CHAPTER 9: STRENGTH
1106 Words
The morning sun streamed through the window, casting golden ribbons across the bed. Elara stirred in her sleep, warmth surrounding her like a cocoon. Kael's arm was wrapped around her waist, his chest pressed against her back, his breath warm against her neck.
She smiled.
Two weeks ago, she would have flinched at this—tensed, waiting for the pain to come. But now? Now she felt safe. Wrapped in his scent, his warmth, his presence.
She turned slowly, careful not to wake him. His face was relaxed in sleep, so different from the commanding Alpha he was during the day. His dark hair fell across his forehead. His lips were slightly parted. He looked younger. Softer.
Mine, her heart whispered.
She reached up, placing her fingers on his cheek. She wanted to touch him. To trace the line of his jaw. To memorize every detail of his face.
But before she could, his hand shot up and caught her wrist.
"Good morning." His voice was rough with sleep, but his eyes were already open—watching her with that intensity that always made her breath catch.
"Did I wake you?"
"No." He pulled her closer, burying his face in her hair. "But I felt you staring."
She laughed softly. "I wasn't staring."
"Liar." His voice was gentle, teasing.
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. Then her nose. Then her lips—soft and slow and full of promise. She melted into him, her fingers tangling in his hair.
When they pulled apart, he was smiling. "You're getting bolder."
"I learned from the best."
His smile widened. "Is that so?"
"Mm-hmm." She traced the line of his jaw. "You taught me that not every touch means pain."
His expression softened. He cupped her face, his thumb stroking her cheek. "I'll spend the rest of my life making sure you never forget that."
A loud knock shattered the moment.
"LOVE BIRDS!" Lyra's voice boomed through the door. "BREAKFAST IS IN TEN MINUTES AND IF YOU'RE LATE, DARIAN WILL EAT ALL THE BACON!"
Kael groaned, dropping his head to the pillow. "I'm going to kill her."
"You love her," Elara said, giggling.
"I tolerate her." He sighed, then pressed one more kiss to her forehead. "Stay here. I'll bring you breakfast."
"Kael, I can get my own—"
"You're not leaving this bed." His voice was firm but gentle. "I want to take care of my woman."
She hesitated. Old habits died hard. But she nodded. "Okay."
His smile was radiant. "Good girl."
He kissed her forehead and left.
---
Elara was already dressed and sitting on the edge of the bed when Kael returned with a tray. Eggs, toast, fruit, and a cup of steaming tea. He set it in front of her like it was a feast.
"You didn't have to do this," she said softly.
"I wanted to." He sat beside her. "Besides, you need your strength."
"For what?"
"Training." His eyes sparkled. "Darian wants to see what you've learned."
Her stomach dropped. "Darian? The Beta?"
"He's harmless."
"He's terrifying."
"He's a softie." Kael laughed. "He just looks scary."
---
The training grounds were buzzing with activity when they arrived. Warriors sparred in pairs. Lyra was already there, stretching dramatically like she was preparing for a marathon.
"Finally!" Lyra jogged over. "I thought you two were going to spend all morning in—"
"Lyra!" Elara's cheeks turned red.
"Sorry, sorry." Lyra grinned. "Let's get started. Darian is waiting."
Darian stood in the center of the training ring, arms crossed. He was tall and broad, with a rugged face and eyes that missed nothing. Despite Kael's reassurances, he looked intimidating.
"Elara." He nodded at her. "Kael says you've been learning."
"A little," she admitted.
"A little? Come here. Show me."
She hesitated. Then she picked up a training dagger. Her hands were steady now.
She attacked.
Darian blocked easily, but his eyes widened. "Good form."
"Thank you."
"Again."
They sparred for twenty minutes. Elara wasn't strong—not like them. But she was quick. Cautious. She'd learned to watch, to predict, to survive.
When Darian finally called a halt, he was grinning. "Not bad, human."
Elara blinked.
---
Lyra pulled Elara aside after training, dragging her to a quiet spot near the edge of the training field.
"Okay, spill," Lyra demanded.
"Spill what?"
"You and Kael. You're different now. More... comfortable."
Elara looked down at her hands. "I don't know. I just... I trust him."
"Obviously." Lyra's tone suggested that wasn't all she wanted to hear.
"I'm not asking for details." Lyra held up her hands. "Have you guys done it?"
"Lyra, stop!" Elara screamed in embarrassment.
Lyra hugged her fiercely. "You're my sister now. You can tell me anything."
Elara covered her face with her hands.
"Okay, don't tell me. It's obvious you guys haven't yet—everyone would have known." Lyra said, finally giving up on teasing her.
Elara hugged her back, burying her face in Lyra's shoulder. "Thank you."
---
Seraphina watched from the shadows.
She had been following Elara all morning. Watching her train. Watching her laugh with Lyra. Watching her flourish while she withered in bitterness.
It was unbearable.
Kael chose a human over her.
But not for long.
Her hand brushed the letter in her pocket. Viktor's letter. His promise.
"I will come for her. Open the gates when I do."
Soon.
She would have Kael.
---
That night, Elara lay in Kael's arms, staring at the ceiling.
"I can't sleep," she whispered.
"Thinking again?"
"Always." She turned to face him. "Kael... what if I'm not strong enough?"
"For what?"
"For whatever's coming." Her voice was barely audible. "Viktor. Seraphina. What if I'm just... not enough?"
Kael was quiet for a moment. Then he cupped her face, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"Elara, listen to me." His voice was fierce. "You are the strongest person I've ever met. I know you're scared. I'm scared too. But we don't have to face this alone." He kissed her forehead. "We face it together."
She felt tears prick her eyes. "Together?"
"Together." He pulled her closer. "Always."
She buried her face in his chest, letting his heartbeat steady her. "I love you, Kael."
The words slipped out before she could stop them.
He went still.
Then he pulled back, his eyes searching hers. "Say that again."
"I love you."
A victory smile spread across his face. "I love you too, Elara. More than anything."
He kissed her—deep, possessive, desperate, full of everything they couldn't say.
When they finally pulled apart, she was breathless.
"Forever?" she whispered.
"Forever."
- Writer
- chap_listContents
- likeADD