24 - Whispers on the Wind

Aria POV

Aria walked at a steady pace along the worn cobblestone path that wound through the heart of Moonfang’s settlement. The afternoon light gilded the rooftops, and dust hung lazily in the crisp air. Her thoughts drifted around the upcoming meeting between Alpha Theron and the Nightclaw Alpha, Kael. She hadn’t expected today to be the day—but something in her bones hummed with anticipation, an echo of familiarity she couldn’t yet place.

She passed the pack house, its stone looming silent and watchful. The doors stood open, flags alert for the diplomatic gathering inside. Aria slowed as a familiar scent brushed her senses—smoky pine mixed with rain-soaked earth. Her breath caught.

The scent was Kael’s.

Before she could register more than that instinctive recognition, a voice rang out across the square.

“Aria!”

She turned just as Ryker approached, weaving easily with his usual confident swagger. He grinned and threw an arm over her shoulders, pulling her in close with familiar ease. The move startled her, but she managed a nervous laugh, cheeks warming under his touch.

From the corner of her eye, she spotted Kael standing at the pack house entrance.

His expression was unreadable, but his eyes burned like blue flame, locked on her and Ryker. Even at a distance, his energy bristled—contained, coiled, and furious.

She could almost see the steam rising from him.

She swallowed hard and forced herself to focus on Ryker.

“What are you doing out and about?” he teased. “I thought you'd be holed up in the infirmary, buried under charts and poultices.”

“I needed some fresh air,” she said, shifting the tray of bundled herbs and dried roots in her arms. “the quiet helps.”

Ryker kept his arm over her shoulder as they resumed walking. “Well, you picked an eventful day. We just had our meeting with Nightclaw”

Aria blinked, surprised. “You did?”

He nodded, then leaned in, dropping his voice. “Yeah. And I’ve got news, if you promise not to tell a soul.”

She hesitated, caught between curiosity and caution. “Of course I won’t say anything.”

Ryker glanced over his shoulder and grinned like a boy sharing a schoolyard secret. “Alpha Theron is going to claim Lyra.”

Aria nearly stumbled, eyes wide. “What?”

He gave a low chuckle. “You didn’t hear it from me, but it’s official. He told Kael and the Nightclaw Beta today. Said he’s grown to like her, that he can’t deny the pull any longer. Thinks having a Luna will make the pack stronger before this impending war.”

Aria was stunned. Her heart raced—not in panic, but with something heavier. Lyra had been waiting for this for what felt like forever. Aria had seen her sister’s hope dim and reignite countless times over the last few months. She’d given up so much—her studies, her healer’s training—when the mating bond had revealed itself.

And Theron… he had kept his distance for far too long.

“She’s been nervous that he’d never do it,” Ryker added, reading her silence. “But hopeful. I saw her this morning before the meeting with Nightclaw. You should talk to her.”

Aria nodded slowly. “I will.”

She thought of the way Lyra’s eyes lit up when she spoke of Theron—still believing in fairy tales even after months of uncertainty. Aria had never been that kind of dreamer. But even so… the idea of her sister finally being seen, finally being chosen, sparked a soft ache of hope in her chest.

Ryker suddenly turned to her, his hands came to rest against her cheek, halting her thoughts. She startled again, blinking up at him.

“But that’s not why I stopped you,” he said smoothly. “Where were you headed?”

“I’m just heading home,” she replied, stepping lightly out of his grasp. “I’ve got some supplies to gather before rounds tomorrow morning.”

His smile turned roguish. “Ah, the ever-dedicated healer. You know, it’s kind of unfair.”

She blinked. “What is?”

He gestured vaguely to her. “That you’re out here looking like that while the rest of us are supposed to focus on things like training and diplomacy.”

She rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. “You’re impossible.”

“I’ve been called worse.” He paused at the edge of the training grounds, glancing back at her. “You know, if this whole alliance thing goes sideways, maybe you should consider a safer option.”

Aria raised a brow. “Safer option?”

He winked. “Like me. I don’t brood nearly as much, and I bring tea when you’re grumpy.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Is that your pitch?”

“One of many,” he said with a grin. “Just putting it out there—Moonfang’s Beta has excellent reflexes and an even better memory for favorite pastries.”

She gave him a look, both amused and exasperated. “Ryker—” Aria chuckled again, her heart lightening despite the storm that still brewed somewhere behind her, somewhere in the form of Kael’s lingering scent.

Ryker gave a playful salute. “Anyway, I’ll let you get to your gathering. Don’t be a stranger.” he called over his shoulder as he walked backward into the training yard, leaving Aria watching him go, unsure whether to laugh, sigh, or look back toward the place where she last saw Kael.

Aria remained rooted in place for a moment, the air buzzing around her. Kael’s scent still lingered, elusive but undeniable. She turned slowly, eyes scanning the street behind her.

He was gone. Her heart sank.

He had seen her. That much was clear.

As she made her way home, her mind spun. The pieces were shifting too quickly: Theron’s decision, Lyra’s hope, Kael’s presence, Ryker’s relentless teasing. Every thread of her life felt tangled in the pull of something larger—something approaching on the horizon like a gathering storm.

Back at her doorstep, she paused with her hand on the latch.

She didn’t know when she’d see Kael again.

She didn’t know what war would ask of them, or if the truce would survive the fires of combat.

But she knew one thing, deep in her bones.

He had looked at her like she was his.

And her wolf—Nyra—was still pacing in her chest, waiting for him to return.