Chapter 3: Shadows Between Us
654 Words
The moon was high when Kade returned to the main estate, but his feet carried him toward the east wing—toward her—without permission from his mind.
He didn’t know what he’d say.
Didn’t know what he wanted her to say.
All he knew was that Aria’s eyes hadn’t left him all day. Not in fear. Not in anger. But in something worse.
Disappointment.
The door to the veranda creaked as he opened it. She was there, just as he remembered her on those secret summer nights—barefoot, in silence, staring at the stars as if searching for an escape.
She didn’t turn.
"You shouldn’t be here,"she said quietly.
Kade swallowed hard. “That never stopped us before.”
Her shoulders stiffened. “A lot has changed.”
“I noticed.” He paused. “I saw the boy.”
Now she turned, slowly, wrapping her shawl tighter around her. Her face was unreadable, but her eyes—gods, those eyes—held an ocean of emotion.
“You left, Kade.”
His heart cracked. “I didn’t have a choice.”
“There’s always a choice. You just didn’t choose me.”
He flinched like she’d struck him. He deserved it.
“I thought I was doing what was best. Becoming stronger. Making a place where I could protect you.”
“And when you finally came back,” she said bitterly, “I was already someone else’s.”
“Lucan’s.” The name felt poisoned on his tongue.
She turned back to the stars. “The claiming ceremony wasn’t even warm before he put me in this house. Alone. Away from the rest of the pack.”
Kade stepped closer. “Does he... hurt you?”
She hesitated too long.
And that silence was all he needed.
“Aria…” he said, voice low and aching. “I should have never left you.”
“No,” she whispered. “You shouldn’t have.”
The wind stirred. Somewhere inside, a child’s faint cry rose and fell.
Kade stilled.
She moved before he could ask, stepping between him and the door. “Don’t.”
His eyes narrowed. “Why?”
“Because looking at him will only make everything worse.”
His pulse spiked. “Why would it?”
“You’ve already done enough damage.”
“I—” The words caught. “Is he mine?”
That question fell like a knife into the night.
Aria’s jaw tightened. Her eyes glistened—but she didn’t say yes.
She didn’t say no.
Behind them, the floorboards creaked.
Lucan’s voice slid through the dark, smooth and dangerous. “What a sweet reunion.”
Aria froze. Kade turned, instinct already flaring.
Lucan stepped into view, shirt undone at the collar, golden hair tousled, and a smirk carved like a weapon across his face.
“Brother. I thought we might find you here.”
Kade’s fists clenched. “She’s not your prisoner.”
Lucan’s laugh was low. “No. She’s my mate.”
Aria’s breath hitched, barely audible. But Kade caught it.
Lucan noticed too.
“And mates,” Lucan continued, stepping behind Aria and placing a possessive hand on her shoulder, “share everything. Don’t we, Aria?”
She didn’t answer.
Lucan leaned closer, his eyes locked with Kade’s. “Except, of course, secrets. Those she keeps to herself.”
Kade’s voice was gravel. “What are you playing at?”
“Oh, I’m not playing.” Lucan’s smile widened. “But she might be.”
Aria jerked away from his touch, retreating inside without another word. Lucan didn’t follow.
He just stood there, staring at Kade, as if daring him to follow instead.
And Kade did nothing.
Because part of him was burning with rage.
But a deeper part—one he hadn’t expected—was drowning in guilt.
For the first time, Kade wondered if he deserved her silence.
- Writer
