Chapter 5 Silence

The moon hung high above the treetops, casting a silver glow over the darkened forest. I stood at the edge of the training grounds, watching the warriors spar under the light. Their grunts, the clash of blades, and the thuds of fists meeting flesh echoed in the night air. It was a beautiful chaos-one that usually grounded me.

But not tonight.

Tonight, my thoughts were tangled in a storm of emotions.

Kael.

The name alone sent ripples through me. No matter how much I tried to push him out of my mind, he was rooted there like a stubborn weed. And the worst part? The bond was growing stronger by the hour. I could feel his presence even when he wasn't around, a steady hum just beneath my skin.

"Selene!" a voice called from behind me. I turned to see Aria, my second-in-command and closest friend, jogging toward me. Her dark curls were pulled into a high ponytail, and her eyes were sharp with concern.

"You're zoning out again," she said as she approached. "That's the third time today. What's going on with you?"

I gave a half-hearted shrug. "Nothing. Just... a lot on my mind."

Aria crossed her arms. "Is this about the rogue attack last week or... is it about him?"

I didn't answer.

Her expression softened. "Selene, we all saw what happened. The bond is undeniable."

"I never wanted this," I murmured, more to myself than to her. "I'm the Alpha. I've spent years building this pack, proving myself. I don't need some Moon-blessed bond to throw everything into chaos."

Aria rested a hand on my arm. "Then maybe stop running from it and start facing it."

I let out a frustrated sigh. She was right-but I hated it.

Later that evening, I found myself walking through the woods, needing space. The forest had always been my sanctuary. When I was younger, I used to sneak out just to run in my wolf form, to escape the expectations of being the future Alpha.

I shifted into my wolf, letting the cool air wash over my fur as I ran between the trees. The wind whispered through the leaves, and the earth thudded beneath my paws. I didn't stop until I reached the cliff that overlooked the valley.

The same place Kael had touched me.

I shifted back to human, standing barefoot in the grass, staring out into the distance.

"You always come here when you're troubled."

The voice behind me made my breath hitch. I turned slowly, already knowing who I'd see.

Kael.

He leaned against a tree, arms crossed, his amber eyes glowing faintly under the moonlight. He wore a dark shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and that same calm, unreadable expression on his face.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I sensed you," he said simply. "The bond-it's pulling us together whether we like it or not."

I hated how his voice made my pulse quicken. "I didn't ask for this."

"Neither did I," he replied, stepping closer. "But here we are."

I backed up a step, heart pounding. "Don't come any closer."

He stopped, lifting his hands in surrender. "I'm not here to force anything. I just want to understand."

"Understand what?"

"You." He took a breath. "You're the Alpha. Strong, fierce, respected. But there's a wall around you so high no one can climb it. Not even me."

"Good," I snapped. "That wall is the only thing keeping me sane."

He looked at me for a long moment, then said quietly, "You're afraid."

I flinched. "I'm not afraid."

"Yes, you are. Not of me. Of what this bond could do to your strength. Your image. You think if you give in to it, you'll lose control."

I clenched my fists. "Being Alpha means putting the pack first. Always."

"Then why do you look like you're about to break?"

That did it.

I stormed past him, fury burning in my chest. "You don't know me."

"I know more than you think," he called after me. "I know what it's like to be chosen by fate and to want nothing to do with it. But I also know that pushing it away won't stop the pain. It only delays it."

I paused, my back to him, jaw tight. The wind rustled the leaves, and for a moment, neither of us spoke.

Finally, I said, "You should go."

His voice was softer now. "Selene... when you're ready, I'll be here. I'm not the enemy."

And then he was gone.

The next morning, I stood before the council elders in the packhouse hall. The room was filled with old wood, wolf crests, and the scent of history. They watched me closely, waiting for my report on Kael.

I cleared my throat. "Kael remains within the borders. He hasn't made any aggressive moves."

Elder Malric raised a brow. "And the bond?"

I hesitated. "Unavoidable."

"Then what do you intend to do?" asked Elder Rina. Her sharp eyes missed nothing.

"Nothing," I replied. "The bond doesn't change my responsibilities. I will continue to lead this pack as I always have. Alone."

A tense silence followed.

Finally, Elder Malric nodded. "Very well. But be warned, Selene. The Moon Goddess rarely makes mistakes. If she chose him for you, it's for a reason."

I left the hall with a heavy heart.

Why did everyone think I needed Kael? I had survived wars, rival Alphas, even betrayals. I didn't need a mate to validate my strength.

But I couldn't lie to myself. Every day, the bond grew stronger. Every night, I dreamed of him. His voice. His scent. The warmth of his hands on my skin.

And worst of all-my wolf wanted him.

That night, I sat in my room, staring out at the stars. The moon was rising again, casting long shadows over the floor.

A knock sounded at my door.

I tensed. "Who is it?"

"It's Aria."

I opened the door to find her holding a scroll.

"What's that?" I asked.

"It came from the southern border," she said, frowning. "Rogues. A whole group of them were spotted heading toward our territory."

I took the scroll and scanned it. Damn. They were getting bold.

"They'll arrive by tomorrow night," Aria said. "Should we prepare the warriors?"

"Yes. Double the patrols. No one leaves the pack grounds alone."

She nodded and turned to go, but paused. "Selene... if it comes to war, will you accept his help?"

My grip on the scroll tightened.

Kael.

I didn't answer.

Because the truth was... I didn't know.