LOVING THE BEST WITHIN

EPISODE 13: TAKEN BY THE DARK

The night feels heavier than usual in Silverpine Ridge. A strange stillness hangs in the air, as if the forest itself is holding its breath.

Elena tries to rest in one of the cabins within Kael’s territory, but sleep won’t come. The unease from earlier hasn’t left her—it’s stronger now, pressing against her chest like a warning she can’t ignore.

Outside, Kael keeps watch despite his injuries. His instincts are restless, his wolf on edge. Something isn’t right.

Deep in the shadows beyond the territory, Lucian’s wolves move silently, their eyes fixed on one target.

Elena.

Back in the cabin, Elena finally drifts into a light sleep—only to be jolted awake by a sudden noise. A window creaks open. The air turns cold.

Before she can react, a dark figure lunges from the shadows.

Elena gasps, struggling as one of Lucian’s wolves—half-shifted, stronger than any human—grabs her. She tries to scream, but a hand covers her mouth.

Outside, Kael’s head snaps up.

“Elena.”

In an instant, he shifts and sprints toward the cabin, crashing through the door—but he’s too late.

The room is empty.

The scent of intruders is strong. And Elena is gone.

A furious growl tears from Kael’s chest, shaking the trees around him. The entire pack rushes in, alerted by the sound.

“They took her,” Rowan says grimly, already reading the signs.

Kael’s eyes burn with rage. “Lucian.”

Without hesitation, he turns toward the forest, ready to chase—but Rowan steps in front of him.

“Stop. This is exactly what he wants,” Rowan warns. “You’ll walk straight into a trap.”

Kael growls low, barely holding onto control. “I don’t care. I’m not leaving her with him.”

Meanwhile, deep within enemy territory, Elena is dragged through the forest, struggling against her captors. Her heart pounds as fear grips her—but she refuses to give in.

“Let me go!” she shouts, her voice fierce despite the terror.

A cold chuckle echoes ahead.

Lucian steps out of the shadows.

“Welcome,” he says smoothly, his eyes gleaming. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Elena glares at him, trying to hide her fear. “Kael will come for me.”

Lucian’s smile widens. “That’s exactly the point.”

Back in Kael’s territory, the Alpha stands frozen for a moment—then his expression turns deadly calm.

“Prepare yourselves,” he says to his pack.

Rowan watches him carefully. “Kael…”

Kael’s eyes darken with determination and fury.

“We’re going to war.”