Chapter 3

"He will not touch you. Never again," he said, the promise in his voice as firm as steel. "I will destroy him. If he tries to come after you... I will kill him myself. Do you understand?"

Aurora didn't answer, but something changed in her face. The tension eased a little, as if she felt that, for a moment, she might have some kind of control over the situation. But the delirium still consumed her.

"Escape... I want to leave..." she murmured again, her voice hoarse, her eyes now moving frantically behind her eyelids. "I don't want to stay... in a prison... I can't..."

Cael, seeing her suffering, felt helpless, as if nothing he could do would be enough to heal her. But he would not walk away. He would not leave her. The young woman had become his responsibility, his Luna, and he would not fail her.

He stood up and moved away for a moment, feeling a growing weight on his shoulders. He walked to the window and looked at the sky, where the full moon rose with a serenity that contrasted with the chaos in his heart. The Moon, always the same, silent and distant, seemed to watch everything, as if reminding him of his duty.

He returned to the bed, crouching beside her, watching her with a gaze that was both tender and fierce. He knew that although Aurora's nightmares were powerful, he could be her anchor. He could be the light that would guide her through the darkness.

"Little one, I am here. I always will be." He spoke softly, but with an intensity she could not ignore. "You don't need to run anymore. You are safe now, my Luna. No one will imprison you anymore. I promise."

She seemed to relax a little, as if his words, even in her confused state, reached her somehow. Her lips trembled, as if she wanted to speak, but the words escaped her.

Cael lay down on the bed beside her, his hand finding hers once more. He lay on his back, his eyes squeezed shut as he forced himself to control the rage and pain within him. He knew there was much to be done. But for now, the only thing he could do was stay by her side, holding her hand as she fought to free herself from her own demons.

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The Alpha Blackthorn, undefeated in battle, felt helpless before the young woman he now held in his arms. But he would not leave her. He would never let her go. She was his, and he would protect her with his life.

Cael's room was illuminated only by the faint light of the flames. The scent of cedar and earth was comforting, but nothing compared to the growing feeling that dominated the Alpha. He was there, his gaze fixed on her, his imposing presence contrasting with the delicate care with which he treated her.

Aurora was in a deep sleep, but her spasms did not cease. Every movement made her fragile body twitch, and every moan that escaped her lips made Cael's heart beat faster. He could feel her anguish, the fear that still ran in her veins, despite being physically safe.

Cael remained there, motionless, his eyes attentive to every sigh, every breath. Every time she stirred, he soothed her, running his hand through her sweat-dampened hair, pushing the strands away from her face. Each of his movements was an attempt to drive away the nightmares consuming her, as if his simple touch could calm the storms inside her.

She murmured again, meaningless words he couldn't fully understand, but he knew. He knew her inner demons were still very much alive, and he would not let her face them alone.

With a gentleness no one would ever imagine coming from him, Cael raised his hand and, with his fingertips, wiped the sweat from her brow. The gesture was simple, but filled with something he barely understood, a tenderness he had never shown anyone, not even his own pack.

The protective instinct growing within him was strong. He could not leave her alone. Not now. Not ever again. The bond between them was strengthening with every instant, every one of her breaths, every one of his touches.

She moved again, her fingers trembling as she tried to clutch the sheet. She was trapped in some nightmare, fighting the horrors of her past. Her pain was palpable, and it made the beast inside him snarl, dissatisfied. Cael's Wolf also felt the need to protect his mate. It was a connection so strong he could barely control it.

"Shh... it's alright, my Luna," Cael whispered, his voice soft, a contrast to his usual imposing and authoritative tone. He held her hand, squeezing it carefully, as if it were made of glass. "You are safe now. I am here. You are not alone anymore."

Aurora took a deep breath, as if his words were beginning to penetrate her confused mind. Her eyes moved behind her eyelids, and a small sigh escaped her lips, as if she were clinging to that feeling of safety he offered her.

The pain Cael felt for her was almost physical. His wolf instinct wanted to hunt, wanted to destroy everything that had made Aurora suffer. But he knew violence was not the answer. She needed something else now, she needed him, not as an Alpha, but as her mate. She needed his presence, his comfort, his love. He didn't yet fully know what that meant, but he was willing to learn.

The hours passed slowly, and inside the room, Aurora began to relax, her spasms decreasing, her breathing becoming more regular. Cael did not move away, not for a second. With every movement she made, he was there, ensuring nothing would hurt her. He knew their bond was stronger than anything he had ever experienced.

With a deep sigh, he leaned closer, his fingers gently stroking Aurora's face. He watched her serene face, now without the outline of pain that had once marked her expressions. But he knew there was still much to heal, much more than just her body.