The Gathering Storm
The woods were empty when Ayla returned to the clearing the next morning. The spot where Zion had been resting was deserted, save for a few broken branches and a faint trace of his scent.
“He’s gone,” she whispered, staring at the crushed grass where he’d been lying.
Zion hadn’t said where he would go or if she’d see him again. He’d left her with too many questions, her thoughts a swirling mess of confusion and fear. Could he be trusted? And what had he meant about her birthmark?
The pack was no safer. Back in the training yard, Ayla felt the weight of their stares. Rowan’s voice cut through the air like a whip, loud and mocking.
“Look who decided to join us!” Rowan grinned, pointing at her as if she were the punchline to a joke. “Hope you’re ready to prove you’re not completely useless today, Ayla.”
The others laughed. Ayla bit her lip, ignoring the sting of their words. She was used to this, but it didn’t make it easier.
Rowan stepped closer, towering over her. His smirk was sharp and cruel. “Let’s spar, Ayla. Or are you too scared?”
The crowd murmured in excitement. Ayla’s heart pounded, but she knew better than to back down. “Fine,” she said quietly, stepping into the ring.
Rowan lunged at her without warning, a blur of strength and speed. Ayla dodged, her movements swift and precise, but she held back, as always. She couldn’t show them what she was truly capable of.
“Come on!” Rowan shouted, swinging again. His claws grazed her arm, but Ayla stayed on her feet. “Fight back, little shadow. Or are you nothing without your woods to hide in?”
The pack howled with laughter, but their jeering stopped abruptly as another voice rang out.
“That’s enough.”
A hush fell over the crowd as Cian stepped into the ring. His green eyes were cold and unyielding as they locked onto Rowan.
Rowan straightened, his smug grin faltering. “Just a little fun, Cian,” he said, but there was a nervous edge to his voice now.
Cian ignored him and turned to Ayla. “Are you hurt?”
Ayla blinked, stunned by his question. She shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”
“Good,” Cian said, stepping closer. His gaze swept over the gathered pack, his tone sharp. “Ayla is under my protection. If anyone touches her again, they’ll answer to me.”
The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. The pack exchanged confused glances, murmuring among themselves. Ayla felt their eyes on her, filled with curiosity and suspicion.
“Under your protection?” Rowan asked, his voice laced with disbelief. “Since when does she matter to you?”
“That’s none of your concern,” Cian said firmly. He gestured for Ayla to follow him. “Come with me.”
Ayla hesitated, glancing at the crowd. She didn’t want to go, but the intensity in Cian’s gaze left little room for argument. Reluctantly, she followed him out of the training yard.
They walked in silence until they reached a secluded spot near the edge of the woods. Ayla finally stopped, crossing her arms. “What was that about?” she demanded.
Cian turned to face her, his expression unreadable. “I’m keeping you safe.”
“Safe?” Ayla laughed bitterly. “All you’ve done is paint a bigger target on my back. Now the whole pack will think—”
“Let them think what they want,” Cian interrupted, his tone calm but firm. “They already don’t like you. That won’t change. But this way, they’ll think twice before crossing the line.”
Ayla frowned, studying him. “Why do you care? You’ve barely spoken to me before.”
Cian’s jaw tightened, and he took a step closer. “Because I know you’re not as weak as they think.”
Her breath caught. “What does that mean?”
“I’ve seen you fight, Ayla,” Cian said, his gaze steady. “You’re holding back. Why?”
Ayla looked away, her fists clenching. She couldn’t tell him the truth—not about her training, not about Zion. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Cian narrowed his eyes. “Don’t lie to me.”
She felt a flicker of anger at his demanding tone. “What does it matter to you?” she shot back. “Why are you suddenly so interested in me?”
Instead of answering, Cian gestured to the clearing around them. “Show me,” he said.
“Show you what?”
“Your strength,” he said simply. “No holding back this time. I want to see what you’re capable of.”
Ayla hesitated, her pulse racing. She couldn’t tell if he was testing her or trying to help. Either way, showing him her true abilities felt dangerous.
“No,” she said firmly.
Cian raised an eyebrow. “Are you scared?”
Her pride bristled. “I’m not scared.”
“Then prove it,” he challenged.
Before she could argue, he lunged at her, his movements faster than Rowan’s had ever been. Ayla reacted instinctively, blocking his strike and countering with a kick that sent him stumbling back.
Cian’s lips curved into a faint smile. “There it is,” he said.
Ayla stared at him, her chest heaving. “Why are you doing this?”
Cian’s expression darkened. “Because I know you’ve been meeting with the rogue.”
Her heart stopped. “What?”
He stepped closer, his voice low. “I saw you, Ayla. In the woods. With him.”
Ayla’s mind raced, panic rising. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Cian tilted his head, his gaze dropping to her wrist. “And then there’s this,” he said, brushing his fingers over her birthmark.
She yanked her arm away. “Don’t touch me.”
Cian’s eyes softened, but his tone remained serious. “That mark isn’t random, Ayla. I know what it means. And I think you do, too.”