Chapter 3: Secrets in the Blood
1173 Words
Chapter 3: Secrets in the Blood
The fire cracked softly in the hearth, casting golden shadows across the stone walls. Ariya sat on the edge of the grand bed, her arms wrapped around her knees, watching the flames flicker and dance like spirits in motion.
She hadn’t said a word in hours.
Kael hadn’t pushed her.
He simply sat across the room in a carved wooden chair, still armored, still watchful. Like a beast sitting between hunger and restraint.
But he wasn’t staring at her like she was prey.
He was guarding her.
> As if she were something precious.
It was that thought that disturbed her most.
Ariya’s life had been quiet—until now. She’d lived under the false safety of herbs and gardens, raised by a woman she called Aunt Cressida. She’d never questioned why she wasn’t allowed near the forest. Or why the villagers looked at her with a mix of pity and fear.
But now…
Now, she had silver-eyed royalty telling her she was his mate, born of blood she didn’t understand, and destined for a world she never asked to be part of.
“You’re still staring,” she said softly, without looking at him.
Kael’s voice was a quiet rumble. “I’m watching.”
“Same thing.”
“No,” he said. “Staring is hollow. Watching is protection.”
She gave a bitter laugh. “You really believe it, don’t you? That I’m yours?”
“I don’t believe it.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I feel it. Like the way you feel the moon on your skin, even behind clouds. The bond is real.”
“I’m human.”
“No,” he said, without hesitation. “You’re not.”
Ariya snapped her head toward him. “Then what am I?”
Kael stood and walked to the window. Outside, the moon had risen higher, casting silver light across the land. “You’re more than human. You carry both blood and power. And whoever raised you—they kept that hidden.”
“I’ve never shifted,” she said, quieter now.
“Some bloodlines don’t awaken until the bond forms.”
She flinched. “So you think you unlocked it?”
“I didn’t choose this,” Kael said, turning back to her. “But I won’t run from it either.”
He walked toward her, and she didn’t move—not because she trusted him, but because part of her craved answers. Craved… him.
“Let me show you something,” he said, kneeling before her.
She tensed. “What?”
He took her hand. She tried to pull away, but he held it gently—thumb brushing over her wrist. “Close your eyes.”
“No.”
“Do you trust me?”
She looked at him for a long moment. “No.”
He smiled faintly. “Good. Keep your eyes open, then.”
He turned her palm upward and placed his over hers. Then, slowly, Kael let his wolf rise—not fully, but enough that the edge of his power whispered through their skin.
Ariya gasped.
A jolt of something ancient surged up her arm, flooding her veins with warmth and pressure. Her heartbeat doubled. The fire in the hearth blazed higher, as if reacting to her.
And in her chest… something responded.
She saw images flash before her eyes—a silver crown, blood-soaked snow, a woman with moon-white hair cradling a baby wrapped in crimson cloth.
She yanked her hand back with a cry, eyes wide, chest heaving. “What the hell was that?!”
“Your blood,” Kael said. “Trying to remember.”
She stared at her hands like they weren’t hers.
“You’re not broken,” he added softly. “You’ve just been hidden.”
Before Ariya could speak again, a heavy knock echoed at the chamber door.
Kael’s expression turned sharp. “Enter.”
A man stepped in—tall, lean, with dark hair pulled back and a long scar trailing from his temple to his jaw. He bowed briefly. “Apologies, Your Majesty. We’ve captured a spy.”
Kael’s eyes darkened. “Where?”
“Near the eastern perimeter. He was carrying a sigil—Raventhorn.”
Ariya’s breath hitched.
Kael noticed instantly. “You know them?”
“I…” Her voice trembled. “My aunt… she used to mention that name. I thought it was just old stories.”
Kael cursed under his breath. “Bring the spy to the dungeons. I’ll question him.”
“Yes, Sire.” The warrior nodded and left.
Kael turned back to Ariya. “That’s not a coincidence.”
She hugged herself. “What do they want?”
“You.” His voice was cold now, deadly. “And they’ll kill for you.”
---
Later that Night
Kael descended into the lower dungeons alone.
The scent of blood and stone lingered in the air. The spy hung in chains, eyes wild and broken.
Kael grabbed his jaw and forced him to meet his gaze. “Who sent you?”
The man spat blood. “You’ll lose her, Lycan. Just like they lost the queen.”
Kael’s grip tightened. “What do you know about her bloodline?”
“She’s the last of the Moonborn,” the man wheezed. “Born under the eclipse. Her death will break the curse.”
“What curse?”
The spy smiled, teeth red. “The one your ancestors sealed with her family’s blood.”
Kael didn’t flinch. “You won’t touch her.”
“She’s already marked.”
Kael growled, low and furious. “Not while I live.”
---
Back in the chamber
Ariya paced the room.
The visions had left her shaking. She’d felt… something. The woman with silver hair—was that her mother?
And what had he meant by “Moonborn”?
Her thoughts were interrupted when Kael returned, his jaw clenched.
“You didn’t kill him,” she guessed.
“No. Yet.” He walked to her, stopping inches away. “But we have little time. You’re not just my mate, Ariya. You’re the last of a dying bloodline. And someone wants to use you to end mine.”
Ariya’s throat tightened.
“From now on,” he said, voice low and fierce, “you don’t leave my side.”
She hesitated. “Kael…”
He reached out, cupping her cheek. “I don’t care what destiny says. I will not let them take you.”
She leaned into his touch without meaning to.
Everything in her life had felt false—except this. Except him.
“Why are you being so kind to me?” she whispered. “You’re supposed to be a king. A monster.”
Kael’s voice was raw. “Because I’ve been waiting for you my whole damn life. And I’ll burn the world before I let it take you away.”
---
🌒 END OF CHAPTER 3
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