Blood Moon was only days away, and the energy in the air was shifting. Tension crackled between wolves like

ncil barely tolerated her presence, and most wolves either sneered or gave her a wide berth. Only Kade had

re. She'd risk

rom the trees as she crossed a narrow path. Aria tense

oice murmured.

p grey eyes weary. He was usually unflappable, carrying the easy arroganc

ing calm into her voice. "

ess laugh. "Neit

ing her arm. His grip was firm, not bruising , a warrior

voice rough, "w

ing to say t

ld listen

be gathered near the den by now, too occupied with council debates

. Say

brushed lightly over the inside of her wrist.

quietly. "Tonight. Before the Bl

wasn't aware I wa

a. There's a rebellion brewing. Draven's gathering traitors and mercenaries. The council's divided. Kade won't s

she kept her expression unre

, pine and steel , wrapping arou

not leaving, Riven. Kade n

d. "Dammit, Ari

pretend she hadn't heard, to dismiss it as stress or misplaced loyalty. But the truth was writt

. "Tried to tell myself it was duty, or pity, or w

d, backing a step

e you,

ctiveness, the sharp edge in his voice whenever Kade's name was menti

d. "I don't... I don't

ng before he masked it with the cold ind

. "I don't belong to anyone. And if you cared a

Riven exhaled a sharp breath and took a step back, the

u," he muttered. "I'

save

r smile. "You always were too

Riven wasn't the enemy. He was angry and hur

u, Riven," she said quie

humorless laugh

ished into the trees, leaving only the sc

ce he'd been, heart pounding. The world felt heavier,

would only get

part of her mourned the f

ir colder. The bond between her and Kade tugged faintly at her conscio

as co

would escap