They set out at dusk.
Aria rode beside the alpha, tension thick between them. Last night's kiss lingered in the air, unspoken and burning beneath the surface. He hadn't touched her since. But his eyes—those haunted, silver eyes—watched her like she was both salvation and sin.
"You don't have to come," he said gruffly as they reached the edge of the woods.
Aria lifted her chin. "I do."
The journey led them through cursed lands and ancient ruins, places where shadows moved on their own and whispers called your name. The further they went, the more Aria could feel something pulling her—something buried deep in her blood.
They stopped for the night in an abandoned outpost. The alpha stayed silent, sharpening his blade. Aria sat across from him, watching the fire dance between them.
"Why do you fight it?" she asked suddenly.
He looked up. "Fight what?"
"This." She gestured between them. "The bond. Me."
He exhaled slowly. "Because wanting you could mean your death. Because I've already lost too much."
Aria's voice trembled. "And if I don't care about that risk?"
His expression hardened—but only for a second. Then he rose, walked to her, and knelt beside her.
"Then you're more foolish than I thought," he whispered. "But gods help me, I'm already yours."