Elena’s POV

I opened my eyes slowly and froze.

Leon’s lips were on mine. He was kissing me softly, like he was savoring every second.

My eyes widened. Shock shot through me. Without thinking, I slapped him hard across the face.

He jerked back immediately. His eyes flew open. Shock. Terror. Then sadness.

“Elena…” His voice cracked. “I… I’m sorry.”

I sat up quickly, holding my lips.

“What are you doing? How dare you!”

He raised both hands like he was surrendering.

“I swear I didn’t mean… I just…” He stuttered. His voice broke again.

“I saw you crying… I couldn’t control myself…”

I blinked in surprise. Leon never stuttered. Never. He always spoke with confidence, sharp and sure.

“Leave,” I said, my voice trembling. “And don’t you ever kiss me again.”

He swallowed hard. “Elena, I…”

“Leave!” I cut him off sharply.

He looked at me with worried eyes. Eyes filled with regret. Then he stood and slowly walked out, closing the door behind him.

My whole body shook. My lips still tingled. I buried my face in my hands. “What just happened…”

But then Cassian’s words hit me again like knives.

“Half a moon cycle. If you don’t come to me, I’ll kill you myself.”

I touched my locket and opened it. Our parents’ faces stared back at me. Tears rolled down.

“Why is this happening… Why you, Elijah… my brother…”

I sobbed until I had no more tears.

The next morning, I woke up weak. Too weak. My wolf was silent. I panicked.

“Why can’t I hear you?” I whispered. Nothing. Only silence.

I sat up, remembering the drug. Wolfsbane. But… if it was wolfsbane, how was I still alive? Why wasn’t I dead like other wolves would be?

I shook the thought off. I didn’t want to think about it. Not now.

I got dressed and walked out of my chambers. Guards stood outside my door again, just like Kael and Leon ordered. But what shocked me more was the man standing right there, leaning against the wall, his eyes heavy with worry.

“Ethan?” I breathed.

The moment I said his name, he straightened and walked toward me. Before I could react, he grabbed my arm and pulled me into a hidden corner.

“Ethan, what…”

His arms wrapped around me so tightly I almost couldn’t breathe.

“Ethan,” I gasped, pushing against him.

He finally let go, his chest heaving, his eyes glassy.

“I was so worried, Elena. Do you know how I felt when I heard you were taken? I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think.” His voice shook.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you. Are you hurt? Did they do anything to you?”

I stared at him, stunned. His pain was real.

“It’s fine, Ethan,” I said softly. “Really… I don’t even remember anything.” I lied.

He searched my face, like he was trying to see through my words. Then he pulled a small leather bag from his pocket and pressed it into my hand.

“These herbs… They were hard to find,” he said quietly. “Take them. They’ll strengthen your wolf.”

I looked down at the bag. My chest warmed.

“Thank you. But… Ethan, why are you so nice to me?”

He froze. Then slowly, his hand covered mine. His eyes softened, full of something I couldn’t read.

“Because… Because…” He stuttered. His lips trembled. “I… I…”

I tilted my head. “Ethan?”

He quickly pulled away, his ears red.

“I have to go. Take care of yourself.”

And before I could stop him, he turned and walked away fast, almost running.

I stared after him, my heart racing. Then I looked down at the herbs and smiled faintly.

I headed toward the training grounds. My steps were firm. Determined.

“I have to get stronger,” I muttered. “Before Cassian comes back.”

But just as I walked past the corridor, a tall figure blocked my way.

I looked up. My breath hitched.

“Kael…”

He held my shoulders gently, his dark eyes scanning me.

“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” His voice was low, smooth, flirty.

“I’m fine,” I said quickly.

“Do you remember what happened?” he asked seriously.

I forced a smile and shook my head. “No. Nothing. It’s all blank.”

His eyes searched mine, then softened. He believed me. His hand rose and caressed my cheek.

“Don’t stress yourself, pretty.” His lips curved into a smile. “But I see you’re dressed in your training outfit. I hope it’s not what I’m thinking.”

“Yes,” I said firmly. “I want to train.”

His smile dropped. “No. Absolutely not. Not after what happened. You need rest.”

“I don’t care,” I said sharply. “I need to be stronger.”

His jaw tightened. “I’m sorry for not protecting you properly. But I swear, no one will take you from me again.” His hand cupped my face.

“I can’t lose you, Elena.”

I looked at him, my chest tight. But I shook my head.

“Kael, I won’t sit here waiting to be rescued again. I’m going to train.”

His eyes burned. He opened his mouth to argue, but a voice cut in.

“Ahem.”

We both turned.

Zane stood there, his arms crossed, his grin playful. “I think Elena’s right.”

Kael’s eyes narrowed. “Zane…”

“She deserves to train,” Zane said smoothly. “I’ll take care of her. Don’t worry, Alpha.”

Kael glared at him, a warning in his eyes. “If anything happens to her, you’ll answer to me.”

Zane smirked. “Got it.”

Kael sighed and looked back at me. His hand lingered on my cheek.

“Be careful, pretty. Please.”

I nodded. “I will.”

He reluctantly let me go.

Zane and I walked to the training grounds. He kept glancing at me.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked softly.

“I’m fine,” I said.

“Good,” he said, his grin returning. “Because today, we’re learning how to use all types of guns.” He winked. “Don’t worry, we’ll stop anytime you want. I don’t want to stress a pretty lady like you.”

I rolled my eyes but smiled faintly. “Let’s start.”

He handed me a gun and showed me how to hold it. I tried. My arms shook.

“Not bad,” he said, teasing. “But don’t close your eyes when you pull the trigger, Elena.”

Hours passed. My hands ached. My body screamed. Sweat ran down my neck.

“It’s been hours,” I groaned. “I still don’t get it. I’m tired.”

He chuckled and leaned closer.

“You’re getting better. You’re determined today. I like it.”

I tried again. This time, the bullet hit near the center.

“Yes!” I shouted.

He clapped slowly.

“See? You’re learning. And I have to admit, I’m impressed.” His eyes softened.

“You’re stronger than you think, Elena.”

I blushed under his gaze. His words were warm, flirty, and they made my stomach flutter.

Just then, the door burst open.

A young guard stumbled in, his face pale, his chest heaving.

“Beta… Beta Zane…” He stuttered.

Zane straightened. “What is it?”

“It’s… it’s Alpha… Alpha Leon…” The guard’s voice cracked.

“He was attacked… He’s dying…”

My heart stopped.

“What?” I gasped.