Chapter 2 [THE WOLF PRINCE]

[THE WOLF PRINCE]

Kael sat by the fire in the healer's tent, teeth clenched as the stitches were removed from his side. The wound was already closed. Too quickly. It had baffled the pack doctor.

"You should be dead," the old healer muttered again, shaking her head. "That gash nearly cut into your heart. What happened out there?"

Kael said nothing.

He couldn't stop thinking about her-the girl with eyes like storm clouds and hands that glowed gold.

She had healed him. He remembered the warmth of her touch, the way her voice trembled when she told him to shut up. She had saved his life... and vanished.

"Could've been magic," the healer said softly.

Kael looked up. "What?"

She didn't meet his eyes. "Old magic. Not from any pack healer I've ever known."

Kael stood up, ignoring the ache in his ribs. "Tell no one."

"You should report this to the Alpha-"

"I said no one."

The healer's lips thinned, but she nodded.

As Kael stepped outside, cold air slapped his face. The forest beyond the camp was quiet now, but danger still lurked in the shadows. Rogues were getting bolder, attacking closer to the border every week.

He tightened his cloak and walked toward the warrior tents.

He needed answers.

He needed to find her.

Back in Rogue Territory

Aurora stood barefoot in the river, letting the icy water numb her feet. Her thoughts wouldn't stop spinning.

Kael was alive. She had felt his heartbeat return. But she had also felt something else-a connection so strong, it terrified her.

She didn't want a mate.

Not one like him.

"Still hiding out here?" Tamsin asked from the riverbank.

Aurora didn't turn. "Just needed space."

Tamsin crossed her arms. "We got word. Silverfang pulled back after the skirmish. They're regrouping."

"That's good, right?"

"Not really. That means they're planning something."

Aurora finally looked at her. "Do you think... do you think we'll ever stop running?"

Tamsin's jaw tightened. "Not until we make them pay."

Aurora said nothing.

She wasn't sure she wanted revenge anymore.

She just wanted peace.

That Night – Silverfang War Room

Kael spread out the map across the stone table. His father, Alpha Garrick, leaned over it with narrowed eyes.

"These rogue attacks are more than scattered raids now," Kael said. "They're coordinated."

Garrick snorted. "Rogues are animals. They don't coordinate."

"Then who's leading them?"

"Doesn't matter. We crush them."

Kael hesitated. "What if... what if there's another way?"

His father gave him a sharp look. "You're not getting soft, are you?"

"No, sir."

Garrick straightened. "We have a duty to the packs. Strength. Order. We don't make deals with mutts in the woods."

Kael clenched his fists under the table.

His father didn't understand. Or maybe he didn't care.

But Kael couldn't forget that girl's face. She wasn't a monster. She wasn't wild or cruel.

She had been... gentle.

Afraid.

And powerful.

Two Days Later – The Seer's Invitation

Aurora was gathering herbs at the edge of the forest when the crow landed on her shoulder.

She froze.

The crow tilted its head, then opened its beak. A small silver scroll fell to the ground.

She picked it up.

There were no words. Just a symbol. A crescent moon above a flame.

Her birth pack's mark.

Aurora's hands trembled.

The last time she had seen that symbol was the night her family died.

She read the back. A single sentence written in red ink.

Come to the Black Hollow Ball. Wear a mask. Answers await.

Later That Night – Whisper Ridge

Tamsin held up the dress. "You're not seriously going, are you?"

Aurora nodded.

"It could be a trap."

"I have to know who sent the message."

Tamsin sighed. "Then take this." She handed Aurora a silver dagger. "And if anyone tries to touch you-stab first, ask questions later."

Aurora smiled faintly. "Comforting."

At the Ball – Silverfang Castle

The hall was full of wolves dressed in rich fabrics, gold and silver masks hiding their faces. Music echoed through the tall ceilings. Laughter floated like perfume.

Aurora slipped in through the side entrance, wearing a plain black gown and a mask that covered half her face.

No one looked twice at her.

She was invisible.

Until she stepped into the light.

Kael was standing near the edge of the ballroom, speaking with the council's Beta, but his gaze swept the crowd... and locked on her.

His heart stuttered.

It was her.

He didn't know how-didn't know why-but he knew.

Mate.

He crossed the room, weaving through dancers.

Aurora turned to flee-but it was too late.

Kael stood in front of her. "I know you."

"I think you're mistaken," she said softly.

"No," he said. "I remember you."

He reached for her mask.

She backed away. "Don't."

He paused, hand dropping. "You saved my life."

She didn't reply.

"Why?"

"You were dying."

"Why save someone you hate?"

She looked up at him-and for one terrible second, Kael saw the pain in her eyes.

"I didn't hate you," she whispered. "Until now."

Then she turned and walked away.

Outside the Ball – Midnight

Aurora stood by the garden fountain, heart racing.

He knew.

He felt it too.

The bond.

Kael stepped out behind her.

"Please," he said. "Tell me who you are."

She shook her head.

"I need to know."

"No, you don't."

He stepped closer. "You're my mate."

Aurora closed her eyes. "And that's a cruel joke the Moon Goddess played on both of us."

"You don't believe that."

She turned to face him. "Your father killed my family."

Kael's breath caught. "What?"

"My name is Aurora. Daughter of Alpha Thorne. He destroyed my pack."

Kael stumbled back a step.

"No. That can't be."

"It is. And now you understand why I ran."

Kael opened his mouth-but no words came.

"I saved your life," Aurora said quietly. "Now I need you to let me go."

And before he could stop her-

She vanished into the night.