Wanted by my sworn enemy

Coming to an understanding

As her eyes locked onto the radiant jewel, she felt an inexplicable connection, as if the answers she sought were within reach. The night had woven its magic around them, and the Lunar Jewel held the promise of unveiling the mysteries that bound her destiny.

She almost reached for it when Gael grabbed her wrist. He was behind her, his lips touched her ear when he whispered in that beautiful voice of his, "I've shown you the Jewel. Now what do I get?"

"What do you mean by that, Gael?" She turned around to look at him. His touch light something within her.

Gael's eyes bore into hers, his proximity sending a shiver down her spine. "Completing the mating ritual," he stated, his voice low and resonant, filled with a raw intensity that matched the primal magic of the forest around them.

Lilorith pulled her wrist free, her gaze defiant. "You think showing me a pretty rock is enough to bind me to you?"

"It's not just a pretty rock," he retorted, frustration evident in his eyes. "It's the Lunar Jewel, do you know how many supernaturals would kill to see it? And I showed it to you. Now, completing the mating ritual is the natural next step."

She took a step back, the cool air of the cave providing a momentary respite. "You showed me the jewel because I asked, not because you wanted to."

"I did it because I thought it might bring us closer, help you understand," he admitted, a hint of anger breaking through his usual composure.

Lilorith crossed her arms, the glow of the Lunar Jewel reflecting in her eyes. "Understand what? That I'm now supposed to accept this mating thing because of a magical gem?"

"It's more than just a gem, and you know it. And besides, we've already formed a connection. We can sense each other's emotions, Lilorith. The longer we delay this, the more it will affect us."

She scoffed, her skepticism unwavering. She noticed he did look quite pale. But she was just fine, maybe it was only affecting him. "I didn't ask for any of this. You marked me without my permission, and now you expect me to just accept it because of some mystical bond?"

Gael's expression darkened, frustration turning into a stern resolve. "You promised, Lilorith. I showed you the Lunar Jewel. Now it's time for you to fulfill your end of the bargain."

Her eyes flashed with defiance. "Promises made under duress are hardly binding, Gael. I won't be pressured into something I'm not ready for."

"Then why the hell were you so desperate to see the jewel?!"

The air in the cave crackled with tension as they stood there, the magical glow of the Lunar Jewel casting shadows on the walls—a silent witness to the conflict.

Gael's gaze bore into Lilorith's, demanding answers that she had kept hidden for so long. The weight of his suspicion pressed on her, and in the confined space of the cave, the air felt charged with an energy that mirrored the swirling emotions within her.

"Who are you really? I don't even f*****g knw your name. Yet, I was happy the goddess had given me a mate. All for what?" His voice cut through the silence, persistent and unyielding. "Why did you come here? Are you a spy sent by our enemies?" The words hung in the air, heavy with accusation.

Lilorith hesitated, torn between the truth and the fear of how he would react. His eyes, a stormy mix of curiosity and frustration, compelled her to reveal what she had concealed. Something about that space, or was it something within herself, perhaps it was the fear. Lilorith didn't understand what it was, but she deeply desired to tell him the truth.

With a deep breath, she whispered, "My full name is Lilorith Brielle Zellit," she admitted, defiance in her stance. "And no, I'm not a spy. I'm a half-witch, half-succubus. I came here because a witch I met told me that the Lunar Jewel could help me. I just wanted to see it, to understand more about my destiny."

Gael's eyes narrowed, searching hers for any sign of deception. The glow from the Lunar Jewel intensified, casting an ethereal light on their faces. The truth had been laid bare in the heart of the cave, and Lilorith awaited Gael's response, uncertain of how he would handle this revelation.

Gael's eyes narrowed further, disbelief etched across his features. "A half-witch, half-succubus? You come from two worlds that despise us. How can I trust that you're not here to gather information for your people?" His words cut through the air, each accusation a sharp edge that probed the truth.

Lilorith squared her shoulders, determination flickering in her eyes. "I'm not your enemy, Gael. I never wanted to be part of this supernatural world. I just wanted answers."

Gael's expression remained stern, unyielding. "Answers? Why should I believe you? You've been secretive since the moment you arrived. What are you hiding?"

Lilorith clamped her jaw shut, her resolve waning under the weight of his suspicion. The cave seemed to close in around them, the magical glow of the Lunar Jewel intensifying.

"Tell me the truth," Gael demanded, his voice echoing in the cave. "Why did you really come here? What's your connection to that witch who sent you?"

The silence hung between them, tense and charged. Lilorith felt the walls closing in, the truth becoming an inescapable prison. Gael's insistence pressed on her, and, finally, the dam of denial cracked.

