Bound By Shadow Forged By Fate

Chapter 5: The Danger Increases

Aria’s POV

I had the unshakeable feeling that something horrible was about to happen. Even though I was safe in the Scarlet Moon pack's territory, I felt uneasy. The fact that Luca appeared more distressed every day didn't help either. I could see the strain in his eyes, despite his best efforts to conceal it.

I heard whispers outside my window one night when he was away. Leaning closer, I tried to hear the voices.

A deep voice whispered, "She is the secret to our strategy." I knew—I knew it was Julian. "She will go to Victor if I defeat Luca. It is included in our agreement.

I went cold. Victor? The vicious alpha who had murdered Sophia, Luca's first mate? I listened in panic, almost daring to breathe.

Julian went on, "He agreed to help us take down Luca." However, Aria becomes his in exchange. He really wants her.

I felt nauseous and put a hand to my lips. To make matters worse, I was a pawn in their scheme to harm Luca.

Julian remarked, "Remember, we'll attack right before the fight." "Luca cannot defend her if he is preoccupied. I'll gain command of the pack, and Victor will receive what he desires.

I shuddered in terror when the voices dwindled as they left. I had to tell Luca, I knew. Julian had betrayed more than just himself and Luca. It was about our unborn child and me.

I discovered Luca pacing back and forth in his study the following morning. When he noticed me, he looked up, his forehead furrowed in concern. "I need to talk to you, Aria."

With my heart pounding, I answered, "Me too," and stepped forward. It has to do with Julian. Last night, I heard him talking.

His expression clouded. "What did he say?"

He collaborates with Victor. He has promised to give me to him if he prevails in the fight.

Luca's jaw tightened and his hands clenched. "I was aware of Julian's brutality, but this..."

We were stopped by a loud knock, and one of the guards appeared with a sealed letter. He handed it to Luca and added, "It's from Victor."

As he read the letter, Luca's eyes narrowed. As he gave it to me, his hands trembled a little. It was a brief but scary letter.

Luca

Everything will be forgiven if you give up Aria. You will lose her, your life, and your pack if you refuse.

As I read those lines, my hands began to shake. The danger we were in was becoming more and more real to me.

"Aria," Luca stated in a harsh tone. Around you, I'm doubling security. I will not allow either Julian or Victor to touch you. I swear.

Trying to appear brave, I nodded, but fear gnawed at me. "Luca, he will not give up. He desires our child.

Luca drew me into his embrace and held me firmly. He said, "I won't let him take anything from us." "To me, you and our child are everything. Even if it means losing everything, I will battle for you both.

I felt somewhat safer because of the extra security, but I was always on guard. It appears there was danger everywhere.

I felt uneasy one evening as I was making my way back to my cabin following a meeting with the pack elders. The shadows were deeper than usual, and the route seemed too silent. I accelerated, looking around.

Abruptly, powerful arms dragged me into the trees while a hand clamped over my lips. I fought, twisting and kicking, but the hold was too tight.

A hoarse voice muttered, "Shh." Victor desires your survival. Don't make things more difficult.

Anger followed fear as it swept through me. I refused to be taken by them. Not without a struggle.

I was pulled farther into the jungle by the man who was holding me as he tightened his hold. I was about to give up when an odd thing happened. I experienced a strength surge like I had never experienced before.

I focused all of my efforts on taking a deep breath. I startled my captor by letting out a low growl.

"What the" he whispered, releasing his hold a little.

With unexpected force, I twisted and pushed him back. He staggered and gave me a startled expression.

He spits out, "You're just a human."

"Not anymore," I whispered as an odd force surged within me. I knew I had to use it even though I had no idea what was going on.

I ducked to the side as he pounced at me, feeling faster than before. With strength I didn't realize I had, I swung my arm and knocked him down.

I tensed as another person materialized at that moment and realized it was Elijah, one of Luca's devoted warriors.

He said, "Aria!" and rushed over. He helped me stand up by grabbing my arm. "Are you okay?"

Still experiencing the weird sensation rushing through me, I nodded. "Yes, but I'm not sure what just transpired."

Elijah gave me awed looks. "You... you repelled him." That is not possible for a human.

"I'm not sure how," I muttered, still trembling. However, I sensed deep down that something had altered within me.

Elijah took me back to Luca, who had been waiting for me with bated breath. He drew me into a close embrace as soon as he spotted me.

With concern in his voice, he inquired, "Are you okay?"

"Yes," I said, "but... something odd happened." I felt faster and stronger. As if I were powerful in some way.

Luca's expression was a mix of relief and perplexity as he gazed at me. "This isn't typical, Aria. You are human, or at least we believed you to be.

I nodded, questions buzzing through my head. "Luca, what does it mean? Am I one of you, or what?

He looked down at me and inhaled deeply. It might indicate that you have werewolf blood, which has been concealed up to this point. However, it saved you today, no matter what it is.

Elijah cleared his throat and moved forward. There's another thing, Luca. The date for the fight has been chosen by Julian. It will take place tomorrow morning.

The air was heavy with the words. I was terrified for Luca because I knew what he was going to have to deal with.

Luca grasped my hand and gave it a light squeeze. "Ariana, I'll be alright. I've spent my entire life preparing for this.

Even though I could see the resolve in his eyes, I was still feeling afraid. Julian would assume command if he lost, leaving me at Victor's mercy.

I trembled as I continued, "Just promise me one thing." "Assure us you will get back to us."

Luca's eyes were fixed on me as he cradled my face in his palms. Aria, I swear. I will return.

A furious, breathless messenger arrived as we stood there, embracing each other tightly.

"It's Victor," he exclaimed, panting. He is aware of Aria's abilities. And he's on his way. He will arrive in the morning.

I felt cold and tightened my grip on Luca's hand. I could feel the weight of what was coming, and everything was becoming out of control.

Tomorrow would be a struggle for our life, our child's future, and survival. And despite Luca's best efforts to reassure me, I sensed that something terrible and maybe devastating was about to happen.