THE CHASED MATE

Chapter Seventeen

The pack gathered at the sparring grounds as the first rays of sunlight broke through the trees. Lyra stood at the edge of the circle, her heart pounding as Kael and Ethan faced each other in the center.

“This isn’t about you,” Kael had told her the night before. “It’s about the pack. About showing them that we’re stronger together.”

But Lyra couldn’t shake the feeling that it was about her, at least in part.

The fight was brutal, a clash of strength and strategy. Ethan fought dirty, using every trick he could to gain the upper hand. But Kael’s focus and determination were unshakable.

In the end, it was Kael who stood victorious, his dominance undisputed as Ethan lay defeated at his feet.

Kael turned to the pack, his voice carrying through the clearing. “This is what happens when we let division take root. We’re stronger when we stand together. And I won’t let anyone tear us apart.”

The pack erupted in cheers, their loyalty reaffirmed.

Kael found Lyra in the crowd, his golden eyes locking onto hers. She stepped forward, her chest tight with emotion.

“You didn’t have to do this,” she said softly.

Kael smiled, his hand reaching for hers. “Yes, I did. For you. For us.”

As the pack celebrated around them, Lyra realized that for the first time in her life, she didn’t have to face her battles alone.