The first thing Elara noticed that morning was the cold. It had seeped beneath the blankets sometime during the night and settled into her bones. She opened her eyes slowly. For several seconds, she stared at the unfamiliar ceiling above her. Then she remembered.
Haven Castle, The Alpha's castle, The eastern wing. The room that was larger and warmer than anything she had ever been given. Elara pushed herself upright, The movement made her head spin. She immediately gripped the edge of the bed.
"Not again." She closed her eyes and waited. The dizziness passed after a few moments. Elara breathed slowly. She had felt strange since arriving at the castle. Tired. Weak.
NoSometimes cold even when the fireplace was burning.
Her hands occasionally trembled, and there were moments when simply walking across the room seemed to require more effort than it should. But she didn't want anyone to know. Especially not Alpha Kaelen. She had already caused enough trouble. Her father's name had dragged old secrets into the light. The Crowned were searching for her. Kaelen had ordered an investigation into her father's death.
Ronan had discovered records that suggested Elias Vale had been involved in something much larger than Elara had ever imagined. She didn't want to become another problem for them. So she kept quiet.
She had always been good at keeping quiet.
Elara stood. The room tilted. She grabbed the bedpost.
"Please..." She said with her voice trembling She waited until the floor stopped moving beneath her. Then she got dressed. Her hands struggled with the buttons. She frowned. They had never been difficult before. She tried again. Her fingers shook.
Eventually, she gave up and pulled her cloak over the dress. A soft knock came.
"Elara?"
It was Nessa.
Elara quickly stepped away from the bed.
"Come in."
The door opened.
Nessa entered carrying a tray.
"I brought breakfast."
Elara's stomach tightened.
She looked at the tray.
Bread.
Warm porridge.
Fruit.
A cup of milk.
It was more food than she had sometimes eaten in an entire day at home.
Nessa placed it on the table.
"Eat before it gets cold."
Elara nodded.
"Thank you."
Nessa smiled.
"You've been saying thank you every time I bring you food."
"I'm grateful."
"You don't have to be grateful for breakfast."
Elara looked at her.
Nessa paused.
"Did you not eat properly at home?"
Elara immediately looked away.
"I ate."
"That wasn't my question."
Elara didn't answer.
Nessa sighed.
She had learned quickly that Elara became uncomfortable whenever anyone asked about her family. "Fine," Nessa said gently. "I'll stop asking." Elara smiled faintly. "Thank you." Nessa pointed toward the tray. "But you're going to eat." Elara nodded.
"Yes."
Nessa left.
Elara waited until the door closed. Then she sat at the table. She stared at the food. Her stomach hurt with hunger. But eating felt strangely difficult. She picked up the spoon.
One bite. Then another. Her stomach immediately protested. Elara stopped. She breathed slowly.
"Come on." She tried to encourage herself
She forced herself to continue.
She didn't want Nessa to return and find the plate untouched. After a few minutes, she managed to eat some of the porridge. It wasn't much. But it was something. She leaned back. Her body felt exhausted. You need more. Lyra's voice was faint. Elara closed her eyes. "I know." You haven't been eating enough. "I know." Came here subtle voice. Then why do you keep stopping? Elara looked down. "Because I'm used to it."
There was silence. Then Lyra whispered, That's not something you should be used to. Elara didn't respond. She looked toward the window. Snow had begun falling over the castle grounds. For some reason, she suddenly remembered her father. He had always insisted that she eat before doing anything else. "A wolf can't protect anyone on an empty stomach, little star." She had been five. She remembered sitting beside him near the fireplace. She remembered his laugh. She remembered the way he used to call her little star. Then she remembered the day he died. The memory hurt. Elara lowered her head.
"I miss you."
Lyra stirred.
So do I.
---
The castle was already awake, warriors crossed the courtyard, servants hurried through the corridors. Bells rang from the western tower. Somewhere below, training had begun. Kaelen stood on the training grounds with Rowan. A group of warriors faced them.
"Again," Kaelen ordered.
