Moonlit Vows

The next few days were a tense blur for Selene. Kael had been keeping his distance, likely busy with pack matters, but Selene couldn't shake the feeling that something darker was brewing. The memory of the rogue wolves and the vampire haunted her thoughts. She threw herself into training, hoping it would distract her from the ever-looming danger.

Late one evening, as she was practicing the defensive stances Kael had shown her, a low, unfamiliar growl rippled through the trees. Selene froze, gripping the wooden staff she'd been using.

"Kael?" she called, but her voice wavered.

The growl came again, closer this time. Her pulse quickened as a shadow emerged from the treeline—a massive wolf, larger than any she'd seen before. Its fur was dark brown, almost black, and its eyes glowed an eerie yellow.

Selene tightened her grip on the staff, her instincts screaming at her to run. But before she could act, the wolf began to shift, its hulking form shrinking and contorting until a man stood in its place.

He was tall and powerfully built, with sharp features and a cruel smile that sent a chill down her spine.

"Selene Rivers," he said, his voice smooth and mocking. "I've heard so much about you."

"Who are you?" she demanded, taking a cautious step back.

The man's smile widened, his golden eyes gleaming with malice. "My name is Magnus. I believe you've met some of my wolves already."

Selene's blood ran cold. "You're the rival Alpha."

Magnus chuckled. "I see Kael's been filling your head with stories. Tell me, has he explained what you are to him? What your bond truly means?"

Selene's grip on the staff tightened. "That's none of your business."

"Oh, but it is," Magnus said, stepping closer. "You see, your little connection to Kael makes you quite valuable. The moon doesn't choose lightly, Selene. You have the power to tip the scales in this war, whether you realize it or not."

"I don't know what you're talking about," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Magnus tilted his head, his smile never faltering. "No? Then let me enlighten you. The bond between a human and a werewolf is rare—so rare, in fact, that it's seen as a symbol of unity. But unity isn't what I'm after. Chaos, however…" He trailed off, his eyes gleaming.

Selene swallowed hard, her heart pounding. "If you think you can use me against Kael, you're wrong."

Magnus laughed, a low, menacing sound. "Oh, Selene. You underestimate your importance. But no matter. You'll come around eventually. They always do."

Before she could respond, a deafening snarl shattered the air. Kael burst into the clearing in his wolf form, his silver fur bristling and his blue eyes blazing with fury.

Magnus turned, his expression smug. "Right on time."

Kael shifted mid-stride, his human form no less intimidating as he stormed toward Magnus. "Get away from her."

Magnus raised his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, Kael. I was just introducing myself."

Kael's growl was low and menacing. "If you ever come near her again, I'll kill you."

Magnus smirked. "Such hostility. You should be thanking me—I could've taken her if I wanted to."

Kael's fists clenched, his entire body taut with rage. "Leave. Now."

Magnus held Kael's gaze for a long moment before finally stepping back. "Very well. But remember this, Selene—Kael can't protect you forever."

With that, Magnus shifted back into his wolf form and disappeared into the shadows.

---

Kael turned to Selene, his blue eyes blazing with worry. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she said, though her voice trembled. "Who is he?"

Kael's jaw tightened. "Magnus Blackmane. He's the Alpha of the rogue pack. And he's dangerous."

"I gathered that much," she said, trying to steady her breathing.

Kael stepped closer, his expression softening. "You shouldn't have been out here alone. What if I hadn't gotten here in time?"

"I can't just hide forever, Kael," she said, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "I have to learn to defend myself—to stand on my own."

"And you will," he said firmly. "But not against someone like Magnus. He's ruthless, Selene. He'll do whatever it takes to win."

"What does he want from me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kael hesitated. "He wants to break me. And he thinks using you is the best way to do it."

Selene's chest tightened. "Kael…"

"I won't let him," he said, his voice fierce. "I don't care what it takes, Selene. I'll protect you. Always."

For a moment, they stood in silence, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air. Then, slowly, Kael reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her face.

"You mean too much to me," he said quietly.

Her breath hitched, her heart pounding as his words sank in. "Kael…"

Before she could say more, he stepped back, his expression guarded once again. "Come on. I'm taking you home."

---

As they walked back toward town, Selene couldn't help but feel a strange mix of fear and hope. Magnus's words had shaken her, but Kael's unwavering resolve gave her strength.

For better or worse, their fates were intertwined. And she was determined to face whatever came next—together.