are."
"What do you want from me?"
"To take you home, where you belong." He touches my cheek. "Your mother was mine before she betrayed our pack. Her blood—your blood—belongs to the Western Pack."
I recoil. "I belong to no one."
"You sound just like her. That defiance cost her everything." He grips my arm. "You're coming with me tonight, willing or not."
Fear surges through me, along with that wild energy I'd felt before. I reach for it instinctively.
"Let me go," I say firmly.
The Alpha's eyes widen. "So it's true. The wolf blood runs strong in you." His grip tightens. "All the more reason you belong with us."
I struggle against his hold and clutch the crescent pendant, thinking of Kayden.
The pendant grows warm. The Alpha frowns.
"What is that?" he demands, reaching for the chain.
The balcony door bursts open. Kayden stands there, eyes glowing with rage.
"Release her," he commands.
"This doesn't concern you. She belongs to my pack by blood."
"She belongs to me by claim," Kayden counters. "And by choice."
"Choice? Humans don't get choices in our world. Especially not ones with wolf blood."
"Times change," Kayden says. "Release her now, or face consequences."
"You would challenge me over a half-breed? Risk war between our packs?"
"If necessary. But I'd prefer to resolve this diplomatically. Freya stays here, under my protection."
The Alpha releases my arm. "This isn't over. Blood calls to blood. Pack calls to pack. She'll come to us eventually."
After he leaves, Kayden examines my arm where bruises are forming.
"Are you hurt anywhere else?" he asks.
I shake my head. "He knew my mother. Called her Lyra."
"I heard. This complicates things."
"He said I belong to his pack by blood."
"You belong where you choose to belong," Kayden says firmly.
"The pendant—it worked. I felt it call to you."
"Moon silver. It creates a connection between giver and receiver. I wanted a way to know if you were in danger."
"Thank you for coming when I needed you."
"I will always come when you need me, Freya."
Shouting erupts from inside the hall.
"Stay here," Kayden orders, moving toward the door.
"What's happening?"
"I don't know. But after what just occurred, I don't want you in the middle of it. Promise me you'll stay on this balcony until I return."
I nod reluctantly. "I promise."
Minutes later, Ashley emerges, her expression murderous.
