Where Sparks Begins

ELARA'S POV

The room was unexpectedly beautiful— white stone walls, silver drapes framing a wide window that overlooked the mountains and It smelled of cedar and flowers.

“This is beautiful for someone who isn't welcome.” I said, admiring the big room.

“You’re not. Stay inside,” Karl said, his voice firm. "No one here wants you, Thornshade. Don’t give them a reason to remember that.” And he shuts the door.

For hours, I laid on the bed thinking about my family. Anton's already going crazy—I know that. We've never been apart for long. Growing up, I was attached to his hip. His friends made fun of him as he always let me tag along but he was never bothered. 

I wanted to be as good as him growing up. He was a star student, the skilled one, the one who made friends easiest.

I laugh as I remember my father saying. “You might not know how to wield a sword or be as good as your brother but your sharp wit and sharp mouth will take you places, Elara.”

I didn’t move for hours. Not even when food arrived. I thought of Draven’s arm and how the blood soaked through his sleeve, the way he hadn’t even flinched. He’d protected me—again.

And what Zuri said about him not getting injured in a long time— I felt guilty.

But the way she looks at him…

Something twists in my chest.

By nightfall, I’d made up my mind. I was going to check up on him. 

“It's your fault he's injured, Elara. Just go for courtesy sake.” I said to myself.

It was freezing cold when I stepped out of my room. Two guards were stationed outside my door. “I need to see your Alpha.”

He snorted. “Not happening.”

“I’m his guest,” I said.

“You’re his prisoner.”

They were serious. They didn't move or look at me.

“Okay.”

I removed my hair band, letting my hair fall. Then I removed my first clothing—

“What are you doing?” The other guard asked in total disbelief.

I sighed. “You don’t want to take me, so I’ll just… remove all my clothes and walk there myself. I’m sure the Alpha will love hearing how his guards ogled his…prisoner.”

The first guard's face was drained of color. “You wouldn’t—”

“Try me.”

Moments later, I was being escorted down the hall.

Draven’s chamber was dimly lit, the scent of pine and smoke filling the air. The guard knocks. He opened, shirt half-unbuttoned, a brow raised in question.

The guard went on to explain the whole situation.

“It's fine. You can go.” 

He went to sit by the fire as I entered, eyes narrowing. “You shouldn’t be here.”

I ignored him, walking closer. “You’re hurt.”

“I’ve had worse.”

“That’s not the point.”

He leaned back, voice edged with challenge and a smirk. “So, you want to lecture me about healing now?”

“I want to check on your injury.”

A corner of his mouth twitched. “Ahh, is that some sort of affection I detect from you?"

I knelt beside his chair before he could stop me, reaching for his arm. He tensed, and when he didn’t pull away— I peeled the bandage back, the sight made me wince—a deep gash, raw and angry.

“I thought Ironfang had one of the best healers.”

“We do.” When he saw I was waiting for him to explain why it hasn't been treated, he continued. 

“She's unavailable for now.”

“If you die from infection, who else will make my life miserable?” I shot back sarcastically.

“It'll take more than Volkava's beasts to stop me from bringing hell on Thornshade.” He said calmly but I fear he means it.

I see the silverbloom on his table. I take it.

“Please hold still,” I whispered.

As I treat his injury, his gaze was on me the entire time, heavy and unyielding. I tried hard to concentrate but it's difficult when nature's finest man has his gaze on you. My fingers brushed his skin, and his breath hitched— and it wasn't from pain, but from something far more dangerous.

“You’re shaking, little wolf.” He said quietly.

“I’m-I’m not.”

“You are.”

I slowly looked up, meeting his eyes. The space between us feeling too small. His scent surrounded me—earth, steel, and something darkly intoxicating.

The silence stretched, and my heart raced.

“Why did you save me?” I whispered as I pushed my hair behind my ear.

His jaw tightened. “I didn't. You were in the way.”

“I don't believe you. I feel things—”

He leaned in, his voice a low growl that sends chill down my spine. “Careful what you say next, little wolf.”

I hold his gaze awhile as my heart pounded. I started bandaging his arm when he lifted his hand to my face. I paused. He hesitated, then brushed a strand of hair from my cheek, his fingers lingering far too long.

For a moment, neither of us said anything. His subtle touch felt like wild fire on my skin. His pupils dilated, I could see his breath deepening, and every part of me wanted to close that impossible distance.

Then, as if realizing what was happening, he pulled back sharply.

“Leave,” he said, voice rough. “Now!”

I rose slowly, clutching the blood-stained bandage in my hand. “You should rest.”

He didn’t answer. Just stared into the fire, fist tight, jaw tight, until I slipped out the door.

But even as I left, my heart was still racing. What we both felt—hot, heavy, and full of everything we both refused to name.

**********

A knock came hard in the morning.

I slowly went to open and just the last person I wanted to see.

“Rise and shine, sleeping beauty. You didn't think you were coming here to sleep for a month, did you?” Zuri said.

“No, I didn't.”

“Good. Your first assignment awaits. Next time, you'll think twice before stealing.”

Today might be the day I die.