Chapter 3 3

The clang of iron against stone echoed through the halls as Selene followed a guard down a narrow corridor. The fortress felt colder in the daylight, sunlight struggling to pierce the thick stone walls. Her footsteps fell softly on the worn floor, but the guard's heavy boots struck with purpose, a reminder of her lack of freedom.

They reached a heavy wooden door at the end of the corridor. Without a word, the guard unlocked it and gestured for her to enter. Selene hesitated, her instincts urging her to fight or flee, but the weight of her situation kept her grounded. Squaring her shoulders, she stepped into the room.

Alaric waited inside, his broad frame dominating the space. He stood by a tall window, the sunlight casting shadows across his sharp features. Maps and documents covered the large table behind him, the scent of ink and parchment mixing with the faint smell of leather.

"You didn't attempt to escape," he said, not turning to face her.

"Would it have made a difference if I had?" Selene replied, her voice edged with defiance.

His lips curved into a faint smile, though his gaze remained fixed on the horizon. "Not really." He turned then, his eyes locking onto hers with unsettling intensity. "But it tells me something about you."

Selene crossed her arms, refusing to be unnerved by him. "What do you want now, Alaric? More questions I can't answer?"

A faint chuckle escaped him, low and humorless. "Perhaps. Or perhaps I want to see how far you're willing to go to keep your secrets."

He moved closer, each step deliberate, until there was only a small distance between them. His presence was suffocating, but Selene held her ground.

"Tell me," he said, his voice quieter now but no less commanding. "What do you know of the curse that plagues my pack?"

"I already told you-I don't know anything," she insisted, her tone firm.

His gaze hardened, frustration flickering in his eyes. "You expect me to believe that? A Duskwind heir who knows nothing of the ancient curse that tore your family apart?"

"I was a child when my pack fell," she snapped, her temper flaring. "Do you think they told me anything before they died?"

Silence hung between them, heavy and charged. Alaric studied her, his expression unreadable. Finally, he stepped back, giving her a fraction of space to breathe.

"You carry more than you let on," he said, his tone softer but no less intense. "Whether you know it or not, you're part of this."

Selene clenched her fists, resisting the urge to lash out. "Then tell me what you think I'm hiding. Tell me why you're so certain I'm connected to your curse."

Alaric didn't answer immediately. He returned to the table, his hand brushing over one of the maps. "My brother, Cassian, led a hunt three years ago to investigate a series of attacks on our borders. He never returned. The wolves who did spoke of strange symbols carved into the trees, symbols tied to an old prophecy."

Selene frowned, her curiosity piqued despite herself. "What kind of prophecy?"

"One that speaks of bloodlines and betrayal," Alaric said, his voice grim. "And the power of the Moon's Favor, passed down through the Duskwind lineage."

Her heart skipped a beat. The Moon's Favor was a legend she had heard whispers of in her youth, a gift said to grant its bearer unimaginable strength and influence over the wolf packs. It was also said to bring destruction if wielded unwisely.

"You think I have this... Favor?" she asked, her disbelief evident.

"I think you're the key to unlocking its secrets," he replied, his gaze piercing. "And to breaking the curse that threatens my pack."

Selene shook her head, her frustration bubbling over. "You're chasing shadows, Alaric. I don't have this power, and I don't know anything about your brother's death."

"Then why do the rogues hunt you?" he countered, his voice rising. "Why do they follow your scent like it's a beacon?"

Her breath caught, the memory of the wolves in the forest flashing through her mind. She had always thought their attacks were random, a cruel twist of fate. But Alaric's words planted a seed of doubt.

"I don't know," she admitted quietly, her defenses wavering.

Alaric studied her for a long moment before speaking again. "Whether you know the answers or not, they're tied to you. And until I figure out why, you're staying here."

The finality in his tone left no room for argument. Selene felt the walls closing in around her, the weight of her past pressing down on her like never before.

"Fine," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But don't expect me to help you without proof. If I'm truly connected to this curse, then show me."

A flicker of something-admiration, perhaps-crossed Alaric's face. He nodded. "Very well. But remember, Selene, the truth has a way of revealing itself, whether we're ready for it or not."

The tension in the room was suffocating, but Selene refused to let it break her. If Alaric wanted to unravel the mysteries of her past, she would face them head-on.

The sound of boots approaching broke the silence. A warrior entered, his expression grave. "Alpha, there's been another attack near the southern border. The rogues are getting bolder."

Alaric's jaw tightened, his frustration clear. "How many casualties?"

"Two dead, three injured," the warrior replied. "They left the same symbols behind."

Selene's pulse quickened. The symbols. The prophecy. It was all connected.

Alaric turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Looks like you're coming with me, Selene. If you truly want proof, you'll find it at the border."

Her stomach churned, but she met his gaze with determination. "Lead the way, Alpha. Let's see what your prophecy has to say."

They left the fortress together, the weight of their uneasy alliance hanging heavily between them. Selene couldn't shake the feeling that her life was about to change forever, and for the first time, she wasn't sure if she was ready to face the truth.