The warriors moved. Steel struck steel.
Rowan watched carefully.
"Something is wrong."
Kaelen glanced at him.
"With the warriors?"
"No."
"Then what?"
Rowan hesitated.
"Elara."
Kaelen's expression changed.
"What about her?"
"She's too quiet."
Kaelen looked at him.
"She's always quiet."
"Not like this."
Ronan lowered his voice.
"She's avoiding people."
Kaelen's eyes narrowed.
"She has every reason to be nervous."
"That's not what I mean."
Ronan looked toward the castle.
"She's barely leaving her room."
Kaelen said nothing.
He remembered the first time he had seen her. The trembling hands, the lowered eyes, the way she apologized for things that weren't her fault. He had assumed it was fear. Now he wasn't certain.
"Have you spoken with Nessa?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"She says Elara insists she's fine."
Kaelen almost scoffed.
"She's clearly not."
Rowan gave him a knowing look.
"Then perhaps you should ask her yourself."
Kaelen's expression hardened.
"I have more important matters."
Rowan smiled slightly.
"Of course."
Kaelen gave him a warning look.
Rowan turned away.
"I'm only saying."
"Say less."
Rowan laughed quietly.
But Kaelen didn't.
Something about Elara bothered him.
Not because she was dangerous.
Because she was hiding something.
And Kaelen had learned long ago that secrets rarely remained harmless.
---
Elara spent the rest of the morning helping Nessa in the kitchens, she insisted on working. Nessa disagreed. "You don't have to do this." Nessa said worried
"I want to help." Elara replied weakly
"You've barely been here." Nessa answered
"I can still help." She insisted
Nessa handed her a basket of herbs.
"Fine. Sort these."
Elara nodded.
She sat at the wooden table. For a while, everything was fine. Then the room began to feel warm. Too warm. She loosened her cloak. Nessa glanced at her.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes."
"You look pale." Nessa asked looking at her suspiciously
Elara smiled.
"I'm fine." She said smiling
Nessa frowned.
"You always say that."
Elara didn't answer.
She continued sorting the herbs.
One.
Two.
Three.
The room blurred.
She blinked.
The herbs doubled.
Elara quickly put the basket down.
Nessa noticed.
"Elara?" Nessa called
"I'm okay."
She stood.
The floor moved beneath her. Her knees weakened. Nessa grabbed her arm.
"Sit." She said to her
"I'm fine." Elara said with her voice trembling
"Sit down." Nessa insisted
Elara obeyed.
Nessa crouched beside her.
"You're shaking."
Elara looked at her hands.
She hadn't noticed.
"I'm just tired." She answered
"Have you eaten?" Asked Nessa
"Yes I did eat." She replied
"How much did you eat?" Nessa asked with a questionable look on her face
Elara hesitated.
Nessa's expression changed.
"Elara." She said shouting
"I ate." She replied
"How much?" She asked
"A little."
Nessa sighed.
"That isn't enough."
Elara looked embarrassed.
"I wasn't very hungry."
Nessa knew she was lying.
But she didn't push.
Instead, she brought her a cup of warm tea.
"Drink."
Elara obeyed.
After several minutes, the dizziness eased. Nessa watched her carefully.
"You should rest." Nessa said
"I can't." She replied
"Why?" Nessa asked curiously
"I have work." She blurted out
"Who told you?"
Elara went silent.
Nessa's expression softened.
"Nobody is going to punish you for resting here."
Elara looked at her.
"How do you know?"
"Because this is Haven Castle."
Elara lowered her eyes.
She wanted to believe that.
She really did.
But fear had become part of her.
It didn't disappear simply because she had crossed a castle gate.
---
That afternoon, Elara received a letter. The seal was familiar.
Garran had sent the letter.
Her hands became cold.
Nessa found her staring at it.
"You don't have to open it." Nessa said to jer
Elara looked at her.
"It's from my family." She said with fear in her voice
"Then you definitely don't have to open it."
Elara shook her head.
