Kael collapsed just outside the clearing.
Lila barely registered the pack dispersing, Selene issuing quiet commands, or Rowan being dragged away. All she saw was Kael — blood streaking his side, his breathing shallow, his strength finally giving out.
"Kael!" She dropped to her knees beside him, hands shaking as she pressed them to his wound. "Stay with me. Please."
His eyes fluttered open, unfocused but still fierce. "You did that thing again," he murmured weakly.
Tears burned her eyes. "Now is not the time to tease me."
A faint smile tugged at his lips. "Just… checking."
Selene crouched nearby, her expression serious. "He needs rest. Alpha healing will take time — especially after what you did."
Lila looked up sharply. "I saved him."
"You bound him," Selene corrected gently. "Your power didn't just shield him. It flowed into him. That's… unprecedented."
Fear curled in Lila's chest. "Did I hurt him?"
Kael's hand found hers, grip surprisingly firm. "No," he said. "You anchored me."
Selene stood. "Bring him to the old lodge. He'll heal faster there." Her gaze lingered on Lila. "And you won't leave his side."
It wasn't a request.
The lodge was quiet, tucked deep within the forest. Moonlight spilled through tall windows as Kael was laid on a wide wooden bed. His breathing steadied, but sweat beaded on his skin, and the wound along his ribs still glowed faintly silver.
Lila sat beside him, refusing to move.
"You should sleep," Kael said hoarsely.
She shook her head. "Not happening."
He studied her face, something raw and unguarded in his eyes. "You scared me today."
"You scared me," she snapped — then her voice broke. "You stepped into that fight like you were ready to die."
Kael reached up, brushing his thumb under her eye, wiping away a tear she hadn't realized had fallen. "Alpha law demanded it."
"And what about what I demanded?" she whispered.
Silence stretched.
Kael's hand slid to the back of her neck, pulling her closer — slowly, carefully, like he was afraid she might disappear. Their foreheads touched.
"I don't know how to be careful with you," he admitted. "The bond makes everything louder. Sharper."
"I don't want careful," Lila said softly. "I want honest."
His breath hitched. "Then here it is: if I hadn't stepped into that circle, they would've taken you from me. And I wouldn't survive that."
Her heart slammed. "Kael…"
"You are not a weakness," he continued. "You are my equal. And that terrifies them."
Warmth bloomed in her chest, fierce and steady. "Then let them be afraid."
The moonlight brightened suddenly, washing over them both. Lila gasped as the familiar hum stirred inside her — gentler this time, responding to emotion rather than fear.
Kael noticed instantly. "You're doing it again."
"I'm not trying to," she said — then paused. "Actually… maybe I am."
She placed her palm over his wound.
The silver light flowed, smoother now, controlled. Kael groaned softly as the torn flesh knit beneath her touch, heat and relief rolling through him.
"Lila," he warned, voice rough. "If you keep touching me like that—"
She met his gaze, fearless. "Then heal."
The light faded. Kael inhaled sharply, strength returning to his body. He sat up slowly, eyes never leaving hers.
"You shouldn't be able to do that," he said.
"I shouldn't be able to do a lot of things," she replied.
He cupped her face, reverent now. "You changed me today."
"So did you," she said.
For a heartbeat, the world narrowed to just them — breath, warmth, bond pulling tight. Kael leaned in, stopping just a breath away.
"This isn't a claim," he said quietly. "This is a choice."
Lila's pulse raced. "Then choose me."
He did.
Their lips met — slow, deliberate, nothing rushed. The bond flared softly, not wild or consuming, but right. When they finally pulled apart, Kael rested his forehead against hers.
"We won't get peace," he said. "Others will come. Those who want what you are."
Lila's eyes hardened with new resolve. "Then I'll learn to defend myself."
Kael smiled — proud, fierce. "That's my girl."
Outside, unseen by either of them, the forest stirred.
Far beyond Moonridge, something ancient awakened — drawn by silver light, blood, and a bond that should not exist.
And it was coming.