The Heirs Claim

Her chest tightened. Heat filled her stomach, mixed with fear so strong it made her dizzy. She tried to pull her hand away, but his grip stayed firm gentle, yet impossible to escape.

People were staring now. Heads turned. Whispers spread through the wolves.

Who was she? Why was the heir talking to a cloaked girl?

Selene’s stomach twisted. She needed to get out.

She pushed his wrist again, harder this time, but it was like trying to move stone. He didn’t stop her struggle he just watched, golden eyes shining as if reading every small movement, every breath.

“Careful,” he said softly. “If you fight too much, I might think you want me to chase you.”

Her heart jumped. The way he said it it sounded like a warning and a promise.

Selene took a deep breath. She needed space, shadows, anything to hide before he dragged her into the open and pulled her hood away.

She twisted sharply, breaking free. The hood dropped lower over her face as she disappeared into the crowd.

The wolves surrounded her laughing, drinking, shouting. She thought she had lost him. Thought she could reach the gate and escape.

But then heat brushed her back.

She didn’t need to look.

Dorian Veyrath was behind her.

Her hands shook as she pushed through the crowd. Wolves bumped into her, cursed her, didn’t care. All she wanted was to reach the gate. Freedom was so close—

Then a hand grabbed her wrist.

She turned, heart racing.

Dorian stood in front of her, his body glowing in the torchlight. Blood from the fight stained his chest. His grip was strong, but not rough. He didn’t need strength his will alone was enough.

His golden eyes met hers. “Running already?”

Selene’s breath trembled. She tried to pull away, but his fingers tightened slightly.

“I don’t belong here,” she said.

He tilted his head. “Then why are you here?”

She froze. Because she wanted to see the ritual. Because her bloodline was cursed. Because she couldn’t stay away from danger. She said nothing.

Dorian leaned closer. His breath touched her cheek. “Tell me, little wolf… did you come for me?”

Her chest rose and fell quickly. She wanted to say no to insult him to show she wasn’t afraid. But her voice wouldn’t come. His heat, his power it pressed down on her, made her feel like her own wolf inside her chest was bowing.

Finally, she forced out, “I came for the ritual.”

“The ritual,” he repeated, almost tasting the word. His hand tightened a little. “You risked your life just to watch blood on stone?”

She glared at him. “Better than bowing to you.”

The crowd gasped. Every wolf nearby went silent, waiting.

He didn’t get angry. He just smiled a dangerous, dark smile. For a second, she thought he might kill her. His eyes glowed brighter. Wolves around them bent lower, afraid to even breathe.

Slowly, he leaned in, lips brushing the edge of her hood.

Her breath caught. Her stomach burned. She tried to pull her wrist free, but his fingers slid between hers instead.

“Let me go,” she whispered.

“Sure,” he said and released her.

Selene ran. Her cloak whipped behind her as she darted through the arches, the air cold and heavy with rain. Her lungs hurt, but she didn’t stop.

She didn’t have to look back to know he was following. Dorian didn’t chase. He hunted.

She turned into a narrow path. The air smelled of moss and metal. She pressed herself against the wall, trying to vanish into the shadows. Maybe he had lost her

Then the darkness moved.

He stepped out, golden eyes glowing like fire.

Selene froze.

Dorian walked toward her slowly, cloak dragging on the stone.

“Run if you want,” he said, voice low and calm. “I’ll always find you.”

Her voice shook. “Why me?”

“Because you looked at me,” he said simply.

“Others looked at you,” she shot back.

“They bowed,” he said with a small, cruel smile. “You stared.”

He stopped just in front of her. The air between them felt hot.

“I’m not yours,” she whispered, trying to sound brave.

He leaned close, one hand against the wall beside her head. His breath brushed her skin. “Not yet,” he said softly.

Her heart pounded. The world felt small just her and him, nothing else.

“You can chase me, but you’ll never own me,” she said.

For a moment, he said nothing. Then he stepped back. The space he left felt cold.

His eyes still glowed. “I already do,” he whispered.

Then he turned and disappeared into the shadows.

Selene leaned against the wall, chest rising and falling fast. Her wrist still tingled where he had touched her.

She should have felt safe now. But all she felt… was fear.

Because deep down, a small part of her wondered.

what if he was right?