"If I don't, they'll come here."
Nessa's face tightened.
"They can't simply enter Haven Castle." Nessa reminded her
Elara looked toward the door.
"You don't know Garran."
Nessa sat beside her.
"Then tell me."
Elara couldn't.
Not completely.
There were some things that still felt impossible to say. Instead, she opened the letter. The message was short. "Come home" was all that was in the letter. That was all, no explanation, no apology, no concern.
Just an order.
Elara stared at it.
Lyra stirred.
Don't go.
"I have to."
No.
"They're my family."
They hurt you.
Elara closed her eyes.
"They're still my family."
Lyra's voice softened.
And you are still allowed to choose yourself.
Elara didn't answer.
She folded the letter.
Then she heard footsteps.
She quickly hid it beneath her cloak.
The door opened.
Kaelen entered.
Elara immediately stood.
Too quickly.
The room spun.
She grabbed the table.
Kaelen's eyes narrowed.
"Are you alright?" He asked worried
"Yes." She answered with a weak vouce
He looked at her.
"Sit." He ordered her
"I can stand." She replied
"That wasn't a suggestion it was an order." He said to her
Elara slowly sat.
Kaelen remained standing.
He had come to ask about her father's records. Instead, he found her looking exhausted. Her face seemed paler than yesterday.
"Have you eaten?" He asked her
Elara froze.
"Yes." She answered him
"What?" He asked
She looked at him.
"What?" She asked not understanding what he was asking
"What did you eat?" He asked almost pissed
"Breakfast."
Kaelen waited.
Elara lowered her eyes.
"Some porridge."
"Some?" He asked wondering
She nodded.
"Why only some?"
"I'm not very hungry." She answered
Kaelen's expression remained unreadable.
"Are you sick?"
"No."
"You're certain?"
"Yes."
He studied her.
Elara's fingers tightened around the edge of her cloak. Kaelen noticed.
"You don't have to be frightened."
"I'm not frightened."
"You are."
She looked away.
He sighed.
"Elara."
She finally looked at him.
"Why do you keep insisting you're fine when you're clearly not?" She didn't know how to answer. Because she didn't know what not fine was supposed to look like.
At home, being sick had never meant rest. It had meant criticism. If she was too tired to work, she was called lazy. If she couldn't finish her food, she was accused of being ungrateful. If she complained, Garran told her that nobody cared. Eventually, she had learned not to complain.
"I don't want to cause trouble," she whispered.
Kaelen frowned.
"You aren't causing trouble."
"But—"
"Your existence isn't a burden." He assured her
Elara stared at him.
He stood.
"I'll have Nessa bring you another meal."
She immediately shook her head.
"No." She said
"Why?"
"I've already eaten."
Kaelen looked at her.
"That doesn't mean you can't eat again."
Elara became quiet.
Kaelen noticed the uncertainty in her expression.
"You don't need permission to eat."
Her eyes widened slightly. It was such a simple sentence. Yet she looked as though she had never heard it before. Kaelen's jaw tightened. He didn't ask why.
Not yet.
"I'll see you later."
He left.
Elara waited until the door closed. Then she released the breath she had been holding. Lyra whispered, He knows. Lyra said to her
"No." She answered
He suspects.
"That's different."
Not for long.
---
Days passed, Elara grew weaker, She tried to hide it. She attended meals when summoned, she smiled when spoken to, she walked through the castle with Nessa, she even began helping in the library. But the exhaustion never completely disappeared. Sometimes she woke during the night with her heart racing. Sometimes her hands trembled. Sometimes she struggled to concentrate. And sometimes Lyra became quiet again. That frightened Elara more than anything.
One afternoon, she was carrying books through the eastern corridor when she suddenly stopped. The world blurred, the books slipped from her arms, hey struck the floor. Elara grabbed the wall.
"Not now." She muttered to herself
A servant passing by stopped.
"Lady Elara?"
"I'm fine." She replied softly
"You dropped the books." She told her
"I know." She replied back
The servant moved toward her.
