Mira wanted to ask Ash about what the Venari had said earlier, but the words stayed caught in her throat. His shoulders were tense, his jaw set, and even when she reached for his hand, he didn't flinch—just walked ahead of her with that cold, impenetrable expression carved across his face. She knew something had shifted. Something big.
He had been gone most of the day, summoned to the Council to explain the Venari's sudden arrival and their ominous message. Mira could only imagine the weight on his shoulders—defending not just himself, but her, too. And when he returned, the hardness in his eyes had only grown deeper.
"Ash…" she whispered.
He didn't look at her. Instead, he moved past her into the room and unbuttoned his coat. "The Elders are pushing harder now," he said quietly. "They want proof."
Mira's chest tightened. "Proof of what?"
He met her gaze then, and it was unreadable. "Proof that you're worthy to stand beside me as Luna. That you're not just a… convenient match. The mating wasn't enough. Now they want an heir."
The words sank like stones in her stomach.
"They said you must bear a child within the year. If not, the seat beside me will be reconsidered."
Her breath caught. "Reconsidered?"
Ash looked away. "They mentioned Athena."
"Athena?" Mira's voice was barely a whisper.
"She was trained since birth to be Luna," he muttered. "Some still believe she is more… suited."
Mira stared at him, the air suddenly too thick to breathe.
Earlier, when the Venari had left, Ash and the Council gathered inside the Great Hall. Mira had tried to follow, but the guards were firm. She waited for hours, pacing the floor, until finally the door creaked open.
The Elders sat in a circle, their ancient eyes sharp and judgmental. Ash stood tall in front of them, shoulders squared.
"The Venari's words were no threat," Elder Corvus had said. "They were a warning. The girl's blood… it calls to something we do not understand."
"Something ancient," another had added. "We have long honored the Bloodmoon lineage, but this… this is unprecedented."
Ash remained unshaken. "She is my mate. That is all that should matter."
Corvus's lip curled. "And yet, loyalty can be tested. Mating is one thing. Bearing a true heir, another. A union blessed by the Moon Goddess must bear fruit."
Ash had clenched his jaw. "You are suggesting she's unworthy?"
"We are suggesting," Corvus said coolly, "that Luna Athena was raised for this role. If the girl cannot prove herself soon, the council will push for a change. And you know what to do, Ash."
Silence had followed. Tension rippled in the room.
Elder Nyra leaned forward. "You are our Alpha, Ash. But even an Alpha must listen to the howls of his people."
Ash's voice was quiet but cutting. "Then let them howl. She is mine."
And now, back in their chamber, Ash's cold mask barely cracked as he repeated, "Go back to the room, Mira."
She blinked. "What?"
His tone was low but firm. "I need time to think. And I need you safe. Let me deal with them."
She opened her mouth to protest, but something in his voice stopped her.
Without another word, she turned and walked back toward the room, each step feeling heavier than the last. The halls were quiet, but her thoughts were anything but.
Athena.
An heir.
Proving my worth.
And Ash… always standing like a wall between her and the storm, yet never letting her in. She didn't know how long she could keep walking alone in the dark. But she also didn't know how to stop.
That night, in their chamber, Mira sat near the hearth, hugging her knees. The firelight flickered against the stone walls, casting shadows that danced like ghosts.
Ash stood by the window, back turned. Then he finally spoke. "We should do it."
She looked up slowly. "Do what?"
He turned, and though his voice was even, the weight behind his words made her heart lurch. "We should make an heir. Now. Or else…"
"Or else what?" she asked in a whisper.
Ash's eyes darkened. "Or else I will kill you myself."
Her breath stopped. For a second, the world tilted.
Tears welled in Mira's eyes as she stood shakily. "You… you're just like them. The Calder line. The bloodline of beasts."
"I never claimed to be kind," he replied coldly.
"Then kill me now," she whispered. "Just do it. I'd rather die than be your broodmare."
He walked toward her, but his hand didn't rise. He looked at her, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. "You must continue the Silvercrew line. Your bloodline is the key. That is the only way you'll be allowed to go back to your people."
Her lips trembled. "What do you mean?"
"If you give me an heir," Ash said, voice controlled, "I will let you go. I will release you from this bond. You will be free."
Mira blinked, stunned. "But… I have no one. I have nothing now."
"You still have your pack," he said. "And I know where they are."
The revelation hit her like a slap. Mira gasped, her knees buckling. "You know?"
He nodded slowly. "I've known for a while."
Tears spilled down her cheeks. Slowly, she reached behind her back and untied the strings of her gown. It fell to the floor in silence. She lay down on the bed, the fire's glow soft over her pale skin.
Ash approached her slowly. He knelt beside her, leaned in, and kissed her forehead… then her nose. His hand brushed her cheek with unexpected gentleness.
But when his lips hovered above hers, Mira turned her head away, crying. "I cannot love the blood that killed my family."
He froze.
Then slowly, he sat up, and nodded. "I won't touch you until you're ready."
And with that, Ash rose, his expression unreadable once again, and moved back toward the cold shadows of the room, leaving Mira to the quiet agony of knowing the man who protected her… was also the one tearing her apart.