The Shadow of Regret
626 Words
The days blurred into a rhythm of training and quiet moments. Mornings in the courtyard with Seraphina, afternoons in the library with old books, evenings alone with my thought and the constant pull of the bond.
Thorne kept his distance, but he was never far. He appeared when I least expected it, bringing food, watching from the shadows during training, or simply sitting nearby in silence. He did not push. He waited.
I hated that I noticed every time he entered a room.
One afternoon, after a long session where I finally managed to summon a shield of flame that held against Seraphina's practice strikes, I returned to my chamber exhausted. The door was ajar.
Thorne stood by the window, looking out over the mountains. He turned as I entered.
"You are improving," he said.
I closed the door behind me. "Seraphina is a good teacher."
"She is." He paused. "But the flame responds to you. Not her."
I crossed the room and sat on the edge of the bed. "What do you want, Thorne?"
He moved closer, stopping a few feet away. "To talk."
"About?"
"The past." He looked at me. "And the future."
I waited.
He took a breath. "When Isolde died, I blamed myself. I was not fast enough. I could not save her. After that, my wolf retreated. The bond went silent. I thought it was punishment."
His voice was low, controlled, but I heard the old pain beneath it.
"I spent centuries alone," he continued. "Ruling, protecting the packs, but always waiting for something I believed was gone forever."
I looked at him. "Then I appeared."
"Yes." He stepped closer. "And the bond woke. Stronger than before."
I stood. "Because of the flame?"
"Partly." He met my eyes. "But mostly because it is you."
The words hung between us.
I swallowed. "I am not her."
"No." He reached out slowly, brushing his fingers along my jaw. The touch was light, almost reverent. "You are Elara. And that is enough."
The bond flared, warm and bright. The flame in my chest answered, not with anger or fear, but with something softer. Something that scared me more than any of it.
I stepped back. "I still do not know what I want."
"I know." He lowered his hand. "But I will wait."
He turned to leave.
"Thorne," I said.
He paused at the door.
"What if I never choose you?" I asked.
He looked back. "Then I will protect you anyway."
The door closed softly behind him.
I sat on the bed, heart pounding. The flame inside me flickered, steady and warm.
I did not know what I wanted.
But I was beginning to fear I did.
Later that night, a knock came at the door.
Seraphina entered, face serious.
"There is news," she said.
I sat up. "What is it?"
"A messenger from Ember Ridge arrived at the gates."
My stomach dropped. "Kai?"
She nodded. "He requests an audience. With you."
I stared at her. "Why?"
"He claims he made a mistake." Her voice was careful. "He wants to speak to you. Alone."
I laughed, sharp and bitter. "He wants me back."
"Perhaps." She watched me. "Thorne will not allow it unless you wish it."
I stood. "I want to hear what he has to say."
Seraphina studied me. "Be careful, Elara. Words can be weapons."
"I know."
She left.
I walked to the window, looking out over the dark mountains. The flame inside me stirred, restless.
Kai had rejected me. Banished me. Humiliated me in front of the pack.
And now he regretted it.
I closed my eyes.
The bond with Thorne hummed, steady and strong.
I opened my eyes.
Tomorrow, I would face my past.
And decide what came next.
- Writer
