MINE TO UNCHAIN

chapter four

POV: Wren

"Wren, dear?"

The handle rattled again.

Kael was gone.

One heartbeat, he stood in front of me.

The next, there was only an open window and a curtain swaying in the dark.

I slammed it shut and yanked the latch.

"Coming!"

My voice cracked.

I pressed my palm to my collarbone.

The silver line had vanished.

Like it had never been there.

I opened the door.

Maren stood in the hallway, a tray balanced in her wrinkled hands.

Her gray braid hung over one shoulder.

Her eyes were soft and tired, like always.

"You didn't come back to the archives," she said. "I was worried."

"I'm sorry. I didn't feel well."

"After tonight? I'm not surprised."

She stepped inside.

My stomach clenched.

She set the tray on my desk, right where the candlestick had been.

Then she turned slowly, studying the room.

The window.

The rumpled curtain.

The cold air still drifting through the cracks.

"You opened your window."

"I needed air."

"Hmm."

She said nothing else.

She poured the tea instead, chamomile, honey, the same as every night for nine years.

"Drink, child."

I stared at the cup.

The one person in this pack you trust most.

My hands wouldn't move.

"Wren?"

"I'm not thirsty."

Maren's smile faltered.

Just a flicker.

Then it returned, gentle as ever.

"Of course. You've had a terrible shock."

She sat on the edge of my bed and patted the blanket beside her.

I stayed standing.

"Is it true?" I asked. "What the rogue said? That I could have shifted?"

Her fingers tightened around the teacup.

"Rogues say many things."

"That's not an answer."

"It is the only one you need tonight."

Something cold slid into her voice.

Not cruel.

Not angry.

Final.

Then she sighed and the old woman returned, small and weary.

"Listen to me, Wren. Alpha Cassian is deciding what to do about the bond. Tomorrow will be difficult. Stay in your room. Speak to no one. Especially not him."

"Why?"

"Because he is dangerous."

"He didn't hurt me."

"Not yet."

She stood and smoothed her skirt.

At the door, she paused.

"I raised you since you were small. You know I only want you safe."

My throat tightened.

For nine years, that had been true.

Hadn't it?

"Goodnight, Maren."

"Goodnight, dear."

The door clicked shut.

I waited until her footsteps faded.

Then I crossed to the desk and lifted the teacup.

The tea was still warm.

It smelled like honey and chamomile.

And underneath, very faintly, something bitter.

I set it down.

My hands trembled.

Behind me, the window latch clicked open.

"Told you," Kael whispered.

I spun around.

He crouched on the sill, gold eyes glowing in the dark, no longer smiling.

"She's been drugging your tea for nine years."

My heart stopped.

"Wren," he said quietly. "Pour it out. Then come with me."

"Where?"

"To the one place in this pack she can't follow."

He held out his hand.

"The Moonlit Vault."