🌙 Episode 45: The Calm Before the Snare
Lila's POV
Morning sunlight filtered through the broken shutters, turning the ruined cabin into something softer than it had any right to be. My body ached from every muscle, but for once, I felt… safe.
Ethan had stayed by my side all night, refusing to let me out of his sight. He sat now by the cold hearth, sharpening a blade with steady strokes, his golden eyes catching the light.
"You don't have to do that," I murmured, pulling the blanket tighter around me.
His gaze lifted, softening. "I'll always do this."
A warmth spread through my chest. For someone who claimed to resist bonds, he was failing spectacularly.
I stood, padding over to him, and placed a hand on his arm. "You can't protect me from everything, Ethan."
The corner of his mouth twitched. "Watch me."
I almost laughed, but the sound stuck in my throat. Because deep down, I knew Marcus was right. Ethan couldn't always be there. And that thought terrified me.
Ethan's POV
Her touch was a balm, easing the restless wolf inside me. But even as I leaned into it, unease gnawed at me.
Marcus wouldn't stop. Last night proved that.
I had to move her somewhere safer, somewhere he couldn't reach. But where? He had spies everywhere.
"Lila," I began, my voice low, "we can't stay here. We'll leave tonight."
She nodded, but her eyes betrayed her fear. She wanted to be strong—I loved that about her—but she was human. Too fragile in this war.
I brushed a strand of hair from her face. "I'll keep you safe. I swear it."
Lila's POV
I believed him. I had to.
But as the day wore on, a chill lingered in the air, crawling under my skin no matter how tightly I wrapped the blanket.
By dusk, we set out from the cabin, Ethan leading the way into the dense woods.
I stayed close, matching his stride, but a prickling sensation told me we weren't alone.
"Ethan…" I whispered.
"I know." His voice was sharp, alert.
Branches shifted in the distance. A shadow slipped between the trees.
My breath caught. Marcus's words from last night echoed in my mind.
Sooner or later, she'll be alone.
And for the first time, I wondered if he hadn't meant alone in the world.
---
✨ End of Episode 45