Chapter 5 THE EDGE OF THE STORM

Lyra followed Kade deeper into the forest, the path narrowing as trees pressed closer together. When his hand held hers, it was steady-warm without tightening, present without pulling. He walked at a pace that matched her own, neither rushing nor urging her forward.

The sounds of the gathering faded completely, replaced by the low chorus of night insects and the whisper of wind through leaves. The air grew cooler, carrying the sharp, metallic scent of moonlit stone.

She didn't know why she hadn't let go yet.

The trees opened into a small clearing where smooth stones ringed a still pool. Moonlight reflected across its surface, turning the water into a mirror of silver. The place felt old-untouched, almost reverent.

Kade stopped at the pool's edge.

Lyra gently withdrew her hand. He let her go immediately.

"What is this place?" she asked.

"A boundary," he replied. "One that existed before our pack did."

"Why bring me here?"

He met her gaze. "Because it's quiet. And because I wanted you away from the eyes of the crowd."

She studied him. "You're the Alpha. Why does that matter?"

His jaw tightened slightly. "Because tonight, they wouldn't have been watching me."

Understanding dawned, slow and unsettling.

"I don't want attention," Lyra said. "I never have."

"You won't have control over it forever," he said honestly. "The bond doesn't stay hidden once it's felt."

Her shoulders tensed. "Nothing happened."

Kade took a measured step closer, careful not to invade her space. "Something changed," he said. "That matters."

She searched his face. "So I'm a problem you need to contain."

"No," he said firmly. "You're a truth I didn't expect."

The words stole her breath.

Silence settled between them, thick but not suffocating. Lyra took a step back, needing space. Kade didn't follow. He simply watched her, calm and attentive.

"Why do you look at me like that?" she asked quietly.

"Because I'm trying to understand who you are," he said. "Not who others decided you should be."

"There's nothing to understand," she replied, folding her arms. "I'm not important."

His gaze sharpened-not with anger, but certainty. "Don't say that."

"It's the truth."

"It's a belief," he corrected. "And it didn't start with you."

Her chest tightened painfully.

"I don't know your past," Kade continued, voice low. "But I know what it looks like when someone has learned to disappear to survive."

She swallowed hard.

"The bond didn't choose weakness," he said. "It never does. It only reveals what already exists."

Before she could respond, a rustle sounded at the edge of the clearing.

Kade's posture changed instantly-alert, focused, protective without aggression.

"Stay here," he said.

Two wolves emerged from the trees, both warriors from his pack. They stopped short when they saw him and bowed.

"Alpha," one said.

"This area is restricted," Kade replied evenly. "Why are you here?"

"We sensed a surge of energy," the other explained. "We were concerned."

Kade glanced briefly toward Lyra-not to shield her, but to reassure himself she was calm-then back to them.

"There is no threat," he said. "And no cause for concern."

The warriors' gazes flicked to Lyra, curiosity clear but restrained.

Kade stepped half a pace forward, his presence firm. "Show respect."

They immediately lowered their eyes. "Of course, Alpha. Forgive us."

"Go," he said.

They bowed again and disappeared into the forest.

Lyra released a slow breath.

"Did that frighten you?" Kade asked.

"No," she said honestly. "But you did."

He frowned slightly. "Why?"

"You were ready to fight for me," she said. "And you barely know me."

His answer was quiet. "Protection doesn't require possession. Only responsibility."

She met his gaze. "You feel responsible for me."

"Yes," he admitted. "For now."

"For now," she echoed.

He stepped closer-but stopped at a respectful distance. "Lyra, I won't cross a line you don't choose to step over. But don't mistake restraint for absence of feeling."

Her heart stuttered.

He lifted a hand, pausing inches from her cheek. "If you want me to step back... say it."

The moment stretched.

Her wolf stirred-not demanding, not panicking. Just aware.

Lyra opened her mouth.

And couldn't speak.

Kade exhaled slowly and lowered his hand. "That's enough for tonight," he said gently. "You need time."

Relief and disappointment tangled inside her.

"I'll walk you back," he added. "Nothing more."

She nodded.

As they moved through the trees together, Lyra realized the truth that frightened her most.

She wasn't afraid of the Alpha of Nightfall.

She was afraid of how easily he made her feel seen.

And even more afraid-

That part of her didn't want that feeling to fade.