Chapter 12
294 Words
Her breath caught for a fraction of a second.
He notices everything.
“I am not lying.”
“Good.”
But his gaze did not leave her.
The silence stretched longer than it should have.
Nova forced herself to remember why she was here.
He is the enemy.
He dies soon.
“Prepare additional scouts near the cliffs,” he said finally. “Choose warriors you trust.”
“I will.”
He stepped back, giving her space.
“You have earned your position here, Nova.”
The use of her name felt heavier than it should have.
“I do what is required.”
“And that,” he said, “is why I value you.”
Value.
The word echoed in her mind.
She bowed her head slightly and turned to leave.
As she walked away, she felt his eyes on her again.
Watching.
Measuring.
That strange pull under her skin grew stronger.
What is wrong with me?
She returned to the warriors and gave quiet instructions for patrol changes. They obeyed without question.
By evening, the pack buzzed with low excitement.
Tomorrow was her birthday.
Twenty one.
The aged wolves fully came into their power.
There would be a small ceremony. Nothing grand. Just tradition. Recognition. Strength acknowledged before the Alpha.
Nova stood alone in her small room as the sun dipped below the trees.
She removed her training clothes and washed the dirt from her skin.
Her reflection in the small mirror looked calm.
Controlled.
But her thoughts were not.
Ryder’s voice replayed in her mind.
I am not my father.
Strength means control.
I value you.
Why did those words matter?
She tied her dark hair back and stared at her own eyes.
This changes nothing.
Mission first.
- Writer
