The magic that sealed their pact still crackled faintly in the air between them, like smoke clinging to fire. Seraphina snatched her hand back the moment the shimmer faded, her skin prickling where Fenris had touched her.
"I said no touching," she snapped, glaring up at him.
Fenris gave a slow, mocking smile. "We just sealed a blood pact. You're lucky I didn't have to kiss you."
She rolled her eyes and turned away. "Try that, and I'll feed you your own heart."
"Charming."
They walked in silence through the forest, the ruined spellbook safely tucked in Seraphina's satchel, the weight of their bond pressing against her soul like a collar she hadn't asked for. Every step felt too close. Every breath shared with him was too sharp.
And yet… her wolf was unnervingly quiet.
Not angry. Not aggressive.
Just watching.
Waiting.
She hated it.
After almost an hour of tense silence, Fenris finally spoke.
"We can't go to the city. The royal guard is sweeping every border town for rogue activity."
"You mean they're looking for me," Seraphina said flatly.
"They think you're dangerous."
"I am."
Fenris glanced at her, amused. "So modest."
She ignored him.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
He didn't answer right away. Then he veered off the path and gestured to a thick wall of trees.
"We're not far from the Wraith Caverns."
Seraphina froze. "That place is cursed."
"Exactly. Which means no one will look for us there."
She hesitated, then followed him. The further they walked, the darker the forest became. The trees thickened, the air grew colder, and strange whispers rode on the wind.
By the time they reached the cavern entrance, twilight had swallowed the world.
The stone arch was ancient—etched with runes long forgotten and half-covered in moss. It pulsed with dormant magic, dark and deep.
"You brought me to a cave?" Seraphina said dryly.
He smirked. "Afraid of the dark?"
"I'm afraid of sharing space with an arrogant Alpha who thinks he can charm his way out of everything."
"I don't need charm. I have power."
"And yet, you're hiding in a hole with me."
That wiped the smirk off his face.
They entered.
The cavern was wide and dry inside, with natural shelves of rock and a faint glow from the enchanted fungi on the walls. Not cozy—but safe. For now.
Fenris tossed a small leather pouch to the ground. "Rations. I'll keep watch."
Seraphina didn't respond. She walked to the farthest point of the cave, slung her satchel down, and sat with her back against the cold stone.
But no matter how far she sat, he was still too close.
She could feel him—his energy, his heat, the pull of their cursed bond like a thread tied around her ribs.
"You don't sleep much, do you?" he asked quietly.
She looked up, startled by the softness in his voice.
"No," she said. "I haven't in years."
He sat down across from her, just near enough to see her face. "Nightmares?"
"No. Memories."
He nodded, his expression suddenly unreadable.
"What about you?" she asked before she could stop herself. "Do you sleep well, oh mighty Alpha?"
He gave a humorless laugh. "Only when I forget who I am."
The silence that followed was heavier than before.
For a moment, they weren't enemies. Just two people caught in something they didn't ask for.
"Why me?" she asked suddenly. "Of all the wolves in the kingdom… why am I your mate?"
He looked at her like he was seeing her for the first time.
"I don't know," he said honestly. "But I think we were chosen because we're both broken… and dangerous."
She flinched at that.
He didn't press. Instead, he stood and walked toward the entrance of the cave.
"I'll take first watch."
She stared after him.
And for a fleeting second, she wondered what it would feel like… to let herself fall.
Not for an Alpha.
Not for the bond.
But for him.