Chapter 3 SHADOWS OF COMFORT

ARIA

The training yard echoes with laughter that isn't mine.Sweat trickles down my spine. Splinters bite my palms. The staff shake like a branch in the wind. My wolf claws at my ribs: Prove them wrong. Stand your ground.

My body's screaming from pain as I strain it. I grit my teeth and wrap my hands around the training staff, my muscles burning, but they still tremble. Two warriors sparring nearby, they're making fun of me and they don't bother to lower their voices.

"That's the Luna?" one sneered. "She can't even keep her balance."

"Moon help us if we go to war," another muttered, smirking.

Heat flares in my cheeks, but I force my legs to stay locked in position. I can't give them the satisfaction of seeing me stumble. The bond has chosen me, whether or not they believed. I will prove myself. Somehow.

The staff slipped in my sweaty palms. I waver – and a hand catches me.

"You're gripping it too tightly,"

Elias says evenly, in such a way that calms my nerves. He then goes ahead to release my hold on the staff and correcting my stance. His touch is light as he brushes dirt from my knuckles.

"Strength isn't just in force, Aria. It's in control.

The mocking laughter dulled, though I still feel their eyes. I exhale shakily.

"If I were stronger... if I were enough, he'd look at me differently."

Elias's expression softens, his voice barely above a whisper. "Or maybe he's the weak one, not you"

I blink, startled by the words. Elias smiles faintly, brushing it off with a shrug before I can respond.

Before I can press him, a ripple runs through the warriors. They straighten, eyes flicking towards the gates.

I follow their gaze – and freeze.

A woman rides into the yard with so much aura and authority. Her long hair silk, her cheekbones sharp, her lips curl in a mischievous smirk as her eyes meets mine.

Astrid Morwen. She carries herself as though she already belongs, her confidence biting at my raw insecurities. Boots crunched against gravel, the sound sharp as a blade.The air shifted; warriors straightened as though gravity itself bowed to her.

"Training?"

Astrid's voice is silk dipped in venom. She cast a deliberate glance at my trembling stance before turning her gaze towards Damon, who appears at the far side of the yard.

"Alpha, I had thought you'd keep your Luna busy with... softer tasks."

Snickers erupts. Damon's expression hardens, but he said nothing. The silence cut deeper than any blade. I lower my staff, my throat thick. Not a word. Not a defense. Nothing.

Astrid's smirk widens, as if she'd won something invisible.Her smirk was victory already claimed. I turn, fleeing the training yard before the tears can fall.

DAMON

I arrive late, the smell of sweat and pinewood thick in the training yard. My wolf growls low as I spot Aria struggling with the staff. She looked fragile – too fragile- but I can't let them see me hesitate.

And then Astrid appears. Of course. She always knows exactly when to make herself visible, to remind me of expectations, to test Aria.

I watch Aria lower the staff, shoulders slumping beneath invisible weight. I want to stride forward, to correct the wrong, to take her side. My wolf howls in frustration, sensing her humiliation.

But I did nothing wrong. Pride and strategy hold me in check. Let her stumble now, let the pack see her struggle. Let her learn the weight of the bond in real terms.

Still, my eyes follow her movement as she heads towards the riverbank. My wolf growls in frustration and my heart beats so fast. Why does it burn so?

ELIAS

I catch her before the staff slipped entirely. Her fingers are shaking, her stance faltering, and I can't let her fall – not like this. Not in front of them.

"Strength isn't just in force. It's in control." I say brushing my fingers over hers to steady her grip.

Her words hit me, soft and laced with doubt. "If I were stronger...if I were enough, he'd look at me differently."

I shake my head slightly, "Or maybe he's the weak one, not you." My wolf prowlers just beneath my skin, hackles raised on her behalf.

I watch her eyes blink, and for a brief moment, I will myself to hope she believes me. She lean against my shoulder, clinging to the only anchor she has left.

When the ripple of attention shifts towards the gates, I turn, following her gaze – and tensed, Astrid Morwen. Beautiful, precise, dangerous. A rival hidden behind confidence and poison.

Aria bolts before I can offer more than a half-grasp. I follow her silently, letting her lead the way to the riverbank.

***

ARIA

I end up by the riverbank. The ache in my chest feels worse than ever. I wrap my arms around myself, wishing the bond will silence, wishing Damon will just – see me.

The rush of water muffles my sobs. Fireflies drifted lazily above reeds.I dip my hands into the cold current as if trying to wash away humiliation.

Elias's footsteps crunch softly against the grass. He doesn't speak at first, only sits beside me, close enough for warmth.

theatreon't have to prove yoursefollowem," he says at last.

My laugh is hollow. "If I can't win their respect, what kind of Luna am I?

"The kind who doesn't need their approval," Elias murmurs. "The kind who rules with her heart, not her centre. That's strength too, Aria."

My eyes sting. I turn to him, searching his gaze, clinginggggg to it as the only anchor I have left.

But the bond tugged cruelly, reminding me it isn't his eyes I longed for.

It's Damon's.