Chapter 71: Unspoken Tension

The silence between Serena and Elias wasn’t just quiet—it was weighty, like the moment before a storm breaks. They walked side by side through the moonlit forest, their steps crunching softly on the forest floor, but their thoughts were anything but still.

Elias hadn’t said a word since they’d left the gathering. Since Serena had spoken with Theron.

He had watched from a distance as Theron leaned in close, whispering something that made her laugh. It shouldn’t have meant anything. Elias knew that. Serena was his mate—chosen not just by fate, but by a bond that went deeper than magic. And yet... jealousy had curled in his chest like smoke choking out reason.

Serena broke the silence first. “Are we going to talk about it?”

Elias didn’t look at her. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“You’re lying.”

He stopped, finally turning to face her. The silver light of the moon cast sharp shadows across his chiseled features, but it couldn’t hide the flicker of pain in his eyes.

“You were with him,” he said.

“I was talking to him,” she corrected, her tone soft but firm. “There’s a difference.”

“You were laughing,” he snapped, then immediately looked away, ashamed of his own outburst. “I know I sound crazy, Serena, but you don’t know what it’s like. Watching another Alpha circle around the one person who anchors me.”

“I’m not some territory you need to defend.”

“I know that.” He sighed, rubbing a hand through his hair. “But it doesn’t change the fact that I feel it. Every time he’s near you, it’s like a knife twisting in my chest.”

Serena stepped closer, lowering her voice. “Then tell me why you keep pulling away.”

Elias hesitated. “Because I’m scared.”

It wasn’t what she expected. The Alpha—strong, dominant, unshakable—wasn’t supposed to be afraid.

“Of what?”

“Of losing you. Of not being enough. Of the bond being real but… not right.”

Her heart ached at his words. “You’re not losing me, Elias.”

He shook his head. “You saw what happened during the Moonfire ceremony. Your power—your light—was something otherworldly. You lit up like the stars themselves answered your call. And me?” His voice dropped. “I was just a man. A man tied to you by destiny, maybe, but what if that’s not enough?”

Serena reached up and placed her hand gently on his cheek. “You were the one who stepped forward when I thought I was breaking. You caught me, Elias. You steadied me.”

He leaned into her touch, eyes closing briefly.

“I don’t care if the moon itself comes down from the sky and offers me another path,” she whispered. “I’ll choose you. Every time.”

Elias opened his eyes then, and whatever restraint he’d held onto crumbled in that instant. He pulled her into him, arms wrapping tightly around her waist as he kissed her with raw desperation. His lips met hers like he was trying to memorize the shape of her mouth, the taste of her promise. It wasn’t gentle—it was passionate, rough around the edges, driven by the fear of loss and the hunger for connection.

Serena responded in kind, hands tangling in his hair, pulling him closer until there was no space left between them. His hand slipped behind her neck, deepening the kiss. She gasped softly into his mouth as his other hand traced the curve of her back, fingers pressing against her spine like he couldn’t bear to let go.

Their bond surged—an electric wave that pulsed between them, lighting up their veins with shared warmth and longing.

When they finally pulled apart, breathless, Elias rested his forehead against hers.

“You’re mine,” he said, not as a claim, but a confession.

“I’ve always been yours,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

And in that moment, it felt like nothing in the world could break what they had.

But reality, cruel and unyielding, had other plans.

A sharp crack echoed from the trees behind them. Elias’s entire body tensed, the Alpha instincts kicking in immediately. His golden eyes flashed as he turned toward the sound, positioning himself protectively in front of Serena.

From the shadows, Theron emerged, his arms crossed over his chest.

“You two looked… cozy,” he said dryly.

Serena swallowed hard, her cheeks flushing.

Elias growled low in his throat. “You’re interrupting.”

Theron’s lips twitched. “I wouldn’t have, if it weren’t urgent.”

Elias’s eyes narrowed. “What is it?”

Theron’s expression sobered. “There was a breach at the eastern border. Rogues. But not just the usual kind.”

“Organized?” Elias asked.

Theron nodded. “Very. And they weren’t looking for territory. They were asking for her.”

Serena stiffened. “Me?”

Theron glanced at her. “By name.”

A chill passed down Serena’s spine. “Why?”

Elias’s stance became rigid, his protectiveness intensifying. “She’s not going anywhere near that border.”

“They might not give us a choice,” Theron said. “They made it clear. They want Serena. And they’re willing to tear down the entire region to get to her.”

Elias turned toward her, the fierce lines of his face etched in worry. “You’re not leaving my sight.”

Serena met his gaze evenly. “I think it’s time I stop running.”

Elias blinked. “What?”

“I don’t know what they want. I don’t know why I was glowing that night. But whatever it is, I need to face it.”

“No,” Elias snapped. “You don’t owe them anything. You owe yourself safety. Peace.”

Serena stepped forward, touching his chest. “And I’ll never have peace if I keep hiding from whatever power is awakening inside me.”

Theron watched them, his eyes unreadable. “If she’s willing, I’ll go with her.”

“No,” Elias growled.

“Yes,” Serena said at the same time.

They locked eyes, tension thick between them.

“I’m not letting you go alone,” Elias said finally.

Serena nodded. “Then we go together.”

He exhaled, defeated by her resolve. “We leave at dawn. I’m calling for backup. We’ll move as one.”

Theron gave her a nod. “Get some rest. You’ll need it.”

As he turned and disappeared into the trees, Serena felt the weight of what lay ahead settle on her chest.

Something was coming. Something tied to her power, her past, and the mate bond that linked her fate to Elias.

She looked at Elias, who was still watching her with a mixture of fear and reverence.

“We’re not ready,” he said quietly.

“No,” she agreed. “But we have each other.”

And for tonight, that would be enough.