Chapter 7
961 Words
Left To Die
The peaceful silence surrounding the cave vanished the instant Ronan delivered his report.
"The Crescent Moon Pack has entered the Forbidden Forest," Ronan repeated. "Alpha Kingston is leading the search himself."
Kael's golden eyes darkened.
"So, he finally realized what he lost."
Ronan folded his arms.
"Our scouts estimate they'll reach this area before sunset."
Kael looked back toward the cave entrance, where Selene was warming herself by the fire.
She still had no idea that the man who had shattered her heart was now desperately searching for her.
Nor did she know the truth about the stranger she had trusted.
Kael's gaze softened.
"She deserves peace."
"And if Kingston finds her first?" Ronan asked.
"He won't."
The Lycan King's voice was calm but absolute.
"Double the Royal Guards stationed around this forest."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"No one is to reveal my identity."
Ronan bowed before disappearing into the trees.
---
Inside the cave, Selene looked up as Kael returned.
"Is everything all right?"
Kael nodded.
"Just a traveler asking for directions."
She smiled faintly.
"I almost believed you."
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"You're a terrible liar."
For a brief second, Kael laughed—a genuine laugh that even surprised him.
It had been years since anyone had spoken to him so casually.
"You have a sharp eye."
"So I've been told."
The atmosphere between them grew lighter.
For the first time in days, Selene found herself smiling without forcing it.
Kael noticed.
It was a beautiful smile.
One that deserved to be protected.
---
Outside the cave, hidden among the trees, several Royal Lycans watched silently.
One young guard whispered to another,
"I've never seen His Majesty smile."
"Neither have I."
"Is she really the Moon Queen?"
The older guard silenced them with a glance.
"Watch your tongues."
They immediately lowered their heads.
Far above them, the full moon remained visible despite the afternoon sky.
It was an unusual sight.
A sign.
The Moon Goddess was watching.
Miles away, Alpha Kingston and his warriors crossed into the Forbidden Forest.
He looked at the enormous claw marks carved into ancient trees.
"This wasn't made by ordinary wolves."
Beta Ethan nodded grimly.
"We're entering Lycan territory."
Kingston tightened his grip on his sword.
"I don't care whose territory it is."
His wolf growled inside him.
"She's close."
Kingston lifted his head.
For the first time since the rejection ceremony...
He could faintly sense Selene's presence.
And somewhere deep within the forest, fate was drawing two powerful kings toward the same woman.
Kael's smile faded the instant he sensed it.
A familiar Alpha aura drifted through the forest.
Kingston.
"He found the trail sooner than I expected," Kael murmured.
Selene looked at him curiously.
"What is it?"
Kael forced a calm expression.
"Nothing. We should leave this cave."
"Why?"
"The forest isn't as safe as it seems."
She nodded without asking more questions.
Something about Kael made her feel she could trust him.
As they stepped outside, the fresh scent of pine filled the air.
The rain had washed the forest clean, and sunlight streamed through the towering trees.
For a brief moment, everything felt peaceful.
Then—
A distant wolf howl echoed through the valley.
Kael immediately recognized it.
It wasn't a Royal Lycan.
It belonged to one of Kingston's scouts.
"They're closer," Ronan whispered, appearing beside Kael.
Selene blinked in surprise.
"You... where did you come from?"
Ronan bowed politely.
"I've been nearby."
Kael shot him a warning look.
Ronan understood and remained silent.
"We need to move," Kael said.
They had barely taken a few steps when another voice rang out through the trees.
"Selene!"
Her body froze.
That voice...
She would recognize it anywhere.
Kingston.
Her heartbeat quickened.
She slowly turned toward the sound.
Between the ancient trees stood Alpha Kingston.
His black coat was torn from pushing through the dense forest, and his blue eyes were fixed entirely on her.
For a long moment, neither of them moved.
Relief flooded Kingston's face.
"I finally found you."
Selene felt the old pain return.
The humiliation.
The rejection.
The broken promises.
She took one step backward.
Kingston noticed.
His heart sank.
"Selene..."
He walked toward her carefully.
"I'm not here to hurt you."
Kael silently stepped forward, placing himself between them.
His tall figure blocked Kingston's path.
The two men locked eyes.
Neither spoke.
The air itself seemed to grow heavy.
Kingston narrowed his eyes.
"And who are you?"
Kael answered calmly.
"A traveler."
Kingston's wolf growled furiously inside him.
"He's lying."
"This man is dangerous."
Kingston ignored the warning.
His attention returned to Selene.
"Come home."
Selene stared at him in disbelief.
"Home?"
A bitter laugh escaped her lips.
"You threw me out."
"I made a mistake."
Her eyes widened.
It was the first time she had ever heard Alpha Kingston admit he was wrong.
He took another careful step.
"I'm asking you to come back."
Selene looked at him for a long moment.
Then she slowly shook her head.
"My home is no longer with the Crescent Moon Pack."
Kingston's expression fell.
Before he could speak again, Kael's calm but commanding voice cut through the silence.
"She has already made her choice."
Kingston's blue eyes flashed with anger.
"This is between my mate and me."
Kael met his gaze without fear.
"You rejected her."
The forest fell silent.
Kingston's fists clenched.
"I know."
Kael's golden eyes turned cold.
"Then you no longer have the right to decide her future."
The tension between the two powerful men spread through the forest like a storm.
Hidden among the trees, Royal Lycans and Crescent Moon warriors watched in stunned silence.
Everyone sensed the same terrifying truth.
If either king made the first move...
A war would begin.
- Writer
