Chapter 10 A Bond in the Shadows

The fire had burned low, leaving behind glowing embers. The cave was silent except for our steady breathing. I was still leaning against Ronan, my body too exhausted to move. His warmth wrapped around me, steady and real.

But reality struck like a cold wind.

I tensed and pulled back, suddenly aware of how close we were.

Ronan's silver eyes flickered as he looked at me, but he said nothing.

I cleared my throat. "I should-uh, get some sleep."

He didn't stop me as I lay down on the hard ground, facing away from him. My heart pounded, confused by whatever was happening between us.

This isn't real, I told myself. He's training me, nothing more.

Yet my body still remembered his warmth.

---

The sharp whistle of a blade slicing through the air woke me.

I rolled to the side just in time to avoid a dagger embedding itself into the spot where my head had been.

"What the hell?!" I scrambled to my feet, heart racing.

Ronan stood a few feet away, another dagger in hand, his expression calm. "You're awake."

I glared. "You threw a knife at me!"

"You dodged, didn't you?"

I growled in frustration. "You're insane."

He smirked. "And you're getting faster."

I huffed, brushing dirt off my clothes. "What's next? Setting me on fire to test my reflexes?"

"Not a bad idea."

I shot him a glare, but he only chuckled.

"Eat something. We're moving soon."

That caught my attention. "Moving? Where?"

He didn't answer. Instead, he tossed me a piece of dried meat and turned to pack up the camp.

I frowned but didn't push. Ronan only spoke when he wanted to.

---

We left the cave as the sun rose, the forest stretching out before us in endless shades of green. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine.

Ronan walked ahead, his movements silent and precise. I followed, trying to match his pace.

"Where are we going?" I asked again.

This time, he answered. "There's a place nearby where I can teach you something important."

I narrowed my eyes. "That's vague."

He smirked. "You'll see."

We moved through the trees for hours. The deeper we went, the more uneasy I felt. Something about this place was different. The air grew heavier, the silence unnatural.

"Ronan..." I started, but then I heard it.

A low growl.

Ronan stopped instantly, his hand going to his blade.

I turned slowly.

Shadows shifted between the trees. Then, glowing yellow eyes emerged from the darkness.

My breath caught.

Wolves.

Not just any wolves-feral rogues, their fur matted, their eyes filled with mindless hunger.

"Stay close," Ronan murmured.

The wolves snarled, stepping into the light. There were three of them, each one larger than me.

I swallowed hard. "Great. More tests, I assume?"

Ronan didn't answer. He just drew his dagger and waited.

The wolves lunged.

---

I barely had time to react. The first wolf came straight for me, its teeth flashing.

I dodged, rolling to the side as its claws slashed the air where I had been. My pulse pounded in my ears.

The second wolf lunged at Ronan. He moved like a shadow, stepping aside at the last second and driving his dagger into its side. The wolf yelped but didn't go down.

I barely had time to notice before my attacker came at me again.

This time, I didn't dodge fast enough.

Pain ripped through my arm as claws scraped my skin. I bit back a scream and stumbled, my vision blurring.

"Selene!" Ronan's voice was sharp.

The wolf growled and lunged again.

Something inside me snapped.

A sudden surge of power rushed through my veins. My body moved on its own, reacting before I could think.

I twisted, grabbing a fallen branch, and swung it with all my strength.

The wood cracked against the wolf's skull. It yelped and staggered back.

I didn't stop.

Fueled by adrenaline, I moved fast, striking again before the wolf could recover. This time, the branch hit its jaw, sending it sprawling.

My chest heaved, my hands shaking.

The wolf didn't get up.

I turned, searching for Ronan.

He had already taken care of the other wolves. Blood dripped from his dagger, his silver eyes glowing faintly.

He looked at me, assessing.

"You did well," he finally said.

I swallowed, still catching my breath. "I got hurt."

"You didn't die."

I scowled. "That's your standard for success?"

He smirked. "For now."

I shook my head but couldn't stop the small spark of pride inside me. I had fought back. I had won.

For the first time, I felt like I could truly do this.

---

By nightfall, we were back at camp. My arm throbbed from the wound, but I tried to ignore it.

Ronan, of course, had other ideas.

"Let me see it," he said, sitting beside me.

"It's fine," I muttered.

He gave me a look. "Don't be stubborn."

I sighed and held out my arm. He unwrapped the torn fabric carefully, his fingers brushing against my skin.

I stiffened.

His touch was warm, gentle in a way that didn't match his usual cold demeanor.

My breath caught as he leaned in closer, inspecting the wound. His face was inches from mine, his scent filling my senses.

The firelight made his silver eyes softer, almost hypnotic.

For a moment, the world shrank.

It was just us-the fire, the night, and the slow realization that something was shifting between us.

I should have pulled away.

But I didn't.

And neither did he.