Episode Eight

Fragile morning

Morning arrived quietly.

Mira woke with her heart racing. For a moment she did not know where she was. Then memory returned. The broken door. Kade standing in the room. The truth spoken aloud.

She inhaled slowly.

Her hand moved to her stomach. Warmth settled there. Steady. Real.

Alder was asleep in the chair beside the bed. His head leaned back. His arms were crossed. He looked tired in a way she had never seen before.

She studied him in silence.

He had stood between her and danger without hesitation. He had not shouted. He had not claimed ownership. He had let her speak.

That mattered.

Mira shifted carefully and stood. Her body felt weak but steady enough. She wrapped a robe around herself and walked to the window.

The estate was quiet. Guards still moved along the walls. Damage from the night before was clear. Broken wood. Bent metal. Scars that would not fade quickly.

Just like her.

The door opened softly behind her.

“You should be resting.”

She turned. “I am resting.”

Alder smiled faintly.

He walked closer. “How do you feel.”

“Alive.”

“That is good.”

She leaned against the window frame. “Kade will not stop.”

“I know.”

“He will come again.”

“Yes.”

Fear stirred inside her. “I do not want a war.”

“Neither do I.”

“Then why does it feel inevitable.”

Alder was quiet for a moment. “Because bonds do not disappear. They demand resolution.”

Mira swallowed. “What if the resolution destroys us.”

“Then we fight for something better.”

She studied his face. “You speak like this is already your battle.”

“It is.”

She shook her head. “You did not ask for this.”

“I asked for you.”

Her chest tightened. “Even knowing what I carry.”

“Yes.”

Her voice was small. “Why.”

“Because you chose me when you were afraid. Because you stand even when the world pulls you apart.”

Tears burned her eyes. She looked away quickly.

“I am scared,” she admitted.

“So am I.”

That surprised her. She faced him again. “You never seem afraid.”

“I hide it well.”

He reached out slowly. He stopped inches away. “May I.”

She nodded.

His hand rested over her stomach. Gentle. Careful.

A strange calm spread through her.

“This child is powerful,” Alder said softly. “The bloodline alone will change everything.”

“I do not want power,” Mira replied. “I want safety.”

“Then we will build it.”

A knock interrupted them.

A guard stepped in. “Alpha your council has arrived.”

Alder sighed. “They sensed the disturbance.”

Mira tensed. “I do not want them looking at me like a threat.”

“They will look at me first,” Alder said. “Stay here.”

“I am not hiding.”

His eyes searched hers. “This will be unpleasant.”

“So was last night.”

After a pause he nodded. “Then stand beside me.”

The council chamber was large and cold. Elders sat in a circle. Their eyes sharpened when Mira entered.

Whispers spread.

Alder stepped forward. “Speak.”

One elder stood. “Your estate was breached. Another Alpha entered without permission.”

“Yes.”

“And the mate bond was activated.”

“Yes.”

Eyes shifted to Mira.

“She carries a child,” the elder continued. “A child bound to two powerful lines.”

Mira lifted her chin. “I carry a life. Not a weapon.”

Murmurs followed.

Another elder spoke. “This child will bring conflict.”

“Conflict already exists,” Alder replied. “This child brings truth.”

“Truth can be dangerous.”

“So can silence.”

The elders exchanged looks.

“What is your intent,” one asked.

Alder did not hesitate. “I will protect her. I will protect the child. Any who challenge that will answer to me.”

Mira felt something settle deep inside her.

The council dismissed them shortly after. No approval. No refusal. Just tension left hanging.

Back in the hallway Mira exhaled sharply.

“That went better than expected,” she said.

Alder nodded. “For now.”

She stopped walking. “Do you regret this.”

He turned. “Not for a second.”

Her voice softened. “Even if Kade comes with an army.”

“Then I will meet him with one.”

She shook her head. “This cannot end in blood.”

Alder stepped closer. “Then help me end it another way.”

“How.”

“By surviving. By choosing each day. By refusing to be broken.”

She rested her forehead against his chest.

“I do not know if I am strong enough.”

He wrapped his arms around her. Solid. Steady.

“You already are.”

Outside the walls a distant howl echoed.

The world was shifting.

And Mira knew there was no turning back now.