Elena’s POV

“Ethan?” My voice cracked in shock. I could not believe my eyes.

The guard dragged him in roughly, but I knew that face anywhere.

“Ethan, what are you doing here?”

Kael looked between us, his eyes narrowing. “So. You know this man.”

Ethan straightened, even with guards gripping his arms. His eyes were fixed only on me.

“Yes. I know her.”

Kael’s jaw tightened. His voice dropped lower. “You come into my territory uninvited. You dare stand here in front of me. Do you know what that means, Beta?”

“I don’t care what you do to me,” Ethan said firmly. “Just don’t hurt her. That’s all I ask. It is a personal request.”

Kael’s eyes burned as he stepped closer. “You think you can protect her from me?”

“Kael, please,” I said softly, giving him a look that begged him not to hurt Ethan. My heart raced. I had never expected to see Ethan here.

Kael stopped, staring at me for a moment. His jaw was still tight, but he let out a slow breath and raised his hand.

“Release him.”

The guards looked uneasy but obeyed. Ethan immediately rushed toward me. My chest tightened when his hand caught mine. His touch was warm, gentle, almost trembling.

“Elena,” he whispered, his eyes soft. “I am so happy you are safe.”

I swallowed. “Ethan… I didn’t expect to see you here.”

His thumb brushed my knuckles. “You don’t know how worried I was. When I heard what happened, I…”

Kael cleared his throat loudly. His eyes were sharp. He looked ready to tear Ethan apart, but he stood still.

I explained quickly, “Kael saved me. That night in the forest… he came just in time. If not for him, I…” My voice broke.

Ethan cupped my face gently.

“You are even more beautiful than ever. I can hardly believe it.”

I froze. “Ethan…”

His hand slid to arrange a strand of my hair.

“That’s enough,” Kael snapped, stepping forward. His voice was like steel.

“She’s mine. My mate.”

Ethan’s eyes widened in shock. He turned to me, searching for an answer. “Your mate? Elena, is that true?”

Before I could respond, the door burst open. A guard stumbled inside, panic in his voice. “Alpha! Cassian escaped! We tried, but we couldn’t capture him. We lost three of our best men!”

The room fell silent. Kael’s face darkened. His fists clenched. Rage burned in his eyes.

Ethan spoke carefully.

“So it is true. Cassian is a problem for both our packs. We have a common enemy.”

Kael ignored him completely. He only growled, “Leave us. Now.” His eyes stayed locked on the guard until the man fled the room.

Then Kael turned slowly to Ethan. “We will talk. In private. Follow me.”

Ethan hesitated, glancing back at me. His eyes lingered, full of emotions I couldn’t read.

Kael walked to me first, his expression softening slightly. He took my hand and kissed my fingers, his lips warm on my skin.

“Stay safe, my darling,” he said smoothly. “Don’t miss me too much.” His eyes teased, but there was a heat beneath them that made me shiver.

Ethan’s jaw tightened. His fists clenched, but he said nothing as Kael led him out. He only looked back at me one last time, his eyes burning with something close to pain.

I sat frozen, my heart pounding.

Leon’s POV

I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t eat. My bed felt cold. My chest ached every time I closed my eyes. I saw her face everywhere. Elena’s face. The girl I had thrown away.

I sat at the table, food untouched. My hand shook as I pushed the plate aside.

“She was my mate,” I whispered to myself. My voice cracked. “And I threw her away like nothing.”

The ache in my chest grew heavier. My wolf stirred inside me, his voice weak.

“You rejected her. That is why we suffer.”

“Shut up,” I muttered, gripping my head.

“Bring her back. Or we will die.”

I slammed my fist into the table, my eyes burning.

The door opened. Ethan stepped inside, holding a piece of paper. His expression was serious.

“Alpha Leon, an invitation has arrived. From the council.”

I didn’t look up. “Not now.”

“You need to hear this,” Ethan insisted. “It is important.”

I raised my head slowly, my eyes hollow. “What is it?”

He placed the letter before me. “A dinner. A gathering. All leaders of the packs are invited. They want to discuss Cassian. There will be talks of alliance and proximity.”

I lifted the paper with shaky hands. My eyes scanned it.

Then I froze. “The host… Alpha Kael?”

“Yes,” Ethan confirmed.

My blood boiled. I crushed the invitation in my hand, my jaw tight.

“That brat. Hosting council in his land?”

Ethan kept silent.

I stood abruptly. “Prepare. We will leave soon.”

The next day, I dressed in a black suit. My reflection in the mirror showed dark circles under my eyes, but my stance was still strong. My driver opened the car door. I dismissed Ethan.

“I want to be alone.”

The Rolls Royce carried me through the gates of Kael’s territory. Lights shone. Guards bowed as the car stopped.

I stepped out, ignoring the faces around me. I didn’t care for them. I walked into the hall, my chest heavy.

And then I stopped.

I felt it first. That pull. That unbearable, overwhelming pull. My heart pounded. My eyes searched the room.

And I saw her.

Elena.

She stood at the top of the staircase. Her hair shone. Her gown flowed around her like silk. She looked nothing like the girl I had banished. She looked like a Luna. My Luna.

My breath caught in my throat.

But then my world shattered all over again.

Because her hand… her delicate hand… was in Kael’s.