We didn't stop running.
Branches snapped beneath our feet as we moved deeper into the forest.
My lungs burned.
My arm still stung from the blade.
And behind us
Silence.
Which somehow felt worse.
I glanced at him.
"You know," I said between breaths, "normal people usually explain things before dragging someone through a forest."
"Normal people don't awaken ancient bloodlines."
Fair point.
Still annoying.
We finally stopped near a rocky cliffside hidden behind thick trees.
He checked the area carefully before turning back to me.
"We stay here until nightfall."
I crossed my arms.
"And after that?"
"We keep moving."
"Again?"
"Yes."
I stared at him.
"You're not very comforting."
"I'm not trying to be."
At least he was honest.
Silence settled between us.
For once, I let it.
My thoughts were too loud already.
Bloodlines.
Originals.
Awakening.
None of this made sense.
I looked at my hands again.
Normal.
No silver glow now.
Just… me.
Except it clearly wasn't just me anymore.
I exhaled slowly.
"I'm tired of being confused."
His expression softened slightly.
Barely noticeable.
But there.
"I know."
That surprised me.
Because it sounded genuine.
I sat against the stone wall behind me.
"You keep saying I'm different," I muttered. "So tell me what I am."
He stayed quiet for a moment.
Thinking.
Then
"You've heard stories about the Moon Goddess?"
I snorted softly.
"She ruined my life. So yes."
That almost earned another smile.
Almost.
"The Originals were the first wolves she created," he said. "Not packs. Not Alphas."
A pause.
"Something stronger."
I frowned.
"And I'm connected to them?"
"Yes."
"How?"
His gaze held mine.
"Your bloodline disappeared centuries ago."
Cold settled in my stomach.
"Disappeared?"
"They were hunted."
That explained the trackers.
Kind of.
"And now?" I asked quietly.
"You awakened it."
Silence.
Heavy.
I looked away first.
Because suddenly
Everything felt bigger than me.
Too big.
A cool breeze passed through the trees.
Neither of us spoke for a while.
Then
"You still haven't told me your name."
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
He looked at me.
Actually looked surprised.
Good.
Now we were even.
"You never asked."
"I'm asking now."
A pause.
Then
"Kael."
The name fit him.
Sharp.
Quiet.
Dangerous.
I nodded once.
"Kael," I repeated.
Something unreadable crossed his face hearing me say it.
Interesting.
"Well," I said lightly, "that's less annoying than calling you 'stranger.'"
"You thought I was annoying before?"
"I still do."
That time
He actually smiled.
Small.
Brief.
But real.
And for some reason
It changed his entire face.
Dangerous information.
I shook the thought away immediately.
No.
Absolutely not.
I was not doing this again.
No more bonds.
No more fate.
No more emotionally complicated men.
Kael watched me carefully.
"What?"
"You're thinking loudly."
I frowned.
"That's not a thing."
"It is with you."
Rude.
A sudden chill swept through the air.
Kael's expression changed instantly.
Back to serious.
My wolf reacted too.
Alert.
I stood immediately.
"What now?"
He looked toward the forest.
"They found us."
Of course they did.
I sighed dramatically.
"Can I have one peaceful day?"
"No."
"Terrible answer."
Kael stepped forward slightly.
Protective again.
Then
A voice echoed through the trees.
Calm.
Cold.
Ancient.
"You cannot hide the last heir forever."
Every muscle in my body locked.
Last heir?
Kael cursed quietly under his breath.
And for the first time since I met him
I realized something terrifying.
He wasn't just protecting me.
He was hiding me.