"Are you unwell?" Asked the servant
"No." She answered
Elara bent down. The moment she did, dizziness swept over her.bShe sat on the floor. The servant stared. "Lady Elara!"
"I'm alright." She assured the servant
The servant ran for help. Elara closed her eyes. She hated this. She hated being seen. She hated being in the spotlight. She hated people worrying. She hated being helpless. Most of all, she hated feeling as though her body no longer belonged to her. You're tired.
Lyra's voice was faint.
"I know." She answered lyra
You need rest. Lyra reminded her
"I can't." She answered
Why? Lyra questoned
"Because if I stop..."
Elara swallowed.
"...everyone will see how weak I am."
Lyra was silent.
Then—
Maybe someone needs to see.
---
That evening, Kaelen returned to the castle after spending most of the day investigating the eastern border. Rowan followed him.
"We need to increase the patrols."
"Agreed."
"The Crowned are moving closer."
"I know."
"And there is still no sign of who gave them information about Elara."
Kaelen stopped.
"Someone inside Haven knows."
Ronan nodded.
"We'll find them."
Kaelen continued walking.
Then he noticed Nessa standing at the end of the corridor. She looked worried.
"Where is Elara?"
Nessa hesitated.
"Her room."
"Why?"
"She said she was tired."
Kaelen's eyes narrowed.
"How long has she been there?"
"Most of the afternoon."
"Has she eaten?"
Nessa hesitated.
Kaelen's expression changed.
"Nessa."
"She ate a little."
"How little?"
Nessa looked down.
"Not much."
Kaelen's jaw tightened.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because she begged me not to."
"Why?"
Nessa hesitated.
"She doesn't want to become a burden."
Kaelen stared at her.
Ronan stepped closer.
"What happened?"
Nessa looked at both men.
"She keeps getting dizzy."
Kaelen's expression hardened.
"How long?"
"I don't know exactly."
"How long?"
"A few days."
Kaelen went still.
"And you didn't tell me?"
"I thought she was simply exhausted."
"She isn't."
Nessa lowered her eyes.
"I know."
Kaelen turned toward Elara's room.
Ronan followed.
"Kaelen."
The Alpha stopped.
"What?"
"Don't frighten her."
Kaelen looked at him.
"I won't."
He walked toward the door.
Knocked once.
No answer.
He knocked again.
"Elara?"
Silence.
Kaelen opened the door.
The room was dark.
Elara was sitting beside the window. She had fallen asleep in the chair.Her head rested against the glass. Kaelen approached quietly.
"Elara." He called her name softly
She woke immediately, she tried to stand. The movement made her sway. Kaelen caught her before she could fall. She stiffened.
"I'm sorry." She apologised
His expression changed.
"Stop apologizing." He was pissed
She looked down.
He helped her sit.
"You've been getting sick." He asked
"No." She lied trying to hide her face
"Don't lie to me." Kaelen said
She went quiet. Kaelen crouched so they were at eye level.
"Look at me." He said to her softly
She did.
"What is happening?" He asked her
"I don't know." She answered honestly
"Have you been eating?" He asked
"Yes." She answered
"Enough?" He questioned
The room went silent, Kaelen already knew the answer.
"Elara."
She looked away.
"I try." She said softly
"That's not what I asked." He said
"I try to eat." She answered
Kaelen stood.
"Nessa." He called
The maid entered.
"Yes, Alpha?" Nessa answered
"Bring the healer." He ordered
Elara immediately shook her head.
"No, please don't." She begged
Kaelen looked at her.
"Why?" He asked
"I don't need one." She answered
"You do." You said to her
"No." She answered
Her voice trembled.
Kaelen's expression softened.
"You're ill Elara." He reminded her
"I'm just tired." She corrected him
"You nearly fell." He reminded her
"I can handle it." She assured him
"By yourself?" He asked
Elara nodded.
Kaelen stared at her.
Then he noticed something on the table. A piece of folded paper. The letter, he picked it up. Elara's eyes widened.
