*

  Beneath the moon’s unyielding gaze, two shadows clashed in silver haze. Fangs met fury, claws met skin, a battle lost, a war to win. A final breath, a crimson stain, victory won, but at what pain? For in the quiet, torn and weak, lay the one she dared not seek. A touch, a tremor, a whispered plea, fate had bound them, silently. Blood may heal, but scars remain, and love is born from loss and pain.

  *

  ---

  Kael’s guttural growl echoed through the dense forest as Sophia circled him, her silver fur shimmering in the pale moonlight. Her breaths came in sharp bursts, her muscles coiled tight like springs ready to unleash fury. The coppery tang of blood hung heavy in the air, mingling with the earthy scent of crushed foliage.

  Kael, his dark fur slick with blood from earlier wounds, sneered as best a wolf could. Sophia could see the arrogance in his stance, the slight lift of his head as though he still believed himself untouchable despite his dwindling allies.

  He charged first, his massive form barreling toward her. Sophia held her ground, dodging at the last second and raking her claws across his flank. A satisfying yelp escaped him, but she barely had time to savor the sound before another wolf lunged at her.

  Her mother’s snarl cut through the chaos, a sound so commanding it froze the other attackers in their tracks. The alpha was a force of nature, her movements precise and devastating. She took down one wolf with a single swipe to its throat, turning to intercept another before it could flank Sophia.

  Sophia focused back on Kael, who staggered from her blow but still radiated defiance. This wasn’t just about dominance anymore; this was personal. His betrayal, his cowardly ambush with reinforcements, it all boiled down to his refusal to accept her rejection.

  Kael growled low, his eyes narrowing. He lunged again, faster this time, aiming for her throat. Sophia met him head-on, her jaws snapping inches from his face. Their bodies collided, a tangle of fur and teeth, each vying for the upper hand.

  Sophia’s mind went blank, instincts taking over as she fought with every ounce of strength. Kael was larger, but she was faster, her movements sharp and precise. She dodged his lunges with practiced ease, her claws raking deep into his side whenever he left an opening.

  A pained snarl tore from his throat as he staggered back, blood matting his dark fur. His confidence wavered, his golden eyes flicking around the battlefield. One by one, his allies had fallen, their bodies motionless in the underbrush. He was alone.

  Sophia took a step forward, her silver fur bristling, muscles coiled to strike. Kael bared his teeth, but it was no longer in challenge it was desperation. He knew he couldn’t win.

  A sharp growl rumbled in Sophia’s chest as she lunged, jaws snapping inches from his throat. Kael leaped back, panting heavily, then turned on his heels and bolted into the forest, his retreating form disappearing into the shadows.

  Sophia held herself back from giving chase, breath ragged, forcing stillness into her trembling limbs. He was beaten. That was enough.

  The clearing fell silent save for the heavy breathing of mother and daughter. Sophia’s gaze shifted to Sam, slumped against a tree. The sight of his blood-soaked shirt snapped her out of her battle haze. She padded toward him, her silver fur now stained red.

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  His chest rose and fell weakly, his face pale. Sophia’s stomach twisted. She had been too late to stop Kael from sinking his teeth into Sam. Now, she could see the extent of the damage, deep punctures in his shoulder, the skin around them already discolored.

  Sophia transformed back into her human form without hesitation. The cool night air kissed her bare skin, but she didn’t care. She knelt beside Sam, her hands trembling as she examined his injuries.

  “Mother,” she called, her voice unsteady.

  Her mother approached, her own transformation seamless, a vision of power and grace. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around Sophia from behind, pulling her close in a supportive embrace. Their shared warmth and unspoken connection steadied Sophia's trembling body. Her mother’s presence was grounding, a silent reassurance that she wasn’t alone in this.

  But as Sophia leaned into the comforting touch, her mother’s gaze shifted sharply to Sam. Something in her expression darkened, her protective instincts flaring as she noticed the unnatural speed at which his wounds were healing.

  Her sharp eyes narrowing as she inspected the wounds. Then, her lips pressed into a thin line.

  “He’s healing,” her mother murmured, her tone unreadable.

  Sophia blinked, her gaze darting to Sam’s shoulder. Sure enough, the edges of the bite marks were already knitting together, though the process was slow and uneven.

  “What... what does that mean?” Sophia asked, though she already knew.

  Her mother sat back on her heels, letting out a heavy sigh. “The bite. It’s taking hold. He’s turning.”

  Sophia’s breath hitched. She stared at Sam, her thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. This human who had stumbled into her life, who had saved her without hesitation, was now being pulled into their world.

  Her mother’s voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. “You know what this means, Sophia. If he survives the transformation, his life will never be the same.”

  Sophia clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. “He didn’t ask for this.”

  “No,” her mother agreed, her tone softening. “But neither did you, when the time came. None of us did.”

  The weight of her mother’s words settled over Sophia like a heavy blanket. She looked at Sam again, at the way his face twisted in pain even in unconsciousness.

  “I won’t abandon him,” Sophia said firmly.

  Her mother studied her for a long moment, then nodded. “Then we’ll take him back to the compound. He’ll need us to guide him through this.”

  Relief mixed with determination as Sophia gently brushed a strand of hair from Sam’s face. She couldn’t explain the connection she felt to him, but it was undeniable.

  Her mother moved with purpose, stepping forward to lift Sam effortlessly into her arms. His body hung limp, his head lolling against her shoulder as she adjusted her grip. Sophia followed closely, her eyes fixed on Sam’s pale face, worry tightening her chest. Her mother’s strength was evident in the ease with which she carried him through the forest, her bare feet silent against the undergrowth.

  Sophia stayed close, her steps light and quick as her mother moved steadily through the forest, Sam cradled in her arms. Every glance at his lifeless form sent another wave of unease through her. Why did she care so much? He was just a human an injured, vulnerable human who had helped her when she was at her weakest.

  Yet, it was more than gratitude. It was something she couldn’t name. Something that had stirred the moment she’d met him, intensifying as she listened to his voice and watched his delicate attempts to care for her.

  She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms again, as she trailed behind. Her thoughts were a tangled mess of worry, guilt, and an unfamiliar longing. Why do I feel this way? she wondered, glancing at Sam again. The sight of his face, pale and stained with blood, made her heart clench.

  Once they broke through the tree line and approached the pack's compound, Sophia finally spoke, her voice tight with emotion. "Mother... do you think he'll make it?"

  Her mother glanced down at Sam briefly, her expression unreadable. "He’s stronger than he looks, but we'll need to monitor him closely. The transformation process isn't easy, even for someone like him."

  Sophia swallowed hard. The transformation. She’d almost forgotten. The bite would change him forever, dragging him into their world. Guilt swelled in her chest again. This is my fault. If I hadn't stayed with him... if I hadn’t been so weak—

  "Mother," she said again, her voice firmer this time. "I need to talk to you later. About... about these strange things I’ve been feeling since I met him."

  Her mother didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she shifted Sam’s weight in her arms, her expression softening slightly. "Of course, Sophia. But right now, focus on getting him stable. Everything else can wait."

  Sophia nodded, though her mind refused to quiet. She would confront these feelings she had to. And once Sam woke up, she would confront him too. She needed to understand why this human, this broken stranger, had such a hold on her.

  The compound came into view, its lights piercing through the darkness. Sophia’s chest tightened as she followed her mother inside, Sam still limp and unresponsive. He has to survive, she thought, her jaw tightening with resolve. And when he does, I’ll get my answers.

  Queen