Chapter 84: A Bond Rekindled

The late afternoon sun bathed the training grounds in a golden hue, casting long shadows that danced across the clearing. Serena stood on the outskirts, her arms crossed tightly, trying to hold herself together. The air was thick with the scent of pine, earth, and sweat—but the only thing clouding her senses was the sight of Elias in motion.

He moved like the warrior he was—fluid, precise, and powerful. Each strike, each dodge, was poetry in motion, and she couldn’t tear her eyes away. Watching him was both familiar and foreign. Since everything had changed between them—since the return of Theron, since the confession of her feelings—there was a distance between them that felt unbearable.

When Elias dismissed the warriors and turned to her, there was something unreadable in his eyes. Not cold… but careful.

“You’ve been watching me for twenty minutes,” he said, grabbing a towel to wipe the sweat from his neck. “You planning to say something or just admire the view?”

Serena offered a tight smile. “Can’t it be both?”

He chuckled, the sound low and rough. “You’re avoiding the conversation we need to have.”

She sighed. “You’re right. I’ve been avoiding it because I’m afraid of what I’ll say.”

He gestured for her to walk with him, and they made their way toward the wooded path that led to the riverbank. It had always been their place—where they went to escape everything else. The forest was alive with birdsong, the trees tall and whispering with secrets. But between them, silence grew heavy.

“I never asked for this,” she said finally. “Any of it. Not the mating bond with Theron, not this complicated, overwhelming thing with you. But I’m here now. And I’m trying to figure it out.”

Elias stopped walking, turning to face her fully. His dark eyes searched hers. “I never expected to fall for you, Serena. It wasn’t part of the plan. But I did. I have. And I don’t regret it. But I need to know—do you still see a future with me? Or are you drifting back to him?”

Her chest tightened. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “Theron and I… we share a bond that’s ancient and fated. But you and I? What we have feels more like a choice. Something earned.”

“And yet,” Elias said, his voice quiet, “you still hesitate.”

“Because I’m afraid,” she snapped, more forcefully than intended. “I’m afraid of choosing wrong. Of hurting either of you. Of losing myself in the middle of all this.”

He stepped closer, the heat of him washing over her like a wildfire. “You won't lose yourself. I see you, Serena. All of you. Not just the Luna or the mate. I see the woman who fights, who leads, who loves harder than anyone I know.”

She swallowed hard, her throat suddenly tight. “Then help me find clarity.”

Without hesitation, Elias cupped her face in his hands. His touch was rough from battle but gentle with her, always with her. “Then let me remind you of us.”

Their lips met in a kiss that burned with all the words they hadn’t said. It was fierce and tender all at once—desperate, consuming. Her hands slid into his damp hair, and his arms wrapped around her waist, anchoring her to him as if letting go would mean losing her forever.

She melted into the kiss, into the warmth of him. Here, in his arms, the confusion faded. There was only this moment. Only the man who had stood by her side through bloodshed, betrayal, and heartache.

But the moment shattered with the sound of a twig snapping behind them.

They froze.

Turning slowly, Serena’s heart plummeted. Theron stood several feet away, his golden eyes locked on them. He wasn’t masked in anger or jealousy—just pain. Raw and hollow.

“I see,” he said, voice steady but strained.

“Theron…” Serena stepped forward, but he raised a hand to stop her.

“I just needed clarity,” he said. “Now I have it.”

Elias moved, positioning himself slightly between Serena and Theron. “You don’t understand.”

“No,” Theron said, looking directly at Serena now. “I understand perfectly.”

Serena’s heart was pounding. “Theron, I care about you. That hasn’t changed. But this… it’s not black and white. I’m still figuring things out.”

Theron took a deep breath, his jaw tightening. “I came back from the edge of death for you, Serena. I fought for you. And maybe I made the mistake of assuming fate was enough.”

Silence fell between them.

Serena reached out. “Please. Don’t walk away. Let’s talk this through. You both deserve that.”

Theron hesitated, eyes flickering between them. “Fine. But this time… no more hiding.”

He turned and walked back toward the path, expecting them to follow.

Elias looked at Serena. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

“No,” she whispered. “But it’s time.”

Together, they walked into the shadows of the forest, hearts heavy but determined. The choices ahead wouldn’t be easy. But they would be made—with honesty, with courage, and with love.