"Don't."
Kaelen looked at the seal.
"Garran."
She nodded.
"What did he say?"
"Nothing important."
Kaelen opened it.
He read the words.
Come home.
Only two words.
His expression became cold.
"He wants you back."
Elara nodded.
"Yes."
"Why?" He asked her
"I don't know."
"Do you want to go?" He looked at her
She hesitated.
"No."
"Then you won't." He assured her
Elara stared at him.
"You don't understand." She blurted
"Then explain." He said to her curiously
She couldn't.
Her eyes filled with tears.
Kaelen waited.
Eventually, she whispered,
"If I don't go back, he'll say I'm disobedient."
"And?"
"He'll be angry."
"Let him." He said
Elara looked at him.
"He'll come here."
Kaelen's eyes hardened.
"Let him."
She shook her head.
"You don't know what he's like."
"No."
Kaelen's voice became quiet.
"But I'm beginning to understand what he has done to you."
Elara looked away.
The tears finally fell.
"I wasn't trying to hide it."
Kaelen said nothing.
"I just didn't want anyone to think I was weak."
"You are sick."
Her face crumpled slightly.
"I'm sorry."
"Being sick doesn't make you weak."
She looked at him.
"Then what does?"
Kaelen paused.
"Refusing help when you need it."
Elara lowered her eyes.
"I don't know how."
Kaelen's expression softened.
"Then learn."
---
The healer arrived minutes later. Her name was Maera, an elderly wolf who had served Haven Pack for decades. She examined Elara quietly. Kaelen waited outside the room. Rowan stood beside him. Neither spoke. Finally, the door opened. Maera stepped out. Kaelen immediately turned.
"How is she?" He asked
Maera sighed.
"She is exhausted."
"Why?"
"She hasn't been receiving enough nourishment for some time." Maera said
Kaelen's expression darkened.
"How long?"
"I can't say exactly."
"Try."
"Long enough that her body has begun struggling to keep up."
Ronan looked troubled.
"Is she in danger?" He asked softly
Maera shook her head.
"Not if she is cared for properly."
Kaelen exhaled.
"Then care for her."
"I will."
Maera looked at him.
"But there's more."
"What?"
"Her wolf."
Kaelen went still.
"What about it?"
"Lyra is present."
"I know."
"No."
Maera shook her head.
"You don't understand."
She lowered her voice.
"Her wolf has been suppressed for years."
Kaelen's expression changed.
"Can you help her?"
"Not directly."
"Then what does she need?"
"Safety."
Kaelen stared at her.
"She needs to believe that she is safe."
Maera looked toward the room.
"Her wolf has been hiding because Elara's mind associated closeness with danger."
Kaelen said nothing.
"Lyra will return fully when Elara begins to believe she doesn't have to live in fear."
Ronan looked at Kaelen.
The Alpha's jaw tightened.
"How long?"
"That depends on Elara."
Maera paused.
"But if she returns too quickly, the strain could be overwhelming."
Kaelen nodded.
"Then we proceed carefully."
Maera smiled faintly.
"You care about the girl."
Kaelen's expression hardened.
"She's under my protection."
"Of course."
Maera walked away.
Ronan waited.
Then he said quietly,
"You knew something was wrong."
Kaelen stared at Elara's closed door.
"I suspected."
"You should have investigated sooner."
Kaelen's eyes hardened.
"I know."
Ronan said nothing.
Kaelen rarely admitted mistakes.
But tonight, he had.
---
Inside the room, Elara lay beneath the blankets.
Maera had given her something warm to drink and instructed her to rest.
Nessa sat nearby.
Elara looked toward the door.
"Is the Alpha angry?"
Nessa smiled.
"No."
"He should be."
"Why?"
"I caused trouble."
Nessa shook her head.
"You didn't."
Elara stared at the ceiling.
"Everyone always says that."
"Because it's true."
Elara closed her eyes.
Lyra whispered,
He's outside.
