Broken Vows

Chapter 3: Cracks in the Bond

Liora’s shadow stretched longer every single day until I could barely see my own place in the pack anymore.

Weeks had slipped by fast. She trained with the warriors each morning and moved like she belonged there. The elders loved her stories in the afternoons. Kieran and Draven stayed close to her constantly now. Their attention followed her everywhere.

I found Kieran near the edge of the training fields one afternoon. He sharpened his blade under a tall pine tree. I walked up with a smile and tried to keep my voice light.

“Hey Kieran. We still on for that ride this evening? You promised we could check the western ridge together.”

He did not look up right away. His hands kept moving on the steel. “Not today Astrid. Liora wanted to see the eastern border. She has fresh reports from her pack. It is important for the alliance.”

I stood there feeling the words hit. “But we planned this days ago. Just the two of us like old times.”

Kieran finally glanced at me. His eyes looked distant. “Things came up. You understand. Maybe next week.”

Before I could answer Draven walked over from the armory. He carried a couple of spears and smirked when he saw me. “What is this? Another attempt to tag along Astrid? Should not you be with Father? He likes keeping his little pet close.”

The words cut sharp. I turned to him. “I am not a pet Draven. I help this pack just like everyone else.”

Draven laughed short and cold. “Sure. Keep telling yourself that. Father dotes on you enough for all of us. Run along now. The real heirs have work with Liora.”

Kieran said nothing. He just nodded at his brother and stood up. “We should head out. Liora is waiting.”

They left together without another word. I watched their backs disappear down the path. My throat felt tight but I swallowed it down. It was just one canceled ride. Nothing more.

Dinner that night felt heavier than usual. The hall buzzed with talk. Liora sat between the brothers at the long table. She wore a deep green dress that caught every torch light. I took my usual seat across from them and tried to join in.

“Liora how was the eastern border today?” I asked politely.

She smiled bright. “Wonderful. Kieran showed me the best lookout points. He knows every trail like the back of his hand.”

Kieran laughed at something she said next. “You spotted that old scout mark faster than I did. Impressive.”

Draven leaned in. “She has good instincts. We could use more of that around here.”

I tried again. “Kieran remember that time we found the hidden spring up there? We should take the pack scouts next time.”

He barely looked my way. His eyes stayed fixed on Liora. “Yeah maybe. Liora what did you think of the river crossing?”

She answered smoothly and they kept talking. Back and forth. Laughing. Planning tomorrow’s training. I sat there pushing food around my plate. Every time Kieran chuckled at her words another small crack opened in my chest.

After the meal Viktor pulled me aside into his private study. The fire crackled low in the hearth. He closed the door and studied my face.

“Astrid you look troubled. What is going on?”

I let out a long breath. “It is nothing serious. Just feeling a bit left out lately. The brothers are busy with Liora and the alliance talks.”

Viktor stepped closer and put a strong hand on my shoulder. “Listen to me girl. My vow still stands firm. You will marry one of my sons when the time comes. They will remember their duty. I will make sure of it.”

His words warmed me a little. “You always say that. But it feels different now.”

“Because it is different,” he said firm. “But different does not mean broken. You saved my life Astrid. You are the daughter of my heart. Never forget that.”

He walked to a carved wooden chest and opened it. Inside lay a beautiful ceremonial dagger with a silver hilt shaped like a wolf’s head. The blade gleamed sharp and clean.

“This belonged to my late mate,” he said soft. “She carried it with pride. Now it is yours. Wear it. Use it. It reminds everyone who you are to this pack.”

I took the dagger carefully. It felt solid and right in my hand. “Thank you Viktor. This means more than you know.”

He pulled me into a quick hug. “Chin up. Go get some rest. Tomorrow will be better. I promise.”

I left his study holding the dagger tight. The weight of it helped steady me as I walked the quiet halls. But the ache in my chest grew. Kieran’s cold shoulder at dinner. Draven’s mocking words. Liora’s easy place among them. It all pressed down hard.

Later that night I waited near the garden path where Kieran often passed on his way back from patrols. The moon hung low and silver. When he appeared I stepped out.

“Kieran wait. Can we talk?”

He stopped but his shoulders stayed tense. “It is late Astrid. What is it?”

I took a step closer. “We barely speak anymore. Remember how we used to train together every evening? Or sit by the river and plan the future? You said I belonged here with you.”

He rubbed the back of his neck and looked away. “We were younger then. Things change Astrid.”

“But they do not have to change like this,” I said gently. “I still care about you. Deeply. The vow your father made. Our history. Does none of that matter anymore?”

Kieran sighed. His voice came out evasive and far away. “Of course it matters. But life moves forward. The pack needs strong alliances. Liora brings that. We were young Astrid. Dreams shift.”

The pain hit fresh and sharp. “So I am just a dream from when we were young? Nothing more?”

He shifted on his feet. “I did not say that. Look I need to get some sleep. We can talk another time.”

He walked past me without waiting for more. His footsteps faded into the night. I stood alone under the moon with the new dagger heavy at my side and tears burning in my eyes.

My love for Kieran twisted into something painful now. Every memory felt sharper. Every ignored glance cut deeper. Viktor tried to protect me but his warmth only seemed to push the brothers further away.

I touched the moonstone necklace and whispered to myself. “Hold on Astrid. This cannot last forever.”

But deep down I wondered if it already had.