The drive back was laced with thick tension, dragging on like a day's journey.
He stole glances at her, but her head remained turned toward the window.
Dammit, I knew I should've said something, he thought, gripping the steering wheel tighter as he turned the corners and approached the gate.
As soon as the car stopped, she jumped out and rushed inside without a word.
Sitting on the edge of the bed with a huff, she muttered, "I feel so ridiculous."
How long had I been in the dark about that?
His face... he didn't even try to deny it. The guilt was there—etched into his expression.
She traced her fingers along her arm, eyes settling on the birthmark she'd always thought was ordinary. What else has been kept from me?
The elder's words echoed in her head: You'll be kept under watch by Ronan and avoid any further training. His voice had been final, his piercing eyes leaving no room for argument.
"I need a nap to clear my head," she murmured, already drifting off.
— ✦ — ✦ — ✦ —
"Cold…" she whispered, tossing in bed.
The ground beneath her slippers felt damp and freezing.
How did I get here? she thought, spinning around at a faint movement in the shadows.
"Is anybody there?" she asked, backing away.
No reply.
"You killed our member," came a bloodthirsty voice from the darkness. Then—without warning—a shadowed figure leapt out. Black. Big. Furious.
She bolted upright to the sound of knocking at her door.
Her breathing came in ragged bursts, matching the frantic thump of her heart. Her eyes scanned the room. It felt so real…
Guess I shouldn't be sleeping with all this on my mind, she thought, pressing her hand to her face.
Opening the door, her breath hitched.
"Ronan…" she breathed. What is he doing here?
"Hey," he said—his voice softer, far from the usual commanding Alpha tone.
"Hey," she replied, reluctant but curious.
"I'm sorry. Can I come in?" he asked. Before she could answer, he added, "I'll tell you about your birthmark—and the prophecy."
Tilting her head in silent agreement, she let him enter.
"Start with the prophecy," she said, turning toward the window.
"Alright," he began. "It's about a girl... a flame said to awaken, born of royal blood. I didn't want to tell you yet because I needed time to understand it better." He paused, muscles in his jaw twitching.
"The birthmark marks royal blood—a rare kind, connected to the prophecy. When you tried to sync with your wolf, a symbol appeared on your lower spine. A spiral sign laced with fangs."
She turned to face him.
Sitting, he continued, "I didn't want to rush you into anything. I didn't want to overload your mind with all this at once. I hope you understand."
With a long sigh, she walked to the bed and sat down with a soft thud. "It's been so much to handle—from that night until now. My life... everything has changed. I've had nightmares, seen marks, even found writing on my window."
His brows rose sharply.
"It happened the day Lucien showed me this room," she said, answering the question he hadn't asked. "Of course I know his name." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "I saw a message written on the window."
'The forest sees you,'" she whispered, a chill running through her.
"I've had nightmares—even today. I saw claw marks on my skin, but they vanished in an instant. I've heard whispers… felt strange surges of power rushing through me—as if waiting to be unlocked."
She leaned back, voice softer now. "I'm not mad at you… I just need you to be honest with me, even if you're unsure."
"I'll try my best," he said, eyes gentling.
"I know the council forbade you from training me," he continued, "but you must. I know a quiet place in the building. This time, I'll train you myself. I'll be in my study by three—today or tomorrow, whichever you prefer. The Bloodfang pack was present in today's council. I'm sure you sensed the hatred in some of their auras. You need to be prepared."
He stood. "I'll get going now."
At the door, he turned. "And about our first conversation in my study…"
She looked up.
"You're actually my mate. I could sense the connection."
Before she could respond, the door closed behind him.
He's changed… softened toward me, she thought, lying back fully on the bed.
I'm glad he has, she added, clutching her heart and smiling at the ceiling.
— ✦ — ✦ — ✦ —
"Did you talk to her?" Kaelith asked from across the table.
"I did," Ronan said, leaning back.
"Everything?" Kaelith asked, one brow raised.
"Yes."
"Really? Did you tell her about your duty from the council?"
"No…" Ronan raked his hands through his hair. "Not yet. But I will. Soon."
Kaelith nodded slowly. "The earlier, the better… or else—" He stopped mid-sentence, his silence louder than words.
"I'm off to check the supplies," he said, heading for the door.
With a final glance, Kaelith added, "Don't neglect yourself."
"Like hell I would," Ronan muttered—but his voice faded into the sound of the closing door.
— ✦ — ✦ — ✦ —
Later that day…
"Finally," she said, looking at the clock reading 2:20.
The past hours had been draining—not even a good book could lift her spirits.
"Thank God all this happened at the close of school," she sighed.
After a quick shower, she stood in front of her mirror. "What should I wear?"
She held up a few options. "Something casual yet lovely," she muttered.
Lovely? the word echoed like a question in her head. Why should I care?
But she already knew the answer.
She settled on a floral, knee-length dress with casual slippers, ran a quick comb through her hair, and, with a deep breath, skipped out into the corridor.
— ✦ — ✦ — ✦ —
As the clock ticked past 2:40…
A knock sounded.
I'm not expecting anyone now, he thought, halfway through a task. "Come in."
"You're early," he said, glancing at his watch. "Twenty minutes early."
"And your dress is lovely."
"Thank you," she said, smiling.
Knew it, she thought.
"I'll wait then—or take a walk if you're busy."
"It's fine," he said, standing. "Let's go."
After a ten-minute walk through unfamiliar corridors, she murmured, "I don't think I've ever been to this part before."
"Probably because it's not accessible to everyone," he replied, stopping in a darkened hallway.
He moved to a wall sconce, grabbed the lamp hold, and pulled. The wall shifted, revealing a passageway.
"Just like Barbie and the Three Musketeers," she chuckled.
"I have no idea what that is," he said, amused.
"A cartoon," she said, rolling her eyes.
"Come with me," he said, walking to the second door on the left bend. "This is it."
He flipped on a switch, revealing a large room lined with equipments.... and a bed.
"I used to train here when I was younger," he said.
Following her gaze to the bed, he added with a wink, "Oh, that? Just in case."
He's painfully handsome, she thought, then shook it off. I'm here to train.
"We'll meet here at 3 p.m., about four times a week. Duty calls, so my time is tight."
"Is there anything you need?" he asked, interrupting her gaze.
"I guess not," she said, turning back to him.
What was that? she thought, staring at his face.
His expression darkened—as if burdened by a thousand thoughts.
The room suddenly felt small, thick with tension.
"See you around," he said abruptly, snapping her out of her thoughts.
What was that? he wondered, leaving the room.
He knew what his eyes had revealed. But this wasn't the time. She needed focus. She needed training.
She's starting to affect me, he muttered as he reached the hidden entrance.