Chapter 101: The Last Hope

I moved, and they followed. Kael fell into step beside me with his hands shoved into his pockets. Sarafina walked on my other side.We cut across the open stretch behind the main house, then slipped into the narrower path that led deeper into the territory. Ahead, the massive tree came into view. It was the spot where the younger wolves gathered for whatever reason.We stepped under its shade, and I slowed.Kael dropped down onto one of the roots with a grunt, stretching his legs out in front of him. Sarafina leaned back against the trunk, arms loosely crossed, while I stayed standing for a second, then finally sat.“You look like crap,” Kael said bluntly.I shot him a look. “Happy birthday to me, right?”He shrugged. “I already said that part.”Sarafina tilted her head slightly, studying me.“He’s right though,” she said, softer. “You don’t look okay.”“I’m fine,” I said automatically.Both of them stared at me unimpressed.Kael snorted. “Yeah. And I’m the Alpha.”I huffed quietly. “

Chapter 102: Lying My Way Through

We didn’t waste time after that. The moment I said we’d go find Lucas, Kael was already on his feet, stretching like he’d just been waiting for something to do. Sarafina pushed off the tree, brushing invisible dust from her arms.“Warrior side?” Kael asked.“Yeah,” I said. “If he’s not on patrol, he’ll be near the gates.”“Or pretending to work while actually doing nothing,” Kael added.I snorted under my breath. “That sounds about right.”We moved out from under the tree, back into the open paths, then deeper toward the outer parts of the territory to the warrior grounds.The gates weren’t far now. I could already see the tall iron structure ahead through the trees.This was it. if Lucas said no—I didn’t let myself finish that thought.We were just about to step into the clearing when—“Ethan.”My entire body froze.Elder Mira.A cold weight dropped straight into my chest.No, not now.Kael and Sarafina both turned immediately.“Elder Mira,” Sarafina greeted respectfully, dipping he

Chapter 103: Trying To Get Help

Lucas stood with his arms crossed, and his gaze lifted the moment I approached. There was a brief pause, then—“Happy birthday.”I nodded once. “Thanks.”He didn’t smile but just watched me for a second longer before pushing off the gate slightly.“Alright,” he said. “Go straight to the point.”Kael snorted immediately.Lucas didn’t even look at him.“I know you didn’t come all the way out here to enjoy the scenery,” he continued. “So say what you want.”That did it as Kael and Sarafina both broke into laughter.I groaned, dragging a hand over my face. “Can you two not—”That only made it worse.Kael bent slightly, clutching his stomach. “He said go straight to the point—”“I am at the point,” Lucas said dryly.Sarafina tried to stifle hers, covering her mouth, but it came out anyway in short bursts.“Guys,” I said, sharper this time. “Stop.”They didn’t even though they tried, but they couldn’t.Lucas exhaled slowly, already turning away. “You know what—”“No, wait—!” Kael straighten

Chapter 104: Finally... he's in

“…What really is your relationship with Derek…?”I didn’t answer. So instead, I looked away like I hadn’t heard him.“…Ethan,” Lucas said.I ignored it. Turned slightly, exhaling through my nose as I was more focused on the ground than the weight of his stare, causing silence to stretch.Then—“Yeah,” Lucas muttered. “That’s what I thought.”I clenched my jaw, but still said nothing. Because anything I said would’ve been the wrong thing... and he knew it.Of course he did.Lucas shook his head once, stepping back.“My answer is still no.”That snapped something in me, and I looked up at him again, frustration flaring.“Lucas—”“I’m not helping you sneak out,” he said firmly. “End of discussion.”I exhaled sharply, then glanced briefly at Kael and Sarafina. They were watching.I turned back to Lucas.“Can I talk to you?” I asked, quieter now.He frowned slightly. “You’re already talking.”“Alone. Please.”His gaze flicked past me to them, then back to me.“…Make it quick.”I didn’t wai

Chapter 105: What I Saw In The Cave

I returned home as quickly as I could, as all that mattered was getting through this next phase so I could leave, and so I could get back to him.I stepped into my room and shut the door behind me, leaning back against it for a second as I exhaled slowly.“Just get through it,” I muttered.That was the plan, nothing more and nothing less.I moved on autopilot after that.I went to my bed and sat. After a few seconds of doing just that, I stood. Then I paced as time stretched, and every minute that passed was another minute Derek was still out there, and I hated it.I sat on the edge of my bed, elbows on my knees, staring at the floor when a knock at the door broke the silence.“Ethan.”My mother.I stood immediately and crossed the room, opening the door.She stood there, already dressed.“The elders are waiting,” she said softly. “It’s time.”Finally.I nodded. “Okay.”She smiled faintly, stepping back so I could walk out.I didn’t hesitate as the sooner this was done, the sooner I c

Chapter 106: I'm Coming For You... Love.

I gasped as air slammed back into my lungs like I’d been drowning.The fire, the screams of I’ve lost my wolf were all gone and replaced by cold stone, low torchlight and voices.“Ethan!”My eyes snapped open.The cave ceiling came into focus above me, blurred at first, then sharpening as I blinked rapidly. My body felt heavy like I’d been dragged through something and dropped back into myself too fast.“Easy,” one of the elders said.I pushed myself up instinctively, ignoring the way my head spun for a second. My mother was right there, crouched in front of me, her hands hovering like she wanted to touch me but wasn’t sure if she should.“I’m fine,” I said quickly, even though my voice came out rough.My father stood just behind her, watching me closely. The circle of elders remained around me, waiting, observing and judging.“What did you see?” one of them asked.The question hit immediately and with it, the image of me on my knees, crying that I’ve lost my wolf…My chest tightened.