Dark, slow-burn tension. Approx. 900+ words.
Lyra had never moved this fast in her life.
Kael's hand gripped hers firmly as he led her through the bleeding glow of the forest, each step silent despite his size. He moved like a shadow—dangerous, controlled, entirely focused.
Behind them, distant howls chased the wind.
Lyra's heart hammered, but Kael didn't look back once.
He didn't need to.
He could hear everything.
Branches cracked—far left, maybe a mile away.
Kael's head tilted slightly. "Rogues. Three of them."
"How do you know?"
He didn't answer. His silver eyes flickered, and his grip tightened, pulling her closer to his side as if he could shield her from the world.
The forest began to open, and Lyra's breath caught.
A vast valley lay ahead, filled with mist, moonlit stone, and towering wooden structures carved with runes. Torches burned blue fire along a long bridge stretching toward an enormous gate.
A territory. A fortress. A pack.
"Welcome to Draven Hollow," Kael said.
There was no pride in his voice—only caution.
As they stepped onto the bridge, figures emerged from the mist—wolves shifting into humans, guards stiffening, warriors stepping forward. Some growled low, hackles rising at the sight of her.
A young warrior with scarred cheeks approached.
"Alpha… you brought a human?"
Kael's voice became cold iron.
"She is under my protection."
Whispers broke out immediately.
"Why her?"
"She smells powerful."
"That mark… what is that mark?"
Lyra clutched her sleeve over the faint glow on her arm, the strange birthmark that had begun to pulse under the red moon. She felt exposed, watched, unwanted.
Kael sensed it.
His hand moved subtly behind her back—not touching, but near… close enough that she could feel the heat of his presence.
A silent reassurance.
The scarred warrior bowed his head. "Of course, Alpha."
Kael led her past the guards, through the towering gates, and into the heart of his territory.
Massive wooden halls rose around them, lit with moonfire. Wolves—some human, some shifting—paused to stare at her. Some curious. Some hostile.
Kael ignored all of them.
At the base of a stone staircase, an older woman stepped forward. Her hair was silver braided down her back, and her eyes were sharp but kind.
"Alpha," she said softly. "You finally return."
"Marwen," Kael greeted. "Prepare the lower guest chamber."
Marwen's gaze flicked to Lyra, studying her carefully.
"A guest… or something else?"
Lyra tensed.
Kael's jaw clenched. "She is under the Oath."
Silence fell instantly.
Even the wind seemed to stop.
Marwen's eyes widened. "Kael… no. It awakened?"
Lyra turned to him. "What does that mean? What oath?"
Kael ignored the question.
"Marwen will tend to you," he said, stepping back.
Lyra grabbed his arm before he could move away.
"Wait. You said you'd explain everything."
A muscle in his jaw twitched. His voice dropped low.
"I will. But not here. Too many ears."
She reluctantly released him, and Marwen guided her toward a smaller hall.
Just before the door closed behind them, Lyra glanced back.
Kael was still watching her.
His expression unreadable.
His eyes glowing faintly silver.
As if he feared something… or someone… would take her away the second he looked elsewhere.
---
INSIDE THE GUEST CHAMBER
Marwen shut the door and lit a moonstone lamp, filling the room with soft white-blue glow.
Lyra exhaled shakily. "Everyone kept staring."
"You walked in with the Alpha," Marwen said with a faint smile. "They stare at anything he touches."
Lyra flushed. "He didn't— we're not—"
Marwen held up a hand, amusement flickering.
"I am not accusing you of sharing a bed, child. Only saying the Alpha has never brought a human into his territory. Not once."
Lyra sat down, her fingers trembling.
"What did he mean by 'the Oath'?"
At that, Marwen's face changed—fear, sorrow, understanding.
"The Silverblood Oath is an ancient curse. It binds the Alpha's life to one chosen person — a Seer, a healer, a descendant of old blood."
Lyra's stomach twisted.
"That can't be me. I'm just—"
"Look at your arm," Marwen whispered.
Lyra slowly pushed back her sleeve.
The faint birthmark glowed softly, shaped like a crescent moon broken down the center.
Marwen inhaled sharply.
"Moon Seer lineage… I haven't seen that mark in a century."
Lyra felt sick.
"I don't want any of this."
Marwen softened. "Fate rarely asks what we want, my dear."
The door burst open.
Lyra jumped.
Kael stood there, breathing hard, his eyes flashing silver as if he'd sprinted up the stairs.
"Who touched you?" he demanded, scanning the room. "I heard your heartbeat change."
Lyra blinked. "N-no one touched me. I—I just got scared."
Kael exhaled, shoulders relaxing a little.
But his gaze stayed locked on her.
Possessive. Protective. Conflicted.
"Good," he muttered. Then to Marwen: "Leave us."
Marwen bowed and slipped out.
Kael stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
The moment it clicked shut, silence wrapped around them.
Lyra swallowed hard.
"Kael… what's happening to me?"
He stepped closer, shadows clinging to him, moonlight tracing the silver streaks on his skin.
"The Oath has chosen you," he said quietly.
"And that means I am bound to
keep you alive… no matter the cost."
Lyra's heart dropped.
"And if I die?" she whispered.
Kael's voice broke for the first time — raw, painful.
"Then I die with you."