Chapter 7
The clearing went completely silent.
Even the council hunters hesitated as the massive white wolf stepped forward. When it shifted, the man who emerged carried an authority that made the air feel heavier. He was tall and broad, and power radiated from him in a controlled, overwhelming presence.
His icy blue eyes locked onto Ariana. They did not leave her.
Kael Vaughn's body went rigid. Of all the enemies that could have appeared, this was the worst.
"The High Alpha," Cassian said, his tone calm but more cautious than before.
The man stepped forward slowly, his boots pressing into the broken ground. His gaze shifted briefly to Kael.
"Step aside."
Kael tightened his hold on Ariana. "No."
His voice was low and steady. Several hunters shifted uneasily, tightening their grip on their weapons.
The High Alpha studied him. "You're standing between the council and a threat to the entire supernatural world."
Kael didn't move. "She's not a threat."
"The Fifth Blood always becomes one," the High Alpha replied.
Ariana stirred weakly in Kael's arms. Her golden eyes flickered open, her body heavy and drained.
"Kael…" she whispered.
"I'm here," he said quietly.
The High Alpha's gaze darkened when he saw her eyes.
"So it's true," he said. "The awakening has begun."
Cassian let out a quiet laugh. "Oh, it's more interesting than that."
The High Alpha turned sharply. "Explain."
Cassian gestured toward Kael and Ariana. "The Alpha bond has already formed."
For the first time, the High Alpha's expression shifted. His attention snapped back to Kael.
"You bonded with her?"
Kael's wolf stirred beneath his skin. "I didn't choose it."
"That doesn't matter," the High Alpha replied coldly.
His gaze returned to Ariana. "The bond can be broken."
Kael's body tensed. "How?"
The High Alpha answered without hesitation.
"Kill her."
The words hit Ariana hard. Her breath caught.
Kael's eyes burned. "That's not happening."
The High Alpha stepped closer. "You're thinking like a mate."
"I am a mate."
"You're also an Alpha," the High Alpha said sharply. "You swore loyalty to the council."
Kael's jaw tightened. "Not at the cost of her life."
The tension in the clearing thickened. Hunters moved slightly closer, ready for a command.
The winged guardian remained at the edge, watching everything in silence.
The High Alpha studied Kael for several seconds. "You're making a mistake."
"Maybe," Kael said. "But it's mine to make."
Ariana forced herself to stand. Her legs trembled, but she stepped beside him instead of staying behind.
"I'm not something you can just kill," she said.
The High Alpha looked at her carefully, his gaze lingering on her glowing eyes.
"You don't understand what you are."
"Then explain it."
He paused before answering. "Your power will destroy the balance between bloodlines."
Ariana shook her head. "I didn't ask for this."
"No one ever does."
Cassian sighed. "This is fascinating, truly, but we're running out of time."
He gestured toward the forest. The sound of movement was growing louder.
"The rest of the council is arriving," he continued. "Soon this place will be full of enough power to level a city."
Kael glanced toward the trees. He could already feel them—dozens of presences moving closer.
"We need to go," he said.
The High Alpha stepped forward again. "You're not leaving with her."
Kael's wolf surged. "Watch me."
The High Alpha's eyes glowed. "You think you can challenge me?"
Kael didn't answer. He shifted.
Bones cracked, muscles expanded, and the massive black wolf replaced him. The ground trembled beneath his weight.
The High Alpha watched him calmly. "You're still young, Kael."
Then he shifted as well. The enormous white wolf that emerged was larger, heavier, and carried far more power.
The clearing suddenly felt too small.
Cassian stepped aside. "Good," he said. "I was hoping for this."
Ariana stared at them. "Stop!" she shouted.
Neither Alpha moved. Their eyes locked. The High Alpha's voice echoed in Kael's mind. Stand down. Kael's wolf growled in response.
No.
The white wolf lunged.
The impact shook the clearing as they crashed into each other. Claws tore through the ground, and their movements were fast and brutal. Kael fought with everything he had. But the High Alpha was stronger.
He was older, more experienced, and clearly far more dangerous than Kael.
Within seconds, Kael was slammed into the ground.
Ariana's chest tightened. "Kael!"
The High Alpha's jaws closed around his throat. One bite would end it. Everything stopped.
Then Ariana felt the power inside her rise again. It surged through her, hot and uncontrollable.
Golden light burst from her body.
"Stop!"
Her voice rang out, stronger than before. The ground cracked beneath her feet. Every creature in the clearing froze. Even the High Alpha.
His jaws loosened. His blue eyes turned toward her. For the first time, he looked surprised. Ariana was no longer standing on the ground. Golden light surrounded her.
Behind her, something began to form. A shape made of energy, growing larger with every second. Wings.
And above her, a crown of golden fire.
Cassian stared at her, his usual calm expression gone.
"Well," he said quietly, "that changes everything."