X2

"The High Council would never support Elder Matriarch Selene Vale’s methods," I muttered, staring out the window as the carriage climbed higher into the Yorclaw mist. "And they certainly wouldn't back my parents forcing a blood-bond, even if it is with the Nightfang heir. We’re passing within a few miles of the Valeheart gates. I have hours to change the variables of this hunt."

I looked at the hand-drawn parchment map Maera held. "Look at the elevation, Maera. It’s like the old sagas—the first wolves climbing Highfang Ridge to abandon their packs, only to realize the wilderness is a crueler master. What’s next? The Fangwild Barrens? Do you think the rogue-drifts or the Feral-Born ever stage ambushes here? I heard the Turpin Fangtree marks the edge of no-man's-land..."

"Acacik, sit back," Maera sighed, though her eyes scanned the treeline nervously.

"I’m serious, my stomach is turning. It must have been that raw elk heart at the send-off ceremony. I knew the ritual salt looked off... Ugh! Stop the transport! I’m going to shift right here on the seats, and I haven't mastered the containment yet!"

"Acacik! What is happening? Is your wolf forced-shifting?"

"Handkerchief! Now! I’m going to be sick!"

"Just breathe. We’re hitting the edge of the Granthorn territories. Jorah, pull over at the sentinel outpost! They have recovery dens for moon-fever. Just stay conscious, Acacik. Where is the wolf-calm incense?"

Valeheart Manor

"You have no idea, Elder Selene, how incredible it feels to finally be off the war-path and away from the Council politics," Kael said, his voice deep and raspy from weeks of barking orders.

"I can imagine, Kael," Selene replied, her voice like dry leaves. "My late mate never stayed in one territory for more than a week, and I was loyal enough to run the borders with him. Alpha Reginald has been gone six years now, and I set my own pace. But you’re nearing the end of your succession tour, correct?"

"I thought about heading toward the Shadow-Sect territories, but there’s no rush. I’m thinking of heading back to the Nightfang Citadel. I’m my own Alpha now, after all."

"It will be quiet before the Winter Solstice. You aren't planning on indulging in the city’s vices already, are you?"

"Hardly. Just some annoying tribute disputes and pack sponsorships. Then a few sessions with my Master-of-Arms, a quick stop at—"

A knock at the heavy oak door cut him off.

"A visitor, Elder," the steward Fenris whispered. "I think you’ll want to handle this one personally. I’ve directed the young traveler to the Council Den."

"Don't get up, Kael. I won't be long. Probably just a border dispute with the local sentries."

Minutes later, the door creaked open again. Selene entered, followed by a disheveled, mud-streaked figure whose scent—sharp, electric, and distinctly Stormborn—filled the room.

"Be smooth about this," Selene warned the newcomer. "Ah, there you are, Kael. Our guest is starving for some real sustenance. Introductions are in order. Acacik, meet Kael of the Nightfang line, one of my most formidable proteges. Kael, this is Acacik Stormborn, my god-kin."

I froze. Kael. The man sitting by the fire was no longer the sixteen-year-old bully. He was broad-shouldered, scarred, and radiated a heavy, suffocating Alpha pressure.

"Acacik," Kael said, his eyes narrowing as he tracked the scent of my rebellion. "It’s an honor."

"Kael. Good to meet you," I lied, my heart hammering. "If we’re both under Selene’s wing, we’re practically pack-cousins, right? Sorry to crash your audience, but I told the Elder this is a red-alert situation. I’m AWOL."

"Running from your father's hall?" Kael asked, a wolfish smirk playing on his lips.

"Nothing that cliché," I countered. "I’m dodging my family's 'protection.' I’ve been exiled to the Highlands like a criminal, with a pack-warden acting as my shadow. My family is a nightmare, trust me."

"And what exactly did you do to earn a trip to this freezer?" Kael asked, leaning back, looking entirely too comfortable.

"Oh, easy," I said, leaning forward until I was in his space, defying the weight of his aura. "I refused to mate with a high-ranking Alpha."

Kael nearly choked on his ale, his eyes widening as he processed the sheer audacity.

"Wait... you turned down a Nightfang contract?" Kael coughed, setting his glass down with a heavy thud. "Do you have any idea what kind of blood-feud you just sparked?"

"I don't care about blood-feuds or ancestral borders," I said. "I care about my autonomy and my life. My parents think they can trade my soul to stabilize their northern front. I’m not a piece of land to be deeded away."

"Bold move, pup," Kael murmured, his gaze dropping to the pulse leaping in my throat. "But the Nightfangs don't usually take 'no' for an answer. They’re the apex of the High City. You’re playing a game that ends in shackles."

"Then I guess it's a good thing I know how to run," I countered. "Are you going to help me stay hidden, or am I going to have to find another cave to crawl into?"