Chapter 14: The Breaking Point
Aria had had enough.
Kael was pulling away, the pack wanted her gone, and now even her own emotions were betraying her.
She should leave. She should run.
But something held her back.
Something in Kael's haunted silver eyes, in the way he looked at her like she was his greatest temptation and his worst mistake.
Tonight, she was going to get answers.
She found him in the training grounds, bare-chested, muscles gleaming under the moonlight, his body covered in old scars and fresh wounds from sparring.
His pack bowed as she approached, but their gazes were filled with resentment.
She ignored them.
"Kael," she called, voice steady. "We need to talk."
Kael wiped sweat from his brow but didn't meet her gaze. "Not now."
"Now," she insisted, stepping closer.
The pack wolves shifted uneasily. They weren't used to anyone challenging their Alpha.
Kael exhaled, dismissing them with a single look. Once they were alone, he turned to her, jaw tight.
"You shouldn't be here."
Aria's fists clenched. "Then tell me why. Why did you bring me here if you were just going to push me away?"
Kael's gaze darkened. "Because you don't belong here."
Her chest ached, but she forced herself to stay strong. "Then why do I feel like I do?"
He didn't answer.
"Kael," she whispered, stepping closer. "I see the way you look at me. I feel it when you're near."
Kael's control cracked. His hands were suddenly on her arms, gripping her like she was the only thing keeping him grounded.
"You don't understand, Aria," he growled. "You don't know what I'm capable of. What I've done."
Her heart pounded. "Then show me."
His silver eyes flashed.
And then he kissed her.
It wasn't soft or hesitant—it was desperate, punishing, filled with every ounce of tension he had been holding back.
His hands tangled in her hair, pulling her closer, and she melted against him, gasping as he pressed her against the stone wall.
But just as quickly as it started, Kael ripped himself away.
His breathing was ragged, his eyes stormy with regret. "I can't."
Aria's body ached from the loss of his warmth. "Why?"
Before he could answer, a scream echoed from the castle.
They both turned as one of Kael's warriors came limping toward them, blood staining his clothes.
"They're coming," he gasped.
Kael stiffened. "Who?"
The warrior's eyes flickered to Aria. "Your past."
Aria's blood ran cold.
And for the first time, Kael looked afraid.