"I didn't choose to be born like this! I didn't ask for any of this. That witch, Visha. She told me that the Lunar Jewel could help me understand my destiny, that it held answers. I just wanted to see it for myself, Gael. I'm not a threat to you or your pack. I never wanted any part in the politics of your world."

Gael's gaze bore into her, weighing her words against the suspicion that had festered since her arrival. The cave held its breath, waiting for his judgment, as Lilorith revealed the tangled threads of her existence.

A moment of stillness passed between them, and then Gael's stern expression softened. He breathed a sigh of relief, the tension dissipating as he took a step toward her. "So, you're not here to harm us. That's a start. But, what answers are you looking for?"

Lilorith, shut down. Her earlier moment of vulnerability retreated behind a wall of defiance. "I've said enough. I know that a were won't understand, and I don't owe you any more explanations."

Gael's brows furrowed, disappointment shadowing his features. "We need to figure this out together, Lilorith. I can help you navigate our world, but you have to be honest with me."

"I don't need your help, and I don't need your pity," she retorted, crossing her arms.

Gael sighed, realizing that pushing her further in this moment might only build more resistance. "Fine, let's leave the cave. We should go to my training shed nearby. It's closer than the women's village, and we can talk more there. You're not going back alone in the dark."

Lilorith nodded begrudgingly, still clinging to her pride. The cave, with its magical glow, faded behind them as they stepped out into the crisp night air. Uncertainty lingered, and the journey to the training shed became a silent walk through shadows of unresolved tension.

The walk to Gael's training shed was surprisingly short, yet each step seemed to echo with unspoken words. When they arrived, the room was a stark contrast to the magical ambiance of the cave. The space was minimalistic to the point where she felt sorry for him. What kind of training was he enduring and why did he need to endure it. The only furnishing was a single bed, and even that seemed to carry a tinge of melancholy.

Gael noticed her scanning the room and offered an explanation. "I need simplicity when I train. No distractions. It's just what works for me."

Lilorith nodded, her eyes briefly lingering on the bare walls. As Gael began to remove his shirt, a subtle tension filled the room. The muscles beneath his skin rippled with each movement, and Lilorith caught herself admiring the strength and grace in his form. She quickly averted her gaze, reminding herself that the situation demanded focus, not distraction.

Gael, seemingly oblivious to the momentary lapse in her attention, turned to her. "So, Lilorith, that's a nice name. Quite... uh"

"Succubus-like," she chimed.

"Yeah," he had a look of contentment on his face. As though finally knowing her name had given him peace. He patted the space on the bed next to him and Lilorith frowned. Shaking her head 'no' like a kid who didn't want to eat their vegetables. This made Gael laugh.

"Relax, Lilorith. I'm not going to bite. Uunless you want me to," he added with a teasing grin. She rolled her eyes but couldn't help a small smile. The tension seemed to ease as Gael continued, "Look, I know this is overwhelming, and I don't want to pressure you. I promise to be kind, patient, and, above all, honest. We're bound by this mate bond, and even though it's only halfway done, I can already feel the pull. It's like an ache, but I'm willing to endure it. I want you to trust me."

Lilorith's gaze met his, and in that moment, she saw a sincerity that touched her in a way she hadn't expected. No one had ever cared for her like this before. In the human world, she had been a nerdy loner, preferring books to people, and the idea of someone patiently waiting for her to open up was foreign. It stirred emotions she hadn't known she possessed.

Gael continued, "I get that you have secrets, Lilorith. We all do. But for this to work, we need to be open with each other. I won't force you to share anything you're not ready for, but just know, I'm here when you are."

Lilorith sat on the edge of the bed, studying Gael's earnest expression. It was a strange mix of vulnerability and determination. She felt a flutter of uncertainty but also a flicker of something else. An unfamiliar warmth. "I never expected any of this," she admitted quietly, her guard momentarily slipping.

Gael nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Life has a way of surprising us, doesn't it? But sometimes, those surprises turn into something beautiful." He reached out, his hand gently brushing against hers. "We'll take this one step at a time. Starting with getting to know each other. Deal?"

Lilorith hesitated, then nodded. The simplicity of his offer resonated with her. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to this world than she had ever imagined. As they sat in the quiet of the training shed, the weight of the mate bond lingered, but for the first time, it felt like a shared burden, not an imposition. She was beginning to understand what it meant to be a part of this world.

Maybe she could stay here, maybe she could really learn to love this wolf, and she'd be safe from her past.

Maybe if she stayed with Gael she'd be safe from the Demons.