Chapter 6 – The Secrets They Keep

The words clung to her like a curse.

More than human.

Aria’s mind spun, but before she could demand answers, Kael turned away, speaking to one of his warriors in a low, clipped tone. His back was to her, his shoulders broad and unyielding, shutting her out.

It was infuriating. And terrifying.

She stumbled into the lodge, her chest heaving. The great fire in the hearth roared, but no warmth touched her. Shadows stretched long along the walls, curling like claws.

Her aunt’s voice whispered in memory. It’s better not to dwell on the past, Aria.

Had Miriam known?

“Hey.”

Aria jumped. Lyra leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, golden hair wild around her sharp face. Her gaze slid over Aria like a knife, and her smirk was anything but kind.

“So the Alpha’s little pet thinks she belongs here now?”

Aria stiffened. “I don’t belong anywhere here. Not with wolves who want me dead.”

“Then leave.” Lyra shrugged one shoulder. “No one’s stopping you. Except maybe Kael. And if you ask me, he’s not saving you. He’s using you.”

“Using me for what?”

Lyra’s grin widened, cruel. “Ask him.”

Before Aria could snap back, Lyra pushed off the wall and stalked out, her boots clicking against the stone floor.

Aria pressed a hand to her temple. Every answer she reached for slipped away. She thought of Lucien’s eyes—red, cruel, gleaming as he called her treasure. She thought of Kael, snarling, bleeding, his voice breaking when he swore she wasn’t safe.

Her stomach knotted. None of it made sense.

---

Later, Rowan came.

He lingered in the doorway, his gray eyes steady, his shirt torn at the collar. His presence filled the space like a storm cloud, heavy and dangerous.

“You should know,” he said, voice low, “the Council won’t forgive tonight. The rogues’ attack was bold. Too bold. They’ll ask what provoked it. And they’ll find only one answer.”

Aria swallowed hard. “Me.”

His silence was answer enough.

Her fists curled at her sides. “Why? What am I to them?”

Rowan’s mouth pressed into a thin line. “That’s the Alpha’s secret to tell. But don’t fool yourself, girl. The longer you stay, the more wolves will die.”

Aria’s breath caught. “Then why don’t you make me leave?”

His jaw flexed. For a moment, his gaze softened—just a flicker—but then the steel returned. “Because he would kill me before he let you go.”

He left her in silence, the weight of his words pressing down until she could barely breathe.

---

That night, Aria couldn’t sleep. The wolves’ howls echoed through the forest, low and mournful, and every time she closed her eyes she saw Kael’s face, bloodied and fierce, swearing she was more than human.

She rose from the furs, padding barefoot to the window. Beyond the clearing, torches burned, casting the watchmen in flickers of gold and shadow. Their eyes glowed faintly in the dark, always scanning, always waiting for another strike.

Something rustled behind her.

Aria spun—and froze.

Kael stood in the doorway, shirt discarded, bandages tight across his chest. His golden gaze caught the firelight, burning low, unreadable.

“You should be resting,” he said quietly.

Aria’s pulse leapt. “Don’t. Don’t pretend this is normal. Don’t pretend I’m not… whatever you think I am.”

He crossed the room in two strides, stopping just close enough for his heat to press against her. “You want answers.”

Her chin lifted. “Yes.”

For a moment, she thought he would finally tell her. His hand lifted, almost brushing her cheek, but at the last second he turned away, jaw tight.

“Not yet.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “Why not?”

His shoulders tensed, every muscle drawn taut. “Because once you know, there’s no going back.”

And with that, he left her staring into the shadows, trembling with fury and fear.

---

Cliffhanger (Chapter End):

Aria clenched her fists, whispering into the empty lodge.

“Then I’ll find out myself.”