Rhett was already pulling his shirt back on, his fingers moving fast.The warmth that had just passed between him and Ayla was gone now, replaced with something cold and tense.
"Ewan," he said, voice sharp, "how much time do we have?"
"Maybe twenty minutes," Ewan replied from the hallway. "They're moving fast. Not just the Elders, Silverclaw wolves are with them. I saw their crest."
Ayla stood frozen in place, her hand pressed to her chest. "Wait. Who's Silverclaw?"
Rhett looked at her, and his face softened just for a moment. "Another pack. Not like Fenris. Not like us."
"But why would they be coming here?" she asked, glancing between them.
"Because they want to take what we have," he said grimly. "And now the Elders are helping them."
"The Elders are supposed to be neutral," Ayla said. "Aren't they?"
"They were. But everything's changed since you showed up with that mark on your arm."
Ayla glanced down at the faint silvery glow on her arm. "So… they're coming after me?"
"They're coming after both of us," Rhett said. "You and me. The bond is a threat to everything they want to control."
Before she could answer, a sharp knock sounded at the front door.
Rhett tensed, sniffed the air, then relaxed slightly. "Not a threat. It's someone we know."
Ayla stepped to the door and opened it, her heart stuttering when she saw the woman on the porch.
"Cassia?"
"I came as soon as I heard," Cassia said. "We need to talk. Alone."
Ayla turned, glanced back at Rhett, who gave a short nod. She stepped out onto the porch, pulling the door shut behind her.
"What's going on?" Ayla asked, her voice quieter than she intended. "You look… worried."
"I am," Cassia said bluntly. "There's something you need to know. Something I should've told you days ago."
Ayla blinked. "Then tell me now."
Cassia stepped closer, lowering her voice. "The Silverclaw Pack, they're not like Fenris. They're stronger, more brutal. They don't care about rules or peace treaties. Their Alpha, Dominic Vale, has been trying to take over Ashpine for years."
"I've never even heard of them until today," Ayla said, confused.
"You wouldn't have," Cassia said. "Your grandmother kept you away from all of this on purpose. She didn't want you dragged into pack politics. But now… it's too late. They know who you are."
"They know about the bond?" Ayla asked, heart pounding.
"They suspect. And that's enough."
Cassia looked around, as if making sure no one was listening. "Dominic Vale is ambitious. He sees the Elders as tools, old wolves who are desperate to stay in power. If he can convince them to back him and not Rhett, it means war."
"Why would the Elders even consider working with someone like that?"
Cassia hesitated. "Because they think Rhett is unstable. Too bold. Too emotional. And they see you as a threat because of that mark on your hand. You're a wildcard they didn't plan for."
Ayla looked down again at the mark. "This thing just appeared, Cass. I didn't ask for it."
"I know. But that doesn't matter to them. They'll use it to say you're dangerous. That Rhett's judgment is compromised."
Ayla wrapped her arms around herself. "So what am I supposed to do?"
"Be smart," Cassia said. "Don't let them trap you. Don't let them twist your choices. And be careful with Rhett."
Ayla frowned. "He's the only one who's protected me."
Cassia nodded slowly. "I believe that. But this bond… it's more than just a connection. It's going to pull you into his world. Into his wars. Once you're in, there may be no way out."
A moment of silence stretched between them.
"I don't even know who I am anymore," she whispered.
Cassia placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You're still you, Ayla. Don't let the packs, or the Elders, or that mark tell you otherwise."
The cabin door opened behind them. Rhett stepped outside, his eyes sharp. "They're almost here."
Cassia turned to him. "Then you'd better be ready."
He met her stare. "I always am."
Cassia looked at Ayla one last time. "I meant what I said. Don't lose yourself in all this."
Then she turned and walked away, disappearing into the trees.
Ayla let out a shaky breath. Rhett stepped closer. "You okay?"
"No," she admitted. "But I'm going anyway."
He reached out, gently brushing his fingers against her hand. "We'll face it. Together."
She nodded.
~~~~~
The woods was full of wolves.
Ayla stayed close to Rhett. Her heart pounded as the Elders stepped forward, five old, sharp-eyed men in dark coats. But it was the tall man beside them who made her stomach twist.
He was broad-shouldered, dressed in black, with a cruel smile and eyes.
"Dominic Vale," Rhett said, his voice low.
Dominic's gaze moved to Ayla. "So, this is the one with the mark."
She swallowed hard and shifted behind Rhett.
"She's not your concern," Rhett said. "She's under my protection."
"She's a danger," one of the Elders spoke. "That bond ties her to you. She's part of your weakness now."
Dominic stepped forward. "I'm offering a choice. Step down, give us the girl, and no one else has to bleed."
Rhett's body tensed. "No."
Dominic's eyes darkened. "So be it."
The Silverclaw wolves moved fast—snarling, shifting, charging.
"Run!" Rhett shouted.
Ayla turned and ran, heart slamming in her chest. She didn't look back. Branches snapped around her as shapes chased them through the trees. Rhett shifted beside her into his wolf form, dark and powerful, keeping pace and guarding her side.
They ran deep into the woods, farther than Ayla had ever gone. Finally, Rhett led her to a small wooden cabin half-covered in vines and moss. It looked old and forgotten, but safe.
Rhett shifted back, breathing hard. "In here."
Ayla followed him inside. The cabin smelled like dust and pine. There was an old cot, a small fireplace, and faded drawings on the wooden walls.
"What is this place?" she asked, still trying to catch her breath.
"My hiding spot when I was a kid," Rhett said quietly. "I used to come here when everything got too loud. No one knows it exists. Not even the pack."
Ayla sat on the cot, hugging her knees. Her hands were shaking.
"Are we safe?" she asked.
"For now," Rhett said, closing the door and locking it. He sat down beside her, his voice low and steady. "We hide out here until it's clear. No fighting. Not yet."
Ayla leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. The woods were quiet again, but her world had changed forever.