Chapter 3 A fateful Encounter

The cold wind howled through the dense forest as Selene staggered forward, her vision blurring at the edges. Every muscle in her body screamed for rest, but she didn't dare stop. Not when she could still hear them behind her footsteps, muffled voices, the unmistakable presence of pursuers.

Her legs gave out beneath her, sending her crashing against the damp earth. Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself up with trembling arms. She had no idea how far she had come or where she was going. All she knew was that stopping meant death.

A sharp pain shot through her side. She pressed her hand to the wound, feeling the warm stickiness of blood seep through her fingers. The scent would attract them if it hadn't already.

Branches snapped behind her.

Panic surged through her veins, giving her one last burst of strength. She lurched forward, barely able to see through the thick mist curling around the trees. The world tilted, and then suddenly, the ground beneath her was gone.

She tumbled down a rocky incline, her body rolling over jagged stones and tangled roots before she landed hard on a flat surface. Pain flared through her, but she barely registered it. Darkness crept at the edges of her consciousness.

And then boots. Tall, imposing, stepping into her limited field of vision. A deep, rumbling voice followed.

"Who dares trespass into Obsidian Hollow?"

And just like that, the world faded to black.

Selene woke to the sensation of warmth pressing against her skin. Soft furs beneath her, a crackling fire nearby. The scent of pine and something distinctly male filled the air.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she nearly bolted upright when she saw him.

Alpha Rael Thorncrest.

He was seated in a chair by the fire, elbows resting on his thighs, watching her with unreadable dark eyes. He looked every bit as dangerous as the stories whispered broad shoulders, powerful build, and an aura that sent shivers down her spine.

Selene tried to move, only to find herself weak and restrained by her own exhaustion.

"Who are you?" Rael's voice was deep, edged with authority.

She swallowed hard. "Selene."

His gaze flicked to her wound, now bandaged. "And why were you bleeding out in my territory?"

She hesitated. If she told him the truth, would he send her back? Or worse kill her himself?

He leaned forward slightly. "I don't like silence."

She forced the words out. "I was running."

His expression didn't change, but she felt the weight of his scrutiny. "From who?"

A lump formed in her throat. "My uncle."

Rael's fingers tapped against his knee, considering. "Why?"

She met his gaze, pulse pounding. "Because he wants me dead."

Silence stretched between them. The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows across Rael's chiseled face.

Finally, he spoke. "And why should I believe you?"

Selene clenched her fists. "I have nothing to gain by lying."

Rael studied her, then stood, looming over her. "You have everything to gain. A wounded woman stumbles into my territory, seeking protection. How convenient."

Anger flared in her chest. "I didn't ask for your protection."

"No?" He smirked, stepping closer. "Then what do you want?"

She didn't know. She had been running for so long that she hadn't thought beyond survival. But looking into his eyes, she realized one thing

She didn't want to be alone.

"I just need time," she admitted, voice barely above a whisper.

Rael exhaled sharply, his gaze unreadable. Then he turned away. "Rest tonight. We'll talk in the morning."

Selene let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. But something in his voice told her she wasn't free yet.

Not even close.

The morning brought new challenges. Selene barely had time to register the sharp knock on the door before a large, burly man entered. His eyes landed on her, then flicked to Rael.

"She's awake."

Rael nodded. "Good."

Selene sat up as the man crossed his arms. "The pack isn't happy, Alpha."

"Noted." Rael's tone was dismissive.

Selene tensed. "The pack?"

The man scoffed. "You didn't think we'd just let a stranger stay, did you?"

Rael shot him a warning glance before turning to her. "They'll want answers."

A chill ran down her spine. She had survived the night, but the real battle was just beginning.

The pack gathered in the clearing, eyes heavy with suspicion. Selene stood beside Rael, painfully aware of the murmurs around her.

"She could be a spy."

"She's weak. Not one of us."

Rael lifted a hand, silencing them. "Selene will stay under my protection."

A murmur of discontent rippled through the group. A woman with fiery red hair stepped forward. "And what if she's a danger?"

Rael's expression hardened. "Then I'll deal with it."

Selene's breath caught. This was no ordinary pack. They followed strength, not kindness. And if she wanted to survive, she would have to prove herself.

The red-haired woman smirked. "Then let's see if she can fight."

Selene's heart pounded. One thing was clear

If she wanted to stay, she would have to earn it.

And that meant facing whatever challenge came next.