I stared blankly at the food, just pushing it around my plate. I never thought I'd have to see that scene again.
The scorched trees. The charred earth.
It unearthed memories I had buried so deep, I thought they'd never crawl back to the surface. I never expected to expose that vulnerable side of me—to Cassian, or to the rest of the wolves.
I sighed.
"Is… the food not to your liking, Elara?"
Cassian's voice was low, concerned. I looked up and met his onyx eyes, warm and unreadable, yet laced with worry. My first instinct was to run into his arms, press my face against his chest, and breathe him in. But instead, I forced a smile and shook my head.
"No. It's fine."
A lie. And he knew it. His gaze lingered on me, quiet but probing, before he turned back to his meal. That look told me everything—I wasn't fooling him.
I swallowed hard and ate in silence, each bite tasting like ash. Minutes dragged. The silence between us grew thick—uncomfortable—until his voice broke through.
"Elara…"
Just the way he said my name sent a shiver down my spine.
"Yes?" I kept my eyes on the plate, pretending to be focused.
"Look at me."
His voice was commanding, yet gentle. My gaze snapped up to meet his.
"Are you doing alright?"
There was no pressure in his voice, only sincerity. But it cracked something open inside me.
"I'm fine, Cassian."
"You're not." His tone dropped an octave. "That… what we saw—it terrified you, didn't it?"
My entire body tensed. The image rose again in my mind like smoke from a fire. I trembled, gripping the edge of the table.
"N-No," I forced a tight smile. "I'm fine."
"Elara—"
"I said I'm fine!" The words exploded from me, sharp and trembling. My fork clattered against the plate, and I flinched. Cassian frowned, concern tightening his features.
"Dammit…" I muttered.
I bolted.
I shifted mid-stride, fur bursting through skin as I ran out of the dining hall, ignoring his voice calling after me. The forest swallowed me whole, and I didn't stop until I reached the cave—the only place that ever felt like mine. My sanctuary. My silence.
I curled into the corner, breath ragged, fur bristling.
I didn't want to admit it—but I was scared.
Scared of being taken away from him.
Scared that this pack, this entire estate, was in danger because of me.
I lowered my head, tail curling around me, trying to force calm back into my bones. But then I realized…
I couldn't shift back.
Panic curled like smoke in my lungs. I whimpered, low and small.
Footsteps echoed outside the cave, growing closer. I bared my teeth instinctively—but then the scent hit me.
Cassian.
He stepped into the cave, that familiar, helpless smile on his lips. "I knew I'd find you here."
My tail wagged before I could stop it.
"Elara," he said softly.
I didn't shift. I just looked up at him, ears twitching.
"Talk to me," he said.
And just like that—his voice unlocked something inside me. My bones cracked and reshaped, fur retreating as I shifted back into my human form.
"I didn't think I could," I whispered, surprised.
Cassian knelt in front of me and gathered me into his arms. The moment his warmth touched me, I crumbled. I couldn't stop it—being near him made me feel safe enough to fall apart.
Was this what that woman meant?
"I understand, Elara," he murmured.
"You do?"
"I know you're scared. Anyone in your position would be. You've learned things about yourself no one should have to face alone… but you've forgotten something important."
He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes. His were steady, grounding.
"Wh-what?" I asked, voice trembling.
"You're not alone in this. I'm your Alpha. And you're my Luna. I'm your protector."
He cupped my face gently, his thumb brushing my cheek, and my heart thundered.
What is this feeling?
"I've never met a wolf like you," he continued, his voice dropping into something more raw. "And that terrifies the hell out of me. Because if something takes you away from me… I don't know what I'd do."
I stared at him, stunned. Cassian—the strong, composed Alpha—was showing me his fear.
I placed my hand over his.
"I'm not going anywhere, Cassian. You're my protector. And with you here… I have nothing to fear. Yes, I'm scared. More than you know." I swallowed and looked into his eyes.
"But this is our fight. We'll face it together."
My wolf stirred within me, drawn to the warmth in his gaze. There was a quiet fire there that mirrored my own.
Cassian held my stare—and then, for just a second, his eyes flickered gold.
I froze. "Cassian…?"
But before I could say anything more, he stood abruptly and cleared his throat, the air between us breaking.
"I'm glad you feel that way," he said with a small smile, though something unspoken lingered in his expression.
I rose to my feet beside him.
"Let's go back. Leticia's worried about you." He took my hand in his, and I didn't let go.
As we walked back to the house, I glanced at him from the corner of my eye.
Maybe… it was just my imagination.