Chapter 5 Crossing Lines

The journey to Blackmoor's territory was nothing like Aria expected.

A sharp chill clung to the air as towering pines flanked the winding path. The land felt ancient , heavy with old blood and old magic. Every step past the border felt like trespassing into a world she'd only heard about in rumors whispered at dusk.

Kade Varyn rode ahead on a massive black steed, his presence as commanding as it was unreadable. The Alpha had barely spoken a word since they left Aria's cottage. His jaw tight, his eyes cold, as though hauling her into his world was just another burden he intended to shoulder without complaint.

Aria, however, burned with questions. The letter from her grandmother weighed against her skin like a stone. She didn't know why she came. Protection, Kade had claimed. But from what , or who , he wouldn't say.

As the looming walls of Blackmoor's den came into view, a knot formed in her stomach. It was less a village and more a fortified sanctuary carved from stone and forest. Watchtowers rose into the mist. Warriors clad in dark leathers and iron circled the grounds like restless predators. And every pair of eyes followed her.

A stranger. An outsider.

And worse... a healer.

Aria's fingers brushed the feather charm hanging at her throat. She kept her chin high, refusing to flinch under their suspicion.

When they dismounted, Riven Hale was already waiting by the gates. His lean frame radiated tension, arms crossed tightly over his chest. He wore a crooked smile that never reached his eyes.

"Bringing strays home now, are we?" he drawled, gaze flickering to Aria with thinly veiled disdain. "I thought Blackmoor had standards."

Kade barely glanced at him. "We don't leave those who save our lives to die in the borderlands."

"She's human," Riven spat, voice low and sharp. "Or worse."

Aria stiffened.

Kade took a step forward, the command in his voice brooking no argument. "She's under my protection."

The words were a pronouncement, one that made warriors nearby pause, exchanging dark glances. Even Riven faltered.

"That's a dangerous line to cross, Alpha," Riven murmured, and though his tone was casual, the challenge was unmistakable.

Aria expected Kade to snarl, to threaten, to remind Riven of his place.

But he only said, "Then let's cross it."

Without another word, he led Aria through the gates.

The den's interior was no less oppressive. Grand stone halls, flickering torches, and eyes , always eyes. Wolves in human form watching her every step. Murmurs followed them like a tide.

"...why is she here..."

"...it's not our way..."

"...another weakness..."

Kade didn't falter.

He brought her to a massive chamber lit by a roaring hearth. A long table stretched before them, ringed by figures she recognized from whispered tales alone.

The Blackmoor Council.

Five alphas from allied packs. Old blood wolves who ruled alongside Kade in uneasy truce. Each one more intimidating than the last.

At the head sat Alpha Draven Corven, older than Kade, his cold gaze sharp as a knife. Beside him, Elara Varyn, Kade's cousin , and the only woman at the table , her dark hair braided with wolf teeth.

Both radiated hostility.

"This is the healer?" Draven's voice cut through the room like a blade.

Kade gave a terse nod. "Her name is Aria Wynn."

"A Wynn," Elara scoffed, lips curling. "Border witch filth."

Aria stiffened, meeting the woman's gaze with quiet defiance.

"She saved my life," Kade said flatly. "And she's here under my protection."

"And we're meant to trust her?" Draven's eyes gleamed. "You jeopardize your pack's safety for a stranger."

"Better a stranger than traitors we already know," Kade shot back, gaze narrowing meaningfully at the gathered council.

The room crackled with unspoken threats.

Aria opened her mouth to speak , to defend herself, perhaps , but Riven's sudden arrival at the chamber doors stopped her.

"She's not just a healer," Riven announced, eyes gleaming with something like triumph. "I caught her scent at the old oak. She carries old magic. Cursed magic."

A sharp intake of breath rippled through the room.

Draven's smirk widened. "Well, well. The Alpha brings a snake into the den."

Kade's fury was palpable. "Enough. I owe her a life-debt. Until my wounds are repaid, she stays."

Aria's heart pounded as all eyes fell on her.

In that moment, she knew her grandmother's letter hadn't been a warning , it was a prophecy.

She wasn't a guest here.

She was a spark in dry timber.

And the fire had only just begun