Night settled over the ridge like a heavy cloak, thick with tension and the scent of blood. The moon hung low, pale and watchful, casting long shadows across the camp. Wolves moved quietly now, their voices hushed, their eyes sharp. Even the wind seemed to whisper warnings through the trees.
I sat near the healer's tent, watching as Mira tended to the wounded. Elias lay on a bed of furs, his breathing steadier now, though his skin was still too pale. I brushed a strand of hair from his forehead.
"You're safe," I whispered. "We're all safe. For now."
But the words felt hollow.
Because safety was an illusion tonight.
Rylan's brother was out there.
The Hollow were out there.
And the bond pulsed beneath my skin like a heartbeat that wasn't mine.
I stood, needing air. Needing space. Needing distance from the fear clawing at my chest.
The ridge was quiet as I walked toward the edge, where the forest stretched endlessly below. The trees swayed gently, their branches whispering secrets I didn't want to hear.
"You shouldn't wander alone."
I didn't jump. I didn't need to turn to know
who it was.
Rylan stepped out of the shadows, golden eyes glowing faintly in the moonlight. His presence wrapped around me like heat, like danger, like something I didn't want to name.
"I'm not wandering," I said. "I'm thinking."
"That's worse."
I shot him a look. "You're not my keeper."
"No," he said softly. "But I am your mate."
The bond pulsed.
I looked away. "Don't say that."
"It's the truth."
"It's a curse."
He flinched. Just barely. But I saw it.
Rylan moved closer, stopping a few feet away. Close enough that I could feel his warmth, but far enough that I could pretend I wasn't affected.
"You're afraid," he said quietly.
"I'm not afraid."
"You are." His voice softened. "But not of me."
I swallowed hard. "Your brother wants me."
"Yes."
"And you think I should just… what? Hide behind you?"
"No." His gaze darkened. "I think you should stay alive."
I crossed my arms. "I can fight."
"I know."
"Then stop treating me like I'm fragile."
He stepped closer, eyes burning. "You're not fragile. You're the strongest wolf I've ever met."
My breath caught.
"But strength doesn't stop shadows," he continued. "And my brother… he doesn't fight fair."
I looked at him then, really looked. The tension in his shoulders. The exhaustion in his eyes. The grief still clinging to him like smoke.
"You're hurting," I said quietly.
He didn't deny it. "Kael was my brother in every way that mattered."
"I'm sorry."
Rylan exhaled slowly. "I don't want your pity."
"It's not pity."
He looked at me, something raw flickering in his eyes. "Then what is it?"
I didn't answer.
Because I didn't know.
Because I didn't want to know.
Because the bond pulsed again, warm and insistent, and I hated how it made me feel.
Rylan turned away, staring into the forest. "He'll come tonight."
My heart stuttered. "Your brother?"
"Yes."
"How do you know?"
Rylan's jaw tightened. "Because he always strikes when wolves are weakest. When they're grieving. When they're afraid."
"And we're both."
"Yes."
I stepped closer. "Then we prepare."
Rylan shook his head. "You don't understand. He won't come as a wolf. He won't come with claws or teeth."
"Then how?"
Rylan looked at me, eyes dark. "He'll come through dreams."
A chill ran down my spine. "Dreams?"
"He can slip into the mind. Twist it. Break it. Turn wolves against each other without ever stepping foot in the camp."
I swallowed hard. "How do we stop him?"
"You don't sleep."
I stared at him. "That's your plan?"
"It's the only way."
I shook my head. "That's not sustainable."
"It doesn't have to be. Just until dawn."
I hesitated. "And you? Will you sleep?"
"No."
"Rylan—"
"I won't risk it."
His voice was final.
I sighed. "Fine. Then we stay awake together."
He blinked. "Together?"
"Yes. If your brother wants me, I'm not going to be alone."
Rylan's expression softened. "I won't let him touch you."
"I know."
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Rylan stepped closer, so close I could feel his breath on my skin. "Lyra…"
The bond pulsed again—hot, electric, overwhelming.
I stepped back. "Don't."
He froze.
I forced my voice steady. "We're not allies. We're not friends. And we're definitely not—"
"Mates?" he finished.
I clenched my jaw. "Exactly."
Rylan's eyes darkened. "You can deny it all you want. But the moon doesn't care."
"I don't care what the moon wants."
He stepped closer again, voice low. "Then what do you want?"
I opened my mouth.
Nothing came out.
Because I didn't know.
Because I didn't want to know.
Because the bond pulsed again, and my heart betrayed me.
Before I could answer, a scream tore through the camp.
Rylan spun instantly, claws out. "Shadows."
My blood ran cold.
Another scream.
Then another.
Then chaos erupted across the ridge.
Rylan grabbed my arm. "Stay with me."
I didn't argue.
Because the shadows had come.
And they were coming for me.