"I know."
He is worried.
Elara's heart tightened.
"Why?"
Because you matter.
Elara shook her head.
"I don't."
Lyra became quiet.
Then—
You matter to me.
Elara smiled faintly.
"I know."
There was a knock.
Nessa stood.
Kaelen entered.
He didn't come closer immediately.
"How are you feeling?"
"Tired."
"Good."
Elara blinked.
"Good?"
"At least you're being honest."
She smiled faintly.
Kaelen approached.
He placed a small wooden bowl on the table.
"Maera said you should eat when you're able."
Elara looked at it.
"Thank you."
"You don't have to finish everything."
She looked up.
Kaelen continued.
"Just eat what you can."
Elara nodded.
"Okay."
He turned toward the door.
"Alpha?"
He stopped.
She hesitated.
"Are you angry with me?"
Kaelen looked back.
"No."
"Even though I didn't tell you?"
"No."
"Why?"
He considered the question.
"Because you didn't hide it to deceive me."
Elara's eyes softened.
"You were afraid."
She nodded.
Kaelen opened the door.
Then stopped.
Elara." He called out
"Yes?" She answered
"You don't have to earn your place in this castle."
She stared at him.
"You're under Haven's protection."
He paused.
"And while you're here, nobody is going to make you feel ashamed for needing help."
The door closed.
Elara looked down at the bowl.
For the first time, she wasn't afraid to reach for it.
Outside, Kaelen walked into the corridor.
Ronan waited
"Well?"
Kaelen looked toward the room.
"She has been neglected for years."
Ronan's face hardened.
"And Garran?"
Kaelen's eyes became cold
"We investigate him."
"Immediately?"
"Tonight."
Ronan nodded.
Kaelen started walking.
Then stopped.
"Ronan."
"Yes?"
"Find out everything about Garran Veyne."
"Everything?"
"His finances. His connections. His history with Haven."
Ronan nodded.
"And his connection to the Crowned?"
Kaelen's expression darkened.
"Especially that."
Ronan walked away.
Kaelen remained alone in the corridor.
He looked at Elara's door.
His wolf stirred.
She is important.
Kaelen frowned.
I know.
More than you understand.
Kaelen said nothing.
Deep within the castle, Elara sat beside the window.
She slowly lifted the spoon.
Her hands still trembled.
But this time, she didn't put it down.
She ate.
One bite.
Then another.
Lyra remained silent for a while.
Then she whispered,
You're safe.
Elara looked toward the moon.
"I want to believe that."
You will.
Outside her room, the castle guards changed shifts.
The snow continued falling.
And in the distance, beyond the boundaries of Haven territory, a lone wolf watched the castle from the darkness.
A silver crown marked its shoulder.
The wolf lifted its head.
Then it disappeared among the trees.
Inside Haven Castle, Kaelen suddenly stopped walking.
His wolf growled.
Someone is watching.
Kaelen turned toward the window.
His eyes narrowed.
The mystery surrounding Elara's father had already endangered Haven.
Now he understood something far more troubling.
The Crowned weren't simply searching for Elias Vale's daughter.
They had been watching her for years.
They knew where she lived.
They knew when she left.
They knew when she entered Haven Castle.
And somehow—
They knew exactly when she was weakest.
Kaelen's hands curled into fists.
He had spent years protecting Haven from enemies outside its walls.
Now he wondered whether the greater danger had already crossed the gates.
His gaze returned to Elara's door.
For the first time, he understood the true meaning of the words written in her father's old records.
Protect my daughter.
Not because she was helpless.
Not because she was weak.
But because something inside her was worth killing for.
And somewhere inside Elara, beneath years of fear and silence, the silver wolf opened her eyes.
They have found us.
Elara's fingers tightened around the blanket.
"Who?"
Lyra's answer was barely a whisper.
The ones your father was running from.
Elara looked toward the window.
The moonlight illuminated her frightened face.
And for the first time, she realized that whatever had happened to her family was not finished. It had only begun.