Chapter 4 NYLA'S POV

NYLA'S POV

I'd thought walking to this Elda's place with Caelan was going to be boring. He seemed like someone important-his posture was always so upright, his jaw clenched with constant restraint, his clothes too neat to be casual. And he hardly ever spoke. It was usually that irritating Thalia character that did all the talking whenever I saw him-because, for whatever reason, she was always around him. Like some chatty, glitter-covered mosquito.

Maybe they were seeing each other, but I could tell they weren't mates. At least, not yet.

That didn't stop the excitement that built up in my chest when he offered to take me himself to the den I woke up in.

He hadn't said much, just gave a small nod and motioned for me to follow him. And as expected, he didn't say a single word once we began the walk. He simply kept his hands clasped behind his back as he led the way, his strides long and purposeful.

I didn't exactly complain, even though I wanted-desperately-to hear his voice again. Instead, I used the silence as an excuse to admire his physique.

I don't know what "perfect" looks like to most people, but when I looked at him, that's what I saw. The firm lines of his shoulders, the way his muscles moved subtly beneath his dark shirt, his presence-it all screamed power and discipline. He was like a living sculpture carved out of both elegance and danger. A walking paradox. A leader.

But the reminder that he was clearly taken-and the fact that I didn't even know who I was-kept my fluttering emotions in check.

At least, it did... until we went past the training grounds.

I don't know why my body acted on its own accord when we passed a group of werewolves sparring. Wolves of all ages were there, some in human form, some shifting mid-fight, all with intense focus in their eyes. Some were clearly novices, fumbling with every movement, while others moved with the grace and precision of seasoned warriors.

I'd definitely run past the grounds before, but I hadn't noticed them in my earlier haze-too desperate to escape. This time, I slowed down without meaning to. My feet stopped completely. My eyes stayed locked on the motion of battle.

It wasn't until Caelan tapped my shoulder that I realized I'd halted.

"The training grounds," he said, his voice low and clear. "The people in the pack need to learn to fight. I-and every member of my team-encourage anyone who is willing and able to train. Are you interested?"

His voice had a strange effect on me. Smooth like velvet, but laced with an edge that made me want to obey. I swallowed hard, unsure of what to say.

I shrugged. "I need answers about who I am first. Everything else comes second."

He nodded once in understanding.

"So, you train them?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation going as we started walking again.

"On occasion," he replied.

That was it.

I sighed under my breath. Definitely not a talker.

"Who is this Elda woman, anyway? Is she actually a witch?"

"She's the oldest-and only-human in our pack. The Moon Goddess gave her special gifts. She was of immense help to the pack when we fought off a group of rogues a month ago."

There was more to the story, I could tell. His voice held something unspoken beneath the surface, but he didn't elaborate.

Still, I nodded. "I get why she's respected then. But I do wonder... why did I wake up in her chambers? Are you sure she doesn't want to harm me? What if she's the reason I don't remember anything? Shouldn't you tell your alpha about this?"

Caelan suddenly burst out laughing.

I jumped, a hand flying to my chest. I'd never heard him laugh before-not even a chuckle. The sound was deep, genuine, warm in a way I didn't expect from someone who looked like he'd been carved from glacier ice. And I was smiling before I even realized it.

"I don't think Elda wants to do you any harm," he said, amusement still dancing in his eyes. "And as for the alpha, I'm sure he'll be fine with it."

I narrowed my eyes. "You sound awfully certain of that."

He smirked, saying nothing. It was annoying. And oddly charming.

"Why are you staring?"

Damn it. My eyes widened and I immediately looked away, my cheeks heating up like wildfire.

"You have a nice laugh," I blurted, desperate to fill the silence that had become too charged, too awkward.

And just like that, the warmth vanished.

Caelan's expression closed off in an instant, his posture stiffening again.

"We're almost there," he said coldly. "No more stops."

I nodded silently, struggling to keep up with his long strides. What had I said wrong? Did he not like compliments? Or was I crossing some invisible line?

---

By the time we reached the doors I'd run out of earlier, a nervous flutter settled into the pit of my stomach. Caelan didn't seem afraid of the woman behind them-but he respected her, and so did the other wolves who accompanied him earlier. That meant something.

And I didn't know why I had woken up in her chambers. Or what she wanted. That only added to my unease.

"You came later than expected, Alpha," came a voice from within the room. It was old, but steady-like an oak tree that had weathered more than most and still stood strong.

Alpha?

Caelan opened the doors, and my jaw dropped before I could stop myself. He was the alpha?

That explained the way everyone reacted to him. The silent authority. The confidence. The respect. It was no wonder he laughed at me outside.

Inside, a tall, grey-haired woman stood facing a wall decorated with what I could only describe as a collection of skulls. They were bleached and clean, arranged almost like trophies or warnings. She turned when we entered, smiled faintly at Caelan, and then fixed her gaze on me.

Her expression was... neutral. Not warm, not cruel. But it made my spine straighten all the same.

"I met her outside," Caelan said, voice clipped and all business again. "Thought she was a rogue at first. She revealed you were the one who had her. Why did you bring her here, Elda? What if she was dangerous? You're only human."

"No wolf can harm me, Caelan," Elda replied, chuckling. "You forget that sometimes."

Then her eyes flicked back to me. "Let's just say this one intrigued me. She was injured when I found her. But when I used magic on her... nothing happened. Not a flicker of healing."

I felt Caelan's gaze land on me, heavy and curious. His eyes searched mine like he was trying to read a language he didn't fully understand.

"I don't have any magic of my own," I said quickly, feeling small. "At least... I don't think I do. I can't remember much of anything."

"I know you don't," Elda said gently. "But you're surrounded by magic. It clings to you, almost like a second skin. Someone placed a spell on you-but I believe it will wane with time."

Caelan's jaw tightened. Then he turned to Elda and gave a small nod. "You know what? I trust that she's safe in your hands. But make sure this is reported to the pack house soon."

And just like that, he turned to leave.

I opened my mouth to say something, anything-but the words refused to come. I just stood there, watching him disappear through the doorway.

A hand touched my shoulder and I flinched hard, my pulse jumping. Elda had moved without a sound-impressive, given her age-and was suddenly right beside me.

"Now, now, child," she said with a small smile, her voice like warm soup on a cold day. "No need to be so jumpy. You haven't had a bite to eat, have you?"

Honestly, I wasn't sure. My stomach rumbled, answering for me.

She chuckled softly, then began to walk deeper into the room, motioning for me to follow.

"Come. There's food, and herbal tea, and perhaps a little magic that won't frighten you."

And strangely, I did follow.

Despite the skulls on the wall, the unanswered questions, and the ache that came with watching Caelan leave without a second glance-I followed.

Because something inside me whispered that Elda knew more than she let on.

And because maybe, just maybe, this was the first step toward remembering who I really was.