~Kaida Orion POV~
The scent of incense drifts through the room as I sit cross-legged on a silk mat. My heart beats fast, but my mind is focused.
Across from me, Lupus kneels beside a shallow dish filled with white petals and pale water. A single candle flickers between us. Its flame dances, throwing our shadows onto the walls.
"This is ritual water," he says softly, "mixed with lunar blossom and mountain spring. It helps open your senses to the wolf within."
My hand hovers over the dish, trembling. I swallow, sensing both fear and hope.
He smiles. "Trust me."
I close my eyes and dip my fingers in the water. It's cool… soothing, then suddenly, I feel something shift inside.
I inhale slowly, and he reaches out, places his hand over mine. His touch is grounding.
"Sense the moon," he whispers.
The water glows faintly in the candlelight. My fingertips to my arm are sending tiny jolts of energy. I look at him...eyes gleaming with encouragement.
"It's working," I breathe slowly.
He nods. "Good. Now relax, and let the bond guide you."
I close my eyes. Breathe in… breathe out.
I heard heartbeat, then another. It isn't mine...it's his. The pulse of the pack.
I shiver. My spine tingles. I feel a gentle tug at my core, like a thread pulling me into a hidden world.
"Good," Lupus murmurs. "Now imagine you are running through the forest."
I picture myself in the grove. Rain dripping, leaves soft underfoot. I run… faster and faster. My legs burn soon enough. But the pain is not unpleasant. It is power.
I gasp, then open my eyes. The room is still, and my cheeks are wet with sweat.
Lupus smiles softly. "You saw it?"
I nod. "I felt… I was running."
He squeezes my hand. "You are awakening."
Tears threaten. "I'm scared."
He pulls me close. "You don't have too, I'm here and I will teach you. Step by step."
"Maybe, I should rest for now." I said as I quickly lay down and close my eyes to sleep.
Morning after, daylight filters in and my body is exhausted, but something new burns within me, I think an ember of strength.
Lupus enters with tea and two plates of steamed buns. He smiles Immediately he saw me.
"How are you feeling?"
I sit up. "Tired. Good, though."
He pours tea. "This is like a journey, and every step takes energy. If you rest today, tomorrow, we spar again."
I nod. "I want to be strong."
He's pleased. He sets the buns down. "Eat first. You need food."
We eat quietly, comforted by simple warmth. I glance at him. "Lupus…"
He looks up. Warmth in his amber eyes.
"Thank you." I reach across the small table. Our fingers touch. "For everything."
He squeezes my hand. "Always, my love."
Then later, I find him in the courtyard. The sky is overcast, perfect for afternoon training.
He takes my hand. "Ready for this?"
I nod. My sword rests at my waist, light, wooden practice blade. I've learned to hold it, but not strike.
We stand facing each other as he bows his head politely as a sign of respect.
"Let's begin," he says.
I lunge forward, and my blade cuts through the air, slow. He deflects with fluid ease.
He shifts back. My foot slips as I stumble, and my cheeks flush.
He steadies me. "Balance," he says.
He adjusts my stance. "Center yourself, and Breathe."
I try again, lunge, block, and step. He counters. I fall, but I rise again.
Each spar teaches me more, not only sword-work, but presence, awareness, connection.
I feel the bond strengthening, his instincts guiding me, mine syncing with his.
After dozens of tries, he lowers the practice sword. "Well done."
My lungs heave, muscles tremble.
He takes my hand. "Your growth amazes me."
I smile, breathless. "I learn from the best."
His face softens, and he pulls me close. "And I learn from you."
Meanwhile, Back in the house, my body burns with small aches. I sink into the sofa, holding a cup of warm water.
Loita appears, carrying fresh robes and a bowl of jasmine porridge.
She bows. "Lady Kaida, It's time to eat."
I smile. "Thank you, Loita."
She pours the porridge. "This will help your strength."
I watch her. Quiet loyalty, steady hands.
Loita smiles softly. "Your husband… he loves you."
My chest tightens. I place a hand on my chest. "He…" I pause. "I hope I can offer as much."
Loita's eyes sparkle. "You already have."
Then she leaves. I sip the porridge, it was sweet, soothing as memory.
When the night falls. I kneel by the window, bowed head. Rain taps faintly, wind pushes the door.
And Lupus enters, carrying a shawl. He wraps it around me.
"I thought you might be cold."
I lean into him. "I feel full… and empty."
He holds me close. "Let me fill what's empty."
He places a wet kiss on my forehead. I close my eyes, surrendering.
He draws me to the bedroom. The candlelight is warm, as he looks at me with fierce love.
"Tell me what you want."
I reply softly, half to myself, "I want to belong, I mean, I want to be strong, to be yours...fully."
He kneels and gathers my hands. "You are." He lifts one hand to his lips. "Every part of you, is mine."
I tremble, tears in my eyes. "Then accept me…"
He lifts me in his arms, and his mouth finds mine. His kiss is soft yet deep. The bond pulses. Our hearts go wild.
We lie entwined, silence all around. He brushes hair from my face. "Tomorrow, more awakening."
I nod. "I trust you."
He smiles, and eyes shine. "Sleep now, my bride. Dream of moonlight."
I close my eyes. His steady warmth pulses under my hand.
Before sleep takes me, I whisper, "I love you."
His voice, barely a breath, "Forever."
Suddenly something jolt me up, and my heart was beating faster. Lupus turn back and asked,
"What happened?"
I stroke my chest, "I can't control it. My heart is sinking!"
"Find yourself!" Lupus shouted.
"How?"
"I think about yourself, right now. The wolf in you is calling, don't answer yet."