Bound by Lies

chapter 6

Isla

One year had gone by since I had abandoned school, the life I once led, a life marred by betrayal and rejection. The past no longer owned me; it was simply a weak sound of who I used to be. Now, I was someone new, someone stronger. And Kael had been there every step of the way, helping me rebuild myself.

I stood at the edge of the village square, watching as the morning sun bathed the pack lands in golden light. The air was clear and smelled of pine and the faint buzz of surrounding life. Children dashed through the square, their happy sounds like a song, while in their altered forms the wolves walked the perimeters. Other people were engaged in daily activities like chores, exercising, hunting, and cooking.

“Good morning, Luna Isla! An elder greeted warmly, her face lined with age but glowing with kindness.

I smiled, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. “Good morning, Elder Maeve. How are you today?”

“Better now that I see you,” she said, chuckling. You've filled it with such happiness, my little one.”

Her words filled me with warmth. The pack had taken me in so completely that I sometimes believed I had always been. It wasn't only a home, but also a family for Kael's pack—a family I was never expecting to have.

As I made my way to the healer’s hut, I passed a group of warriors sparring in the training yard. They stopped for a moment, bowing courteously, their gestures smooth and graceful. However, don't let them intimidate you. The fellowship was strong among them, a comradeship shared by love and a common goal.

The healer’s hut stood at the edge of the village, its thatched roof blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest. Within, the scent of herbalism was mingled with salves and folk medicines. Sera, Kael's healer and friend, was focusing on mending a warrior's arm, her tawny gaze serene and intent.

“Isla, she greeted me with a warm smile as I entered. “What brings you here so early?”

“I wanted to check on the injured warriors, " I said, glancing at the rows of cots. Most of them were empty, save for a few wolves resting with bandaged wounds.

“They're fine," Sera reassured, cleaning her hands on a cloth. “Nothing serious. A few scratches and bruises, but they’ll heal quickly. You don’t need to worry.”

Relief flooded through me. “That’s good to hear. Do you think I could prepare lunch for them later? Something hearty to lift their spirits?”

Sera chuckled, her eyes twinkling. “Of course. But you should ask the kitchen maids for help. Cooking isn’t exactly your strongest skill.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Fair enough. By the way, have you seen Kael this morning?”

Sera’s smile widened knowingly. “He was looking for you. I think he’s in his chambers.”

My heart skipped a beat at her words. It would be the idea of seeing Kael that would always make me feel a sense of giddy anticipation, no matter how many times we hung out. “Thanks, Sera. I’ll go find him.”

When I exited the hut, I couldn't help but smile. Sunlight passing through the branches made things look shinier and more vibrant. The song of the birds was sweet, and the whisper of leaves induced by the breeze was soothing music.

When I reached Kael’s chambers, I didn’t bother knocking. He always told me I didn’t need to.

The moment I stepped inside, Kael turned from his desk, his dark eyes lighting up as they met mine. He took two long strides across the room and swept me into a bear hug.

“Where have you been? He murmured, his voice a mix of relief and teasing. “I missed you.”

Heat flooded my cheeks as I returned his hug. “I was just exploring the village, I said softly, inhaling his scent—an intoxicating mix of pine and the raw essence of him.

Kael retracted a little, his arms still around me, on my waist. “You’re always wandering,” he said with a smirk. “You should’ve come to see me first.”

“I didn’t think you’d notice, I teased, though my voice betrayed the fluttering in my chest.

Of course, I have seen it," he said, with a quiet, loving voice.

His shirt was stained with dirt and sweat, evidence of his rigorous training. I stepped back, trying to gather my composure. “I’ll assist you with that," I said, pointing at his tunic.

Kael, however, raised an eyebrow but gave way to me. I felt the touch of my fingers on his surface and I immediately looked away and concentrated on the act of folding the shirt. “You should take a bath, I said, my voice quieter than I intended.”

“Run one for me, then, he said, his smirk growing.

I busied myself with preparing the bath, pouring in warm water, and adding herbs Sera had given me for relaxation. The steam filled the air with a relaxing scent.

As Kael stepped into the adjoining chamber, I couldn’t help but steal a glance. His broad shoulders and muscular frame were mesmerizing, and I felt my cheeks burn at the thought.

'What's the situation with the war'? I inquired hopefully, to change the topic to less dangerous ground.

Kael rested against the tub and watched me with a precision that made my heart race. There's no need to be concerned about that", he said, in a soft but resolute tone. “Your focus should be on training and getting stronger.”

I rolled my eyes, laughing softly. “I have been training, but Riley keeps going easy on me. He says I’m too fragile.”

Kael's face clouded and he rose to his feet, dripping water off his body. Grabbing a towel, he made two quick steps across the room and his eyes met mine. He leaned against me, brought his hands to my waist, and drew me towards him.

“You are fragile, he said, his voice a low growl. And if just they even get a single scratch, I'm going to have to jail Riley for negligence.

I laughed, pushing against his chest. “You’re the one making him go easy on me! Admit it!”

Kael’s smirk softened into a tender smile. “Maybe,” he admitted, his tone playful. But just for that reason, too, because I cannot stand the thought of you getting harmed.

And I felt a knot in my throat, and my heart swelled up. Kael…", I muttered, but my tongue simply refused to give voice to the gratitude and endearment that I felt.

He leaned in, his forehead resting against mine. “You’re everything to me, Isla, he said, his voice barely audible.

The moment hung between us, charged with unspoken emotions. But then he pulled back, his smirk returning. “Sorry, gotta go, I've got to finish my bubble bath. Come back when I’m done.”

I smiled, shaking my head, and got out of the room. My heart was lighter than it had been in years, filled with a quiet joy that I never thought I’d feel again.

When I retraced my steps through the village I stopped to see the wounded soldiers. One of them, a young wolf named Larkin, grinned up at me from his cot.

“Feeling better?” I asked, kneeling beside him.

Much better, thanks to Sera and your herbs," he said. “You’ve got a knack for this, Luna.”

I blushed at the blazon but his sentences filled me with joy. “I’ll bring lunch for everyone later,” I promised.

The pack’s warmth and acceptance had become my foundation. And with Kael by my side, I felt like I could face anything. This was life, and this was mine and I was going to defend it regardless of the hurdles to be overcome.