Elara had only taken a few steps toward the healer's wing when the breeze shifted again—warmer this time, threaded with smoke, pine, and the grounding presence that had soothed her even when she was unconscious.
Kael.
Her feet slowed.
Her pulse did the opposite.
She stopped near a stone archway overlooking the inner courtyard, hands lightly gripping the ledge as she willed her heart to settle. She told herself she was only staying put because she was tired from helping the omegas. Because Mirael would throw a fit if she wandered too far.
But the truth was simple.
She wanted to see him.
And that alone terrified her.
Lyra stirred within her, stretching like a waking predator.
He's near.I can feel him.
Elara swallowed. I know.
The heavy doors of the main hall opened, their wooden groan echoing across the courtyard. Elara lifted her gaze—
—and there he was.
Kael descended the steps with the weight of a man carrying an entire pack on his shoulders. His dark hair was wind-tossed, his jaw set in a tired clench. His broad shoulders seemed even more tense than usual, as if every muscle had been pulled taut.
Ryden followed behind him, speaking urgently, but Kael lifted a hand, silencing him. The Beta stopped, bowed his head, and turned away, leaving the Alpha to continue alone.
Kael raked a hand through his hair, exhaled—and then froze.
His head lifted.
His eyes found her instantly.
And Elara felt it like a physical touch.
She straightened on instinct, heart stumbling painfully. Kael's expression changed—not dramatically, but subtly in a way only someone watching closely would notice. The stiffness in his posture loosened. The harshness in his gaze softened. His steps slowed, purpose shifting entirely toward her.
He crossed the courtyard in long strides, exhaustion clinging to him like a second shadow… yet he moved as though the sight of her was pulling him forward.
"Elara," he breathed when he reached her.
He always said her name like it was something precious.
Something lost, now found.
Elara dipped her head, suddenly shy. "You look tired."
His mouth twitched with a weary, almost embarrassed smile. "I am."
"But you haven't rested," she said quietly. "You—Kael, you can't keep doing this to yourself."
The concern slipped out before she could stop it.
His eyes flickered with a heat she didn't understand.
"I'll rest," he murmured. "Now that I know you're strong enough to walk."
Her breath caught. "I only… wanted to see more of the pack. And I met some omegas—they're kind."
A faint look of surprise flashed in his eyes, followed by something warm. "You made friends already?"
"Is that strange?" she asked softly.
"Not strange." His voice dropped into something gentler. "Just… good to see."
Elara looked down at her hands, suddenly unsure again. "Kael… can I ask something?"
His brows lowered in concern. "Anything."
"What… what will happen to me now? I don't want to be a burden to your pack. If I stay here, I want to be useful."
Kael inhaled sharply, a muscle ticking in his jaw.
"You will never be a burden," he said, voice low and fierce.
Elara blinked at the intensity of it.
"You're not here because you owe us anything. You're not here because you must serve a role." His gaze softened. "You're here because you deserve safety. And because… you belong here, Elara."
Her heart skipped painfully.
Lyra surged forward inside her, pressing emotions to the surface she wasn't ready to name.
Elara opened her mouth—but no words came. Not even breaths. Kael noticed instantly. He stepped closer, lowering his head slightly.
"You don't need to rush your place here," he murmured. "Just heal."
She forced her voice to steady. "But I want to contribute."
"And you will," Kael said gently. "When you're ready. For now… let us protect you." His eyes moved over her face, searching. "Please."
That single please made her knees weaken.
He never begged.
Not for anything.
Elara looked away, cheeks warm. "I… I'll try."
A small, relieved sigh escaped him. "That's all I ask."
They stood there for a quiet moment, the mountain breeze circling around them like an unseen ribbon. It wasn't silence—not really. It was full of unspoken things.
Questions. Fears. Longing neither could name yet.
Kael nudged the air beside him. "Walk with me? Only back to the healer's wing. I don't want you overtired."
She nodded.
They walked side by side, slowly, their arms brushing just close enough to make her breath hitch. Kael kept pace with her smaller strides, ready to steady her if she wobbled. She never did—but he still walked close, as if every inch of distance mattered.
When they reached the healer's entrance, Kael stepped in front of her, blocking the wind.
"Elara… if you ever need anything," he said quietly, "you don't have to hide it. Not from me."
His voice was a promise. And somewhere deep inside her, Lyra howled in quiet, aching recognition.
Elara nodded, unable to speak past the warmth gathering in her chest.
Kael hesitated—just a heartbeat—then bowed his head slightly, a gesture of respect from an Alpha to someone far more important than any title.
"Rest well," he whispered.
And then he left, walking away with the heaviness of a man who wanted—needed—to stay, but wouldn't cross the boundaries she wasn't ready to break yet.
Elara stepped inside the healer's wing, pressing a trembling hand to her chest.
Her heart was still racing.
And for the first time in her life…
It wasn't fear causing it.