The Past Has Claws

Chapter Two

The note burned in Aria’s palm.

Zane is here.

Her chest tightened. The scent of betrayal from years ago stirred deep in her memory. Cold eyes. His voice when he’d said, “You’re not enough.”

Aria had sworn she’d never feel that sting again. But here it was sharp, fresh, and right outside her door.

She looked out the window, but the forest was quiet now. No silver wolf. No more signs.

Still, her wolf was restless.

We’re being watched.

Aria didn’t sleep.

She spent the night pacing her chamber, her mind spinning with questions.

What was Zane doing in Kael’s territory? Why send her a warning? Was he trying to save her or control her again?

Morning came in silence.

And with it, a summons.

“Come.”

Kael’s voice was firm when she entered the war hall. He stood before a large table carved from black stone. Maps spread across it territory lines, attack routes, pack borders. His beta stood nearby. Broad-shouldered. Silent. Scar down his jaw.

Kael didn’t look at her as she entered.

“You’ve been watching the pack,” he said. “Learning. I see that.”

“I’m not your Luna,” she said sharply. “I’m your prisoner.”

He finally looked at her. His eyes were calm, but his voice wasn’t.

“You’re not in chains anymore.”

“That doesn’t mean I’m free.”

Kael stepped closer.

“You think you’re here just for my benefit? This pack needs strength. The council wants tradition. But war is coming. I need someone who’s not afraid to speak fire.”

Aria narrowed her eyes. “Then unmark me.”

His lips pressed into a line. “I can’t.”

“You won’t.”

He didn’t deny it.

Then he said something that stunned her.

“If you truly want to leave... I’ll give you a chance.”

She blinked. “What kind of game is this?”

“No game.” Kael turned to the beta. “Take her to the arena. Let her fight for her freedom.”

Aria’s heart jumped.

Finally action.

But she didn’t smile.

“I’m not fighting one of your guards.”

“You won’t,” Kael said. “You’ll fight your past.”

The Moonfire Arena was built into a pit of black rock. The crowd gathered fast wolves hungry for blood, for drama. They filled the stands above, growling, whispering, watching.

And waiting.

Kael stood at the edge, arms folded. The council sat higher, judging with cold eyes.

Aria stepped into the arena. Dust swirled at her feet. Her claws flexed. Her wolf paced.

Then she saw who stepped out across from her.

Her breath caught.

Zane.

Still as tall. Still as smug. His silver eyes gleamed with mockery. His black fur cloak trailed behind him like a crown.

He smirked. “Long time, mate.”

“We were never mates,” she snapped.

“Oh, but we were,” he said. “Fate picked you. I rejected you.”

Her fists clenched. “Why are you here?”

“I came to finish what I started.”

Aria snarled. “Then come try.”

The fight was brutal.

Zane moved faster than she remembered. But Aria had changed. She wasn’t the broken girl begging for his approval. She was fired. She was clawed. She was furious.

They clashed, bodies spinning across the dust, claws striking, bones bruising. She landed the first real hit slashing his cheek. He roared, blood flying.

Cheers erupted from the crowd.

But she didn’t hear them.

This wasn’t about impressing anyone.

This was about taking her power back.

“You don’t get to hurt me again,” she growled, tackling him hard to the ground. “You don’t get to define me!”

Zane threw her off, panting. “You were never worthy of the title Luna.”

She stood over him, breathing heavily.

“No,” she said. “I was never yours.”

Then she turned her back on him.

And walked away.

The crowd roared.

Kael said nothing as she approached him, dust and blood staining her robe.

“You didn’t kill him,” he said.

“I didn’t need to.”

He gave a small nod. “You have strength.”

Aria looked him dead in the eye.

“And you have a problem. Why is Zane in your territory?”

Kael’s expression darkened.

“He’s working with one of my elders.”

“Traitor?”

“Maybe more.”

Aria’s blood ran cold. “You used me.”

“I tested you.”

Her hands curled into fists. “Don’t do it again.”

Kael stepped close. Too close. His heat wrapped around her, the bond tugging at her chest.

“I won’t.”

She should’ve moved. Should’ve shoved him away.

Instead, she stood still as he raised a hand and brushed blood from her cheek.

“You’re a storm,” he said quietly. “And I need one.”

That night, Kael didn’t visit her.

But she couldn’t stop thinking about him.

About how his touch burned her skin. How his words echoed in her head. She hated it.

Hated that her wolf wanted to get closer.

He marked us. That means something.

It doesn’t mean love, she told herself. It means control.

She went to the balcony again.

And this time, she wasn’t alone.

A shadow moved beside her.

A young wolf with dark fur and sharp eyes. No older than sixteen.

“You were amazing in the arena,” she whispered.

“Who are you?” Aria asked.

“My name is Lyra. I’m... a shadow wolf. I work in the dark.”

Aria frowned. “Why are you here?”

Lyra looked around, then stepped closer.

“I was sent to watch the elder. The one wor

king with Zane.”

“Which one?”

Lyra’s eyes hardened. “Elder Varyn.”

Aria froze.

Varyn was one of Kael’s most trusted.

“And he’s planning something,” Lyra said. “Something that could kill Kael... and you.”