Lyra's POV
The next day, the fire had burned low by the time I moved closer to Kaelan. The storm outside had softened into a whispering drizzle, but inside, the tension between us was electric, impossible to ignore.
"You think fate just handed you a choice?" I asked softly, my voice trembling, though I tried to mask it with steel. "You think you can claim me because the bond screams?"
Kaelan's gaze didn't falter. It never did. It burned straight through me, raw and unwavering. "I don't care what you think fate gives," he said. "I only care what I can protect."
My chest tightened. My wolf stirred, a low hum vibrating beneath my ribs, and I realized how desperately she ached for release. For once, I wanted to let go of restraint. But not yet. Not while the truth about my family still lingered like ash in my lungs.
