Akira was sitting at the edge of her bed, twisting her fingers nervously in the sheets while Ares walked back and forth in front of her. She didn't plan to reveal everything to her all at once, but Ares had a way of looking at her that was sharp and direct, taking down every wall with just concern and strong loyalty. So Akira finally gave in, telling her everything from when she disappeared to the fuzzy night at the bar.
When she was done, Ares stopped walking.
Stopped moving completely.
Then,
"You did WHAT?"
Akira cringed. "Ares, calm down,"
"CALM DOWN?" Ares threw her hands up in the air dramatically. "Akira, you were gone for days, your father almost went crazy, half the patrol was out searching for you, and you," She pointed an accusing finger. ", you were out there having a one-night stand?"
Akira groaned loudly, covering her face with her hands. "I DIDN'T PLAN IT! I didn't even remember what he looked like!"
"Oh, that makes it SO much better," Ares mumbled sarcastically, plopping down onto the seat next to her. "You know what this means, right? Half the pack will think you went on some adventure fueled by heartbreak to get… some comfort."
Akira glared at her. "It wasn't like that."
"Oh?" Ares raised an eyebrow. "And what WAS it like?"
Akira opened her mouth.
Closed it.
Put a hand on her forehead.
"I don't know," she admitted quietly. "I don't remember his face. Just… warmth. And silence. And that he seemed just as tired as I was."
Ares's anger faded little by little, replaced by a sigh. She bumped her shoulder lightly against Akira's. "You're allowed to break, you know. Even strong wolves need to breathe."
Akira didn't say anything.
Instead, she looked out the window, wondering why the stranger stayed so strongly in her thoughts even though she couldn't clearly remember him. A shadow. A voice. A feeling. That was all she had.
But before Ares could say anything else, a guard came into the doorway, bowing urgently.
"Lady Akira," he said. "Alpha Fang wants you to come to him. Right away."
Ares's eyes got wide. "Oh no."
Akira felt her stomach drop. Her father hardly ever called her formally unless something was very wrong.
---
Night Walker Hall was tall and dark, made of black stone and pillars carved with moons. Akira walked through the big doors, her footsteps making quiet sounds. Guards bowed. Servants moved aside. The air felt heavy with anticipation, and the smell of tension was thick on the walls.
Inside, Alpha Fang sat on his high seat, his back straight and his jaw tight. His silver eyes, which looked a lot like Akira's, watched her as she came closer. He had always been a powerful person, respected by many and feared by most. But Akira knew him as more than that. Under all the strength and authority was a father who loved deeply and worried even more.
"Akira," he started, his voice deep and steady. "Where were you?"
His voice wasn't angry yet, but it felt dangerous, like a tight bowstring.
Akira lowered her head. "Dad, I needed some space. I wasn't thinking straight. Kaden's hurtful actions, "
Fang hit the chair's arm lightly with his hand. It wasn't loud or rough, but it was enough for her to be quiet.
"You left without saying anything," he said, his voice steady but serious. "You just disappeared. Do you understand how that affected your family? Your group?" He stood up, his size taking up the room. "I was about to tell everyone to search across three lands."
Akira felt bad and swallowed hard.
"I'm sorry," she said quietly.
Fang looked softer right away, the tough leader changing into a worried dad. He got up and walked to her until his hands were gently on her shoulders.
His voice got quieter. "I don't blame you for feeling hurt. That guy… he didn't deserve you. And what he did can't be forgiven." Fang shook his head and sighed deeply. "I should've kept you safer."
Akira held back tears that were starting to burn.
He moved some hair away from her face, showing a rare gentle side. "But disappearing isn't the answer. You are my daughter, Akira. And more importantly, you will take over the Night Walker group. Your safety is a must."
She nodded slowly. "I know."
"Good." Fang stepped back and pointed to the guards. "From now on, you will have a bodyguard just for you."
Akira was shocked. "Dad, no. I don't need a, "
He quickly put his hand up to stop her.
"No arguing. I've made my decision."
She tightened her teeth. "Dad, "
"Akira." He sounded softer again. "This isn't a punishment. It's to keep you safe."
Akira let out a big breath, knowing she wouldn't win this argument. She still felt heartbroken, but at least her dad's worry wasn't too much; it made her feel secure.
Fang looked toward the door, telling the guards to get someone. "Your bodyguard will be here soon. He is coming from the gates as we speak."
Akira looked confused. "Coming? You already picked someone?"
"Of course," Fang replied. "Only a strong fighter can protect the one who will lead the Night Walker group."
Akira crossed her arms, annoyed, but didn't say anything.
A loud noise filled the hall, heavy steps, slow and sure. Akira looked toward the entrance. The guards stood up straight, moving into formal positions as the doors opened.
A tall person walked in.
Wide shoulders.
Cold eyes.
A feeling like the cold of winter.
His hair was as white as snow, his face didn't show any feelings, his steps were quiet but strong. The hall was instantly filled with his presence, like a layer of frost on the walls.
Akira caught her breath.
She didn't know him.
Not really.
But something inside her moved.
Something familiar.
Something far away but also near, like a whisper you almost remember.
Alpha Fang stood up straight. "Akira," he said. "Meet your new bodyguard."
Blizzard lifted his head and looked right at her.
And for a second, Akira felt like the world stopped.