Shadows Beneath The Moon
870 Words
Chapter 11
The moon hung like a silver sentinel over the treetops, casting an ethereal glow over the Mystwood territory. Lena stood at the riverbank, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as the cool night air whispered through the forest. The world felt heavy—her thoughts heavier.
She’d stormed off hours ago, overwhelmed by Kael’s distance, his conflicting signals, and the way he looked at her like she was both salvation and destruction.
“You don’t understand what you are to me,” he had said.
And she didn’t. Not really. Only that the pull between them was growing stronger, the mark on her shoulder pulsing faintly, as if responding to some ancient call. Her fingers brushed over it—still tender, still glowing faintly in the moonlight.
The bond was undeniable.
Suddenly, a rustle in the nearby brush made her turn sharply. “Who’s there?” she called, voice taut with unease.
A figure stepped into the clearing—Ash, Kael’s younger brother. His dark eyes glittered under the moonlight, and Lena could sense the mischief, the secrets he always carried like armor.
“You really shouldn’t be out here alone,” he said, hands casually in his pockets.
“I needed air,” Lena replied, trying to keep her guard up.
Ash tilted his head. “Or space from my brother?”
She frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means Kael is losing control,” Ash said bluntly. “The bond is changing him. And it’s changing you too.”
She crossed her arms. “And you think I’m the problem?”
“No,” Ash said after a pause. “I think the curse is the problem. And he’s not telling you everything.”
Lena’s stomach twisted. “What do you know?”
Ash glanced around as if the trees might be listening. “The last woman Kael bonded to... she died before the bond was complete. He never talks about it. But I was there.”
The blood drained from Lena’s face.
“I don’t want to see history repeat itself,” he added, stepping a little closer. “You deserve the truth.”
Before she could ask more, a low growl reverberated through the trees—deep, feral, and full of warning.
Kael.
He emerged from the shadows, only partially shifted. His eyes glowed gold, his canines elongated, hands already clawed. His bare chest heaved with restrained fury as he stared Ash down.
“Step away from her,” Kael growled, voice half-beast.
Ash didn’t flinch. “She’s not a piece of property, Kael.”
“I said—step away.”
Kael’s voice was deeper now, and his wolf was close to the surface. Lena could feel the surge of tension ripple through the air like a storm building.
“I’m not your enemy,” Ash muttered. “But maybe the real danger isn’t me.”
Lena moved between them. “Enough! Both of you!”
Kael's eyes flicked to her instantly, his expression softening for a moment—but pain still lingered there. “Why did you run?” he asked hoarsely.
“Because you keep pushing me away,” she said, voice shaking. “And I can’t stay in the dark while you wrestle with something I don’t understand.”
Kael exhaled slowly, trying to pull back the rage. “I felt it when you left. Like something was tearing inside me.”
Lena’s heart clenched. “Then stop hiding from me.”
Ash shook his head, murmuring, “This isn’t over,” before turning and disappearing into the forest.
Now it was just Lena and Kael, standing beneath the moon’s glow, the bond between them pulsing in sync with their hearts.
Kael stepped closer, eyes haunted. “I’m not hiding because I don’t care. I’m hiding because I care too much.”
She didn’t speak, letting him go on.
“I’ve already lost one mate,” he said softly. “The curse—it twisted the bond. Made me... lose control. I tore her apart on the night of the full moon. I’ll never forget the look in her eyes.”
Lena felt her knees go weak. “Why are you telling me this now?”
“Because I’m already bound to you,” he whispered. “And I’d rather die than hurt you.”
Tears welled in her eyes. She wanted to hate him for hiding the truth, but part of her understood—he was terrified. Not of her, but of himself.
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, fingers trembling slightly. “I will find a way to break the curse. I swear it.”
Lena looked up into his golden eyes. “Then stop pushing me away. Let me fight with you, not from you.”
Kael nodded slowly, a hint of hope glimmering in his gaze.
They stood in silence, forehead to forehead, two hearts caught in a cruel web of fate.
And far away, cloaked in shadow atop an ancient stone, the witch Eira watched the scene unfold. A cruel smile danced on her lips.
The bond was almost complete.
Soon, the real game would begin.
- Writer
