Chapter 5 A new beginning

  Alpha Kael looked from Aria to Alpha Magnus.

  ”What is the change? Alpha Magnus moved on his seat.

   “She wants to go with a friend, that is the condition she has.” Kael stared at Aria then he nodded.

  “She can come with us but we’re leaving as soon as the day breaks, go pack your things.”Aria nodded gently. 

  She held Lina out of the study room.  Just before the door closed, Selene's voice cut through stripped of sweetness, cold with fury: 

  "That girl…." The latch clicked.

  In the corridor, Aria slumped against the stone wall, her body shaking. Lina caught her.

  "What did I just agree to?" Lina didn't answer. 

  She didn't have to. They both knew it won't be easy.

  The study door closed behind Aria and Lina. For a heartbeat, silence lingered. Then Selene let out a slow, satisfied breath.

  "I'm relieved she agreed." Lydia glanced toward her daughter.

  "So am I. It would have been difficult for everyone if she had refused." Alpha Magnus leaned back in his chair.

  "I expected more resistance." Selene lowered her eyes, carefully masking the triumph hidden within them.

  "She's frightened, but perhaps a fresh start in Nightfang is exactly what she needs." She looked toward Kael.

  "I know she has suffered here. If there is any place where she can build a better future it is beside a strong pack like yours." Kael remained unreadable.

  His expression revealed nothing. Alpha Magnus nodded in agreement.

  "I couldn't have said it better myself." He rose from his chair.

  "It is getting late. Selene, show Alpha Kael to the guest chambers." Before Selene could answer, Kael spoke.

  "That won't be necessary."Everyone turned toward him. "I'll find my own way." His tone was respectful, but final.

  Without waiting for another response, he inclined his head toward Alpha Magnus.

  "And thank you for your hospitality." Then he turned and walked out of the study.

  The heavy door closed quietly behind him.

  For the first time that evening, Selene's smile disappeared. Her fingers curled tightly at her sides.

  "He certainly isn't easy to read." Lydia placed a reassuring hand on her daughter's shoulder.

  "Don't concern yourself. He accepted to have you as his luna and that is what matters the most.” Selene slowly smiled again.

  "You're right. All that matters is helping my sister.” She smiled smuggling.

  ---

  Kael pushed open the door to his chamber. The room was spacious but simple. 

  A fire crackled quietly in the stone fireplace. Standing near the window was Ethan. His Beta turned as soon as Kael entered.

  "So?" Kael removed his cloak and draped it over a chair.

  "She agreed." Ethan folded his arms.

  "I figured she would. But I didn't expect was your decision." Kael paused.

  "What decision?"

  "You didn't hesitate, you just rejected her. And then agreed to take her back to Nightfang." The room fell quiet.

  Kael walked to the window overlooking the Silver Moon courtyard.

  For several moments, he simply stared into the darkness. Finally, he spoke.

  "It wasn’t my decision, it was hers." Ethan studied his Alpha carefully.

  "Hers, or you just felt guilty of what you did to her?” Kael didn't answer. Ethan sighed.

  "I've known you more than anyone else, Rowan and I must say that was not the best thing to do.” He stepped closer.

  "I just hope you don't live to regret what happened in that hall today." Kael's eyes remained fixed on the moon outside.

  For reasons he couldn't explain...

  The image of silver eyes filled with heartbreak refused to leave his mind.