Kael’s POV

The symbol burned in my mind. Crescent and dagger, an old enemy’s mark carved into our border trees. The Hollow Claw was supposed to be extinct. Yet the scent around that tree was fresh. I stood in the war room, hands flat on the cold stone table, while Rhian paced behind me. “They’re probing us,” she muttered.

She gave me a look. “You haven’t been sleeping. You haven't been present. You’ve been chasing shadows. Or watching Mira chase hers.” I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. Because she was right.

Across the table, Elias laid out the patrol maps. “This wasn’t random. They knew exactly where the wards were weakest. Someone fed them that.” A traitor. Inside Blackridge. The idea made my wolf growl. “Double the night patrols,” I said. “Any warrior seen straying without cause is detained.” Rhian hesitated. “You’ll make enemies.”

“I already have,” I snapped. “Let them know what happens when they underestimate me.” But the weight in my chest wasn’t from the Hollow Claw. It was from her.

After the meeting, I walked the corridor toward the guest wing. Not to see her. That’s what I told myself. But I ended up outside the library. She was there. Alone. Hair down. A record book in her hands. Her back was straight as if even sitting was a form of defence. I didn’t knock.

“Mira.”

She stiffened. “Alpha.” The word was cold. Measured. Not mine anymore. “There’s something I need to tell you,” I said. She didn’t look up. “The symbol they found it belongs to the Hollow Claw.” She closed the book. “Why tell me?”

“Because they know you’re here. And they might use you to get to me.”

“Then maybe I shouldn’t be here,” she said quietly.

My breath caught. “That’s not what I want.”

“Since when does that matter?”

I moved closer. “I never wanted to lose you.” She turned to me, eyes steady. “But you did. And you made that choice.” I didn’t touch her, but the bond hummed between us. Faint. Alive. “My wolf still sees you.”

“Tell him to forget.”

Later, I interrogated the scout who’d gone missing during the breach. He fumbled over his words. Eyes darting. Sweat beading on his brow. “Where did you go?” I asked. “I... I was scouting the northern ridge.”

“No one sent you there.” He flinched. “I, I heard something.”

“Or someone told you to disappear.” His scent reeked of fear. But not guilt. Not exactly. More like manipulation. I didn’t kill him. I wanted to. But fear ruled him, not betrayal. He was a pawn, not the hand moving the pieces. I ordered Elias to lock him up and dig deeper. Someone was feeding intel to our enemies. And somehow, Mira’s return lined up too perfectly.

At dusk, I shifted. I needed air. The city’s edge still backed into forest. I ran beneath the canopy until the trees turned silver with moonlight. Then I felt it, her. Not her scent. Not her voice. Her wolf. The bond pulled tight without warning. I stopped in a clearing. On the ridge above, another wolf stood.

Mira, she didn’t move. Neither did I. Her eyes glowed amber. Her fur was darker now. Sleek. Strong. But she was still her. My wolf howled. Not a call. A whisper. She stayed silent. For a long time, we just looked. Nothing said. Nothing needed. And yet, everything was said. When she turned to leave, my chest ached. Not because she was going, but because she didn’t hesitate.

Back in my quarters, I was met by someone else. Seraphine. She stood in the doorway, eyes calculating. “You are.”

She stepped inside anyway. “I hear Mira’s presence is... unsettling the Elders.” I didn’t answer. She smiled. “They worry you’re distracted. That history will repeat.” I walked past her, pouring water to cool my nerves. “You’re not Luna,” I said bluntly. “No,” she agreed. “But I was supposed to be.”

I turned. Her smile was gone. “Let me be clear. If anything happens to Mira, anything, I’ll raze this entire city.” She blinked. “You think I’d harm her?” He said, smiling. “I think you’d let someone else do it.”

Lights from the Pack House glowed behind me. And across the courtyard, Mira appeared. She didn’t see me. But I saw her. And the ache I carried broke wide again. Not because she wasn’t mine. But because I had no one to blame but myself.

I stood still staring blankly after Mira had disappeared into the shadows. I lost the bite I’m known for, and my courage vanished. The ache was louder than any war drum. Louder than duty. Louder than pride.

Behind me, Seraphine remained still. Watching. But I wasn’t broken. Not yet. And if war was coming, I’d face it. Even if my heart was the first casualty. Then the messenger arrived.

And what he carried reeked of blood and betrayal.