My attackers hesitated for a moment before recognising who was standing in front of me. Within seconds, they ran in fear into the darkness of the forest, leaving me alone with this stranger. I remained silent, staring at him with confusion and relief, my heart still pounding.

The man approached, looking at me with concern. "Are you okay?"

I swallowed, trying to compose myself. "I... I'm okay. Thank you for saving me."

He gave a faint smile, though his face remained serious. "My name is Lukas. I'm the Alpha of the neighbouring pack."

I nodded, still feeling the lingering exhaustion and fear from what I'd just experienced. At that moment, Lukas seemed to notice my state and asked again, "You look tired and injured. Why were you walking alone on a night like this?"

I fell silent, wondering if I should tell the truth. But something inside me said that Lukas could be trusted. "I... left the Gabring Pack. There's no place for me there anymore."

Lukas nodded slowly, as if understanding, though his expression remained neutral. "You can stay in my territory. At least until you recover and figure out what you'll do next."

I was surprised by the offer. An Alpha I’d just met was offering protection without asking for anything in return? There was a warmth in him I’d never found in Alaric—like a soft light in the darkness.

“I… I don’t want to be a bother,” I said softly, though inside I felt uncertain. I’d been carrying this burden alone for too long.

“You’re not a burden,” Lukas replied firmly. “In my territory, I ensure every member of my pack—even guests—receive safety. I know what it’s like to lose the place you call home.”

The sincerity in his eyes touched something within me, causing the defences I’d built up to crumble. Finally, I nodded, struggling to swallow the tears threatening to spill. “Alright… thank you, Lukas.”

***

In the days that followed, under Lukas’s protection, I began to feel more at ease. His pack might not be as large or as powerful as the Gabring Pack, but the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming, without judgement or suspicion from anyone.

They accepted my presence without asking many questions, though I remained cautious about hiding my pregnancy. I knew that if they found out this child was the Alpha’s blood from the Gabring Pack, everything could turn for the worse.

I often saw Lukas watching me, especially when he made sure I was okay. Every time we met, he always showed a gentleness I’d never gotten from Alaric. There was a sincerity that slowly began to heal the wounds in my heart.

One night, as I sat by the riverbank, gazing at the shimmering water under the moonlight, Lukas approached me and sat beside me. "Are you feeling better?"

I stared at the water, trying to control my emotions. "Yes, I feel safer here. Thank you, Lukas."

He smiled faintly, but his expression remained serious. "You don't need to thank me. It's my duty as Alpha."

By Lukas' side, I felt a calmness I had never experienced before. However, that peace didn't last long. A sudden wave of nausea hit me, making me quickly cover my mouth, hoping Lukas didn't notice my condition.

But his gaze was too sharp to be deceived. "Zara, you look unwell. Is there anything I can do to help?"

I bit my lip, searching for a quick excuse. "I'm just a bit tired, maybe I walked too much today."

He nodded, though there was doubt in his eyes. "If you need help or there's anything, don't hesitate to tell me. I’m here to make sure you’re okay.”

I gave a small smile, feeling guilty for having to hide my secret from him. “Thank you, Lukas. I’m really okay.”

As I stood up, suddenly my body felt unsteady, and I had to hold onto the nearest tree trunk to steady myself.

My breath was ragged, and my stomach was churning again. Lukas immediately came over and caught me before I fell.

"Zara!" His voice was full of concern. "Are you sick? Tell me what's really going on."

I tried to calm my breathing, but my face must have looked pale. "I'm... just a little dizzy," I muttered, avoiding his sharp gaze.

However, Lukas didn't look away, and I could see that he was piecing things together in his mind. "This is more than just a regular dizzy spell, Zara. I know something's different. Something important."

My heart was racing, but Lukas didn't give me a chance to dodge the question.

"Zara," his voice was low but full of pressure, "you're pregnant, aren't you?"

My body froze, my chest felt tight as if all my secrets had been exposed. I bit my lip, not knowing what to say. But before I could answer, heavy footsteps were heard from behind the trees.

A messenger from the Gabring Pack appeared, panting, his eyes fixed sharply on us.

And in that moment, I realised that the peace I had just felt might end sooner than I thought.

I tried my hardest to hide this pregnancy from Lukas. Every time I felt nauseous in the morning or woke up in the middle of the night because of sharp pains in my stomach, I tried my best to hide it. But as time went on, all my efforts felt increasingly futile.

Lukas always watched me closely. One afternoon as we walked along the banks of the calmly flowing river, he looked at me with a worried expression.

“Zara, you don’t look like yourself,” he said softly but sharply. “Are you okay?”

I smiled, trying to control the nervousness gnawing at my heart. “I’m just tired, Lukas. This move… everything needs adjusting,” I replied, diverting attention from the truth that was weighing heavily on my chest.

Lukas nodded, but I knew he didn’t fully believe me. “You know, I’m here to help you. Whatever it is… you can trust me,” he said with a voice full of sincerity.

His words touched my heart, as if bringing a little peace. But the shadow of Alaric and the sadness he left behind still haunted me.

Every time I tried to look at Lukas, guilt welled up inside me. I shouldn’t have gotten entangled in emotions involving him.

“Thank you, Lukas. I really appreciate everything you’ve done,” I said, trying to strengthen myself. But I couldn’t deny the tension between us, which was growing harder to bear.

A few days passed, and his attention towards me grew more intense. Lukas asked about my condition more often and offered help with small things.

With him, I felt a warmth I rarely felt before, but I also found myself increasingly trapped in confusion between the past and the present.

One night, as we sat by the campfire, Lukas looked at me deeply, his eyes filled with doubt.

“Zara, have you ever thought about the future? We could build something together, if you’re willing,” he said softly yet hopefully.

I lowered my head, biting my lip, trying to calm the tension surging within me. “I… I don’t know, Lukas. There are many things you don’t know about me. I don’t want to give you hope that I might not be able to fulfil.”

Lukas approached, holding my hand warmly. “You don’t need to feel burdened. If there’s something you want to say… I’m here to listen,” he said softly, making tears well up in my eyes.

But as I tried to gather the courage to speak, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from the forest, breaking the silence between us.

A soldier from the Gabring Pack appeared with a tense expression and labored breathing. “Alpha Lukas! Alaric is searching for Zara. He’s brought troops to find her.”

My heart seemed to stop. Fear flooded my body, as if nailing every step I took to the spot.