I sat on my bed, hugging my knees to my chest. The silence in the room was too loud. My mind replayed everything, over and over.

“Leon and Kael finally decided to unite their packs after the letter,” I whispered to myself. The thought still didn’t feel real.

The memory of Leon’s lips on mine made my stomach twist. My heart skipped.

My wolf snickered. Does he really mean it? That kiss wasn’t just an accident, Elena. He still wants you.

“Shut up,” I muttered. “I don’t want to think about it.”

But then the fight slammed into my mind again. Their fists. The growls. The blood. The way they almost shifted into wolves right in front of me. I closed my eyes tight.

“No…” I breathed. “I can’t.”

Boots shuffled outside my door. Guards. Both Leon and Kael had ordered them after the threatening letter. It was supposed to make me feel safe. Instead, it felt like prison bars.

The door opened. Kael walked in.

“Elena.” His voice was low and calm.

I looked up sharply.

He came closer, his eyes locking onto mine.

“You’re too quiet.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not.” He sat beside me, close enough that I felt his warmth. His hand came up and brushed my cheek.

I jerked back. “Don’t.”

His jaw tightened. “You’re still mad?”

“You embarrassed me. You claimed me in front of everyone without asking.”

He leaned in slightly. “I had to. He touched you.”

“I don’t belong to anyone.”

Kael’s lips pressed into a line. His eyes softened but his voice stayed firm.

“You belong to me.”

“I don’t.”

He sighed, then playfully flicked my forehead. “You’re impossible.”

“Don’t touch me like that!”

He smirked. “Relax. If I don’t, who will?” He reached again, gently arranging my messy bun with his fingers. His gaze lingered on my face, full of warmth, almost love.

I swallowed. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because you drive me insane,” he admitted. “And because you’re mine, Elena.”

I looked away quickly.

He chuckled. “Be safe. I can’t lose you.”

My chest tightened.

“As from tomorrow,” he continued, “you’ll start training with Beta Zane. I want you stronger.”

My eyes widened. “Me? Training?”

“Yes.” He smiled faintly. “Archery. Martial arts. Guns. You’ll do it all.”

“You’re crazy.”

“Maybe. But you’ll thank me later.”

“And the guards?” I asked.

“At least forty will stay with you.”

“Forty?!”

“I don’t care. I’ll bring your training outfit myself tomorrow.”

The next morning, I put it on. It hugged my body in ways I didn’t expect. My hair was up in a messy bun again.

As I walked toward the training grounds, I spotted Leon with some of his men. His eyes landed on me instantly. His steps faltered and his gaze softened.

“Elena…” he whispered.

I froze for half a second, then looked away and quickened my pace.

He ran forward. “Wait…please…”

I stopped just enough to snap, “Please get out of my way.”

“I need to explain…”

“Not now.” I brushed past him.

He turned as I walked away. His voice carried, quiet but desperate. “I’m truly sorry.”

I clenched my fists, but I didn’t stop.

At the training grounds, Zane stood waiting. His mouth parted when he saw me. He didn’t move. He just stared.

“ Beta Zane,” I called.

Nothing.

“Zane!”

He jolted. “Oh…sorry. You just look… wow.”

I frowned. “Stop staring.”

“Can’t help it.”

“Unbelievable,” I muttered. “So what are we doing today?”

He handed me a bow. “Archery.”

I tried once. The arrow slipped off and fell.

Zane burst into laughter. “That was tragic.”

“Shut up.”

I tried again. The arrow flew sideways.

He bent over, laughing harder. “Elena, that wolf over there has more aim than you.”

I glared. “It’s been hours! I still don't get it. I’m tired.”

“Patience, pretty. Come here.” He moved behind me, his chest pressed lightly to my back. His hands slid over mine, steadying the bow. His breath fanned my neck.

“Relax,” he murmured. “Focus.”

I froze at the closeness.

“Now… release.”

The arrow shot straight and hit the target dead center.

My eyes widened. “Bull’s eye! I did it!”

Zane smirked. “Correction. We did it.”

I turned, grinning despite myself. “You’re cool.”

He leaned closer, his eyes locked on mine. His fingers brushed a strand of hair from my bun. “Follow the wind. Trust your instincts.”

My wolf teased, He’s falling for you.

Heat rose to my cheeks. I stepped back quickly. “Are we done? I’m tired. It’s late.”

He chuckled. “Yes, pretty. But tomorrow, martial arts. And guns.”

“You’re kidding.”

“You’ll love it,” he teased with a wink.

I walked away. Guards immediately followed like shadows.

I stopped. “Seriously? Still?”

“Our Alphas ordered…”

“Go tell them I don’t need babysitters. I can protect myself.”

They exchanged glances. “But…”

“Go!” I snapped.

Reluctantly, they left.

Finally, I reached my chambers. Two guards stood by the door.

“Again?” I muttered.

My wolf’s voice grew uneasy. Their scent feels… different.

I shook my head. “I don’t care. I just want to sleep.”

The guards didn’t move. They stood stiff, like statues.

Something tugged at me, but I was too tired. I reached for the handle.

Suddenly, darkness slammed into me. My nose filled with a harsh, burning scent.

“Wolfsbane,” I gasped.

My body weakened instantly.

My wolf screamed inside my head. Elena! No!

I tried to fight, but the world went black.