Stranger in the shadows

CHAPTER 3 – STRANGER IN THE SHADOWS.

“Run!”

The word shouted in my head as my feet slammed on the dirt path. My lungs burned. My legs felt like jelly. Every breath hurt my chest. Branches hit my arms and cut my face, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t.

The howls followed me—low and mean. Not my pack. Rogues.

My wolf inside me wanted to fight, wanted to change, but my body was too weak. Too tired. The pendant at my neck swung cold against my skin with every step.

A sharp growl ripped through the trees. I jerked my head. Yellow eyes shined from the dark.

“oww” I gasped, tripping over a root.

The first rogue jumped. Its teeth snapped just inches from my arm. I twisted, hitting the ground hard. My shoulder burned. The beast jumped again.

Then—something moved.

A crash.

A snarl.

The rogue flew into a tree.

A man stood there. Tall. Strong. Silver eyes flashing in the dark. His chest moved fast. His knuckles were bloody—but not his own.

“Get up,” he barked. “Do you want to die here?”

I couldn’t. My knees shook.

“Move!” he shouted.

I forced myself up. Another howl ripped through the forest. Then another. Two more. Too many.

He looked around fast. Then grabbed my arm—strong, hot, burning.

“This way,” he said.

“No—wait!”

He didn’t stop. He pulled me fast, almost tripping me over roots. The rogues were twisting and growling behind us.

Suddenly, he spun, pushing me behind him. A rogue jumped out, teeth and claws ready.

He didn’t even blink.

Faster than I could see, he punched the rogue in the jaw. Bone cracked. The beast squealed and jumped again. He went under its claws and slammed it to the ground.

I froze.

He growled—like a wolf, not a person. With one twist, the rogue went still.

Shadows moved. More eyes lit up in the dark.

He wiped blood from his face and looked at me.

“We can’t fight them all,” he said. “Hide.”

Before I could ask where, he grabbed my hand. We moved smoothly through bushes and he shoved me behind a fallen log. He crouched close, warm and heavy.

“Quiet,” he whispered.

My heart hammered. I pressed against the log. I wanted to disappear.

He leaned over me, face close. Silver eyes sharp, searching.

I’d never been this close to anyone. Not like this.

“Why are they after you?” he asked, softly.

“I—I don’t know,” I said looking confused.

He didn’t believe me.

A twig snapped. Both of us froze.

The rogues sniffed. My wolf growled.

He pressed over me, hand on my mouth. I couldn’t breathe.

Our eyes met. Something twisted in my chest. My lips parted—not to scream, but… I didn’t know why. Heat? Fear? Something.

Almost like a kiss.

The rogue moved on. Silence fell.

He lifted his hand slowly, still close. His eyes searched mine.

“Who are you?” I whispered.

“Kael,” he said, voice low.

Kael.

His gaze dropped to the pendant. Fingers brushed it. Warm. Heavy. Electric.

“Where did you get this?”

“My dad gave it to me,” looking away he asked again.

“Who is your dad?”

“It doesn’t matter,” I said, nodding my head gently 

He scanned me head to tie for a long time. Then let go.

“Fine,” he muttered. “Keep your secrets. But that pendant… it’s weird. Not normal.”

I shivered, hugging it.

Another howl. Closer. Louder.

Kael cursed. “They’re not stopping.” He held out his hand. “Stay here and die. Come with me and live.”

My heart slammed. Stranger. Rogue. Danger all around. But I couldn’t stay.

My hand slid into his. Firm. Certain. Comforting.

“Good choice,” he said, pulling me up.

I stumbled after him, deeper into the forest.

I didn’t know him. I didn’t know why he saved me.

But with his hand in mine, and danger chasing us, I had no choice. I had to follow.

Kael pulled me a little deeper into the trees, crouching behind a thick trunk. His silver eyes didn’t leave mine.

“You’re brave… Lena, for someone running like a scared little wolf,” he said, a small smirk on his lips.

I scowled at him “Scared? Me? I’m not scared. I just… move fast.”

He chuckled low. “Move fast, huh? Sure, that’s it.”

I locked my lip biting it a little. “Okay, maybe I’m a little scared.

His smirk grew. “A little? You’re shaking like a leaf.”

I shoved him in the chest. “Stop looking at me like that!” will you?

His eyes flashed down again at the pendant. “That’s not funny. That thing… it’s dangerous.”

I pulled it closer to my chest. “It’s just jewelry.”

Kael raised an eyebrow. “Just jewelry?” His voice was soft, almost teasing, but serious. “It burned your hand yesterday. Now it’s glowing again. Something about it isn’t normal, Lena.”

I swallowed. “Well… maybe it likes me.” I tried to smile, even though my heart still pounded from the chase.

Kael’s lips twitched. “Likes you? Dangerous objects don’t usually like people.”

I laughed nervously. “Maybe I’m special.”

He looked at me for a long moment. “Maybe. Or maybe it’s warning you. Either way, I need to know where it came from.”

I shook my head. “I told you. My father gave it to me.”

Kael’s gaze softened slightly. “Your father, huh? That doesn’t explain why it glows like fire.”

I shrugged, trying to look casual, though my hands trembled. “Maybe it’s… magic?”

Kael smirked. “Magical Lena. I like that.”

I rolled my eyes, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. “Stop teasing me!”

He leaned a little closer. “I’m not teasing. I’m trying to keep you alive. And maybe… I’m trying to see if you’re as tough as you think.”

I wanted to argue, but my words stuck. My chest pounded, not just from fear, but something else.

“You’re strong,” I said quietly. “I didn’t expect… you.”

He shrugged, looking away for a second. “Someone’s gotta keep you alive. And if you keep acting brave, I’ll have to hit you to remind you you’re not invincible.”

I rolled my eyes again. “Go ahead. Try.”

Kael laughed, short and rough. Then his eyes returned to the pendant. “Seriously though. That thing… it’s not normal. Whatever it is, it could get you in trouble. Or worse. Promise me you’ll keep it safe?”

I nodded, gripping it tight. “I promise. But it’s mine. No one can take it.”

His silver eyes softened, just a little, like he almost wanted to smile but didn’t. “Good. Just… be careful, Lena. Don’t let anyone touch it. Not even me.”

I smirked, feeling a little bolder. “You think you could handle it if I let you?”

Kael’s eyes flashed. “Maybe. But I don’t think I’d s

urvive your fire.”

I laughed quietly, hiding behind the tree. My heart still pounded, but not just from fear.

For a moment, in the dark forest with rogues circling, I felt… alive.