Chapter 5 Heated Encounters

Camilla POV

In the open space, I stand ready with my staff, observing the young wolves as they move around each other, full of eager anticipation. Through the foliage, sunlight streams to cast dappled patterns on the wolves while they replicate my actions. A constant heartbeat in my ears reverberates as a dual signal of threat and potential. I make a conscious effort to conceal my strength while maintaining the movements Lucien has trained me in.

Lucien keeps watch by my side without speaking, his silent vigil marked by a gaze as cutting as a blade. His eyes study the movement of my body from behind, but I can sense them tracking every change in my stance. His closeness sends heat waves through my belly as his presence ignites like a flame. I push my shoulders downward while I straighten my arms and keep my attention on the wolves before me.

My staff moves in a gradual arc, which instructs them on how to strike and block while maintaining balance. Every muscle in my body resonates with power that I haven't displayed since my return, while each fibre pulses with vibrant energy. With eyes shining from concentration and wonder, the wolves mimic my movements. I suppress my smile to show approval of their development while ensuring my happiness doesn't transform into arrogance.

A powerful wind gust rushes across the clearing, making the overhead branches shake like thunder from afar. As the air moves, the campfire begins to flicker, sending sparks flying through the sky. I feel my heart jump and recognise that the wind awakens the dormant power within me. A quiver runs through my body, and I hold onto the staff even more firmly.

My eyes shut briefly to inhale the warmth surging through my bloodstream. At the moment I lift my eyelids open, the wolves halt in place as though time stood still around us. I handle the staff with smooth motions while concealing my inner trembling. The clearing grows heavy with silence.

Lucien steps forward with his gaze narrowing and his jaw clenching. He looks into my eyes, searching for the memory that briefly emerged from my mind. His intensity grips my breath, and I realise he understands what I experienced. My lips form a tight line to ensure he gets no indication from me.

The juvenile wolves shift their gaze between us while their tails remain rigid from fear and curiosity. One daring puppy advances with a half-step while its tail drops and nose wavers in response to the intense atmosphere. I control my voice to keep calm while directing them to return to formation. The term "again" comes out rough against my tight throat.

A loud snapping sound suddenly erupts as a branch breaks under concealed pressure. With my staff raised, I turn to confront the clearing's boundary. The solitary wolf enters the illuminated area with its fur standing on end while its eyes shine with intense hunger. The sight of her triggers an icy chill through my blood veins because she is my mother's wild mate who vanished years ago.

Recognition lights up Lucien's eyes while his face becomes pale as he follows my gaze. The pack members remain motionless with their tails tucked and hold their breath as they stare in fear and awe. The hot electricity of power rises inside me with unstoppable force. I swallow those emotions while I grind my teeth to maintain a steady voice.

I gently command the pack to return to their positions while my voice quivers. The wolves show compliance and blink at the stranger as fear battles their loyalty to their pack. The solitary she-wolf advances cautiously while maintaining complete silence with each purposeful step. Between shock and an intense, silent connection, my heart echoes with roaring intensity.

Lucien stands next to me with his staff raised like he wants to shield me from a danger I partly provoked. His hand moves close to my shoulder as worry marks every feature of his face. The years of fire-trained instinct prevent me from turning to him and revealing everything I want to say. The she-wolf halts when she is three paces away from me while her eyes glow with recognition.

The she-wolf bends her head to one side while her subdued growl breaks the silence. Memories of hidden springs and soft nudges surge through me as my knees shake uncontrollably. I drop my staff to the ground while my heart races with both longing and fear. The she-wolf raises her muzzle to emit a soft howling sound that acts as an invitation.

Lucien's frown deepens as he shifts his gaze between the she-wolf and me while recognising the unspeakable connection we share. He advances slowly, and the she-wolf reveals her teeth in response. My hand lifts with an open palm while I quietly call her former name, which I believed I'd never utter again. Her ears stand alert while her hackles relax when she hears my voice.

The pack stands paralysed between flight and fight in a tense clearing. Lucien grips his staff more tightly while his gaze turns to me as if seeking approval. I nod, and my heart races as he steps back to let me make the decision. The she-wolf looks straight into my eyes with her golden gaze as she searches for something.

I move closer while keeping my staff by my side as I say her name in a quiet voice that trembles. The pack lets out a collective breath while the moment crackles with burning intensity. She moves closer until I feel her muzzle touch my hand, and her breath sends shivers along my body. Lucien stares in his gaze as awe and confusion struggle to take control.

Anxiety grips the wolves as they struggle to determine whether to rejoice or protect themselves. I run my fingers over the she-wolf's neck where faded scars mirror those on my body. The combination of pain and love grips my breath in that moment. I turn my head to see Lucien, whose mouth opens into an unspoken query.

A distant horn's sharp and urgent sound breaks through the forest as I try to speak. The trees reflect the sound into the forest and create panic among the wolves. Lucien turns around in a wide-eyed panic before seizing my arm. The sound of the horn reverberates anew, and now it sounds closer than before.

Our eyes meet with panic and an unspoken understanding that our delicate agreement could break at any second. Muscles coil behind him, snarling as the she-wolf detects danger from afar. Lucien leads me back toward the packhouse while the horn's sound beats against our ears like the rhythm of war drums. As we run to escape danger, the she-wolf's presence presses close behind me while my heart pounds loudly in my ears.

As we arrive at the clearing's edge, the ground beneath us begins to tremble while a sound of terror and rage sweeps through the forest. Strange wolf packs erupt from the trees into view with eyes that burn with violent intent. Lucien pulls me to safety behind a fallen oak tree while snarling wolves snap at us. His breath touches my neck with its warmth and urgency.

"Camilla," he whispers, voice raw. His arms hold me close while I finally look into his eyes. The wild pack charges into the clearing with exposed fangs prepared for combat. Lucien's hold becomes firmer as he orders me to escape, while my attention shifts to the she-wolf who displays her sharp teeth to the attackers.

Rather than running away, she advances to confront the threat while raising her head and emitting a defiant howl that echoes through the air. Her battle cry resonates within me as I understand she stands with us. The look of astonishment and fear meets my eyes as I stare into Lucien's gaze. I nod, understanding flashing between us.

The she-wolf leaps into action beside me as the first enemy charges while her fur shines with concealed strength. While Lucien calls out to me, I charge straight to confront the enemy. Chaos fills the clearing when combat confronts bonds of friendship. Fear's sharp taste mixes with intense joy as every part of me becomes fully alert.

During the chaotic storm of fur and claws, I catch a brief image of Lucien being hurled backwards by a colossal black wolf while his staff slips from his hands. A sickening thud fills the air as he collapses to the ground, and my heart stops. My angry roar releases a wild surge of power that spreads uncontrollably around me. The forest trembles as ancient magic crashes against fresh power.

The she-wolf jumps towards Lucien as she snarls at his attacker. Brandishing my staff, I rush toward the black wolf whose power ignites within me. The sound of my heartbeat, along with the sound of the fight, becomes the only thing I can perceive. The black wolf blinks its eyes with sudden recognition and growls my name in that intense moment.