Elena’s POV

“Stay still!” the elder shouted, his dagger raised.

My eyes widened. The silver gleamed as it came down toward me. My whole body froze.

“Kael!” I screamed.

I saw him running, his face full of rage. But before he could reach me, blood sprayed in the air.

The elder’s head rolled across the floor.

I gasped loudly, my body trembling.

Everyone turned.

Leon stood there, his chest rising and falling, his eyes wild. His hand dripped with blood. His face was terrifying, ruthless.

“That is what happens to people who touch my mate,” Leon said coldly. His voice echoed through the room.

“Anyone cares to object?”

Silence.

No one spoke. Not even Zane. Not even Ethan.

The whole room was frozen.

I was shaking. My throat was dry. My eyes stared at Leon, but I could not process what I had just seen.

I stood from the bed quickly.

“Elena…” Kael reached for me.

“Elena, wait,” Leon said.

I ignored them. I ignored all of them. I pushed through the elders and walked fast, my heart pounding.

“Elena!” voices called behind me, but I did not stop.

I walked faster, almost running, my chest heaving.

What kind of human cuts off someone’s head like that? I asked my wolf.

Silence.

“Answer me,” I whispered as I walked through the quiet hallway.

“What kind of human does that? Is he even human?”

My wolf did not reply.

I stopped walking when I reached an open space. My eyes widened a little. A pool shimmered under the moonlight. The area was quiet, peaceful.

I walked closer and sat at the edge. Slowly, I put my legs in the water. The cool touch calmed me slightly.

“Finally some peace,” I whispered.

I closed my eyes. My mind ran through everything.

Leon’s rejection. The way he suddenly wanted me now. The way he looked at me today, different from before. Something I used to crave, but now… now I did not know if I even needed it anymore.

Then my powers. My parents. My brother.

Kael’s protective arms.

Zane’s teasing smiles.

Ethan’s worried eyes.

I sighed and let the thoughts swirl in my head. My eyes shut tight.

“Elena.”

I jumped and turned.

It was Leon’s voice.

My eyes widened. He stood there, staring at me.

I frowned.

“How may I help you, Alpha Leon?” My tone was sharp, annoyed.

He raised an eyebrow, a small smirk forming on his lips. He walked over and sat beside me.

I blinked in shock.

“You… you are sitting here?”

He looked amused. “You look super upset with me.”

I stayed silent.

He chuckled softly.

“Not even a reply?”

I clenched my fists. “Only a monster does what you did earlier. Cutting someone’s head like that. It was monstrous.”

He leaned closer, his eyes intense. “If I have to become a monster to save you, I will gladly do that.”

My cheeks warmed instantly. My heart skipped. I quickly looked away.

He smirked again. “Why are you looking away?”

“I am leaving,” I said quickly, standing up.

But his hand grabbed mine, gently but firmly. “Elena, just hear me out.”

I froze. “Be quick.”

He leaned closer, so close I could feel his breath. His voice was low. “Promise me. Promise me you will never hurt yourself because of me.” His eyes searched mine. Then his gaze flicked to my lips.

My throat tightened. I cleared it quickly. “I did it just for humanity. For the interest of your pack. Nothing special.”

His lips tilted slightly. “My instinct tells me otherwise.”

“Keep dreaming,” I snapped.

I pulled my hand away. “I will take my leave now.”

And I walked off quickly, leaving him behind.

My wolf whispered softly. You do not really hate him.

“Shut up,” I muttered under my breath.

As I walked toward my chambers, suddenly…

“Boo!”

I gasped and almost screamed.

Zane laughed. “Relax. It is just me.”

I glared at him. “For someone who just fainted, that is a very insane thing to do.”

He smiled cheekily.

“I am glad you are safe. You scared me, Elena. Really.”

I rolled my eyes. “You have a strange way of showing it.”

He leaned closer. “Actually, I do have a way to celebrate your safety.”

I frowned. “No. I am not in the mood. I have had a long day. I just want to rest.”

“Come on,” he said softly. “Do not refuse me this once.”

“I said no, Zane. I need to reflect.”

He smirked. “Do not worry. You can rest… with me.” He winked.

My eyes widened. “Zane!”

He laughed. “Kidding. Well, half kidding.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

I sighed loudly. “No.”

Suddenly he looked around.

I narrowed my eyes. “Why are you suddenly looking around like that?”

“Perfect. No one is here,” he said with a grin.

“What…”

Before I could finish, he swept me up into his arms, bridal style.

“Zane! Put me down right now!” I screamed, kicking lightly.

He laughed and held me tighter. “It is just my way of showing care as your trainer.”

“This is not training!”

He ignored me and walked on confidently.

After a few minutes, we entered a beautiful garden. My eyes widened in shock.

A blanket was spread on the grass. There were fruits, snacks, even two cups of juice.

He put me down gently.

“Zane…” I whispered.

He grinned. “It is just a small celebration. To celebrate your safety. I was so worried about you.”

I looked at the setup again. My lips curved slightly. “It is… beautiful.”

We sat down together.

“So,” I said. “What do you want to talk about?”

“You,” he said immediately.

I raised my eyebrows. “What?”

He coughed nervously.

“I mean… I want to know you better. Because you are my student, of course.”

I chuckled lightly. “Right.”

We talked. He asked me random questions. I teased him. He teased back. We laughed together.

The tension melted for a while.

Then his expression softened. His eyes lingered on me.

“You know… you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

My heart skipped again.

“Zane…” I whispered.

He leaned closer. His hand lifted and gently turned my face to his. Our eyes locked.

“You do not deserve any form of rejection or pain, Elena,” he said softly.

My chest tightened.

He smiled gently.

“If I could, I would erase every tear you have ever shed. I would make sure you smile every single day.”

My heart pounded loudly.

He leaned even closer. Our faces were inches apart.

“Elena,” my wolf teased. Your heart is beating so fast.

“Zane…” I whispered. “No…”

“Stop!”

The voice was commanding, loud and powerful.

I froze.

The aura filled the air, heavy with superiority.

Zane pulled back instantly.

I turned slowly, and my heart stopped

“Kael?”