Chapter 3: Clash of Titans

Tension Increases in Conflict

Although the antagonism between the clans of Aria and Kael had always been there, it had now reached a completely new level of intensity. Rumors of covert coalitions and impending conflicts were catching on in both camps like wildfire. Little disagreements evolved into confrontations, which heightened tensions to the point that the heads of both clans considered declaring war.

Aria has no desire for this. Despite having grown up in the shadow of the rivalries, her main concern had always been maintaining harmony and making sure her pack would survive. It seemed like everything was getting out of hand right now. The purpose of the council meeting had been to defuse tensions, but ever since that evening, when she and Kael met eyes and the painful reality of their relationship became apparent, everything has had deteriorated.

That night, she learned that a group of renegade wolves from Kael's clan had attacked the southern border of her pack. It was rash, but it worked. They had a message to convey, not merely to stir up problems. There was no peace, no talks—that much was certain.

As Aria prepared to join the defense, her heart fell. Her thoughts were racing, torn between the opposing forces inside her and her dread for her pack. She felt a pull at her core every time she thought of Kael. But not now. She could not let her pack down. Never.

The Battle

 Chaos had already broken out by the time Aria reached the southern border. Wolves fought beneath the cover of the trees, and the moon overhead illuminated the untamed scene. The smell of fur and blood filled the air. The jungle was filled with the noises of warfare, including growls and snarls.

Aria noticed Kael in the midst of the battle. For a little minute, her heart stopped, and she was overcome with a fresh wave of disorientation. He was present. Not less than leading the charge.

She was filled with rage because of treachery. "How dare he!" she said, drawing her blade closer to her body and charging into the battle. Despite their strong resistance, they had a connection. Was this how he was letting her go? by attempting to ruin her pack?

However, as she charged at him, an odd thing occurred. Rather than assaulting her, Kael repelled a strike that one of his own soldiers had been aiming at Aria.

In the midst of the battleground, they faced one another, breathing heavily and gazing at one another. "Why are you in this place?" Aria asked, her voice trembling with perplexity mixed with rage.

With a voice as harsh as hers, Kael muttered, "I came to stop this." "I didn't order this."

Aria was surprised by how sharply the words struck her. She desired to accept him. She had to.

However, trust was not something that was readily gained on a battlefield.

Compelled to Cooperate

As the fighting grew more intense all around them, Aria and Kael were forced to fight alongside one another. They repelled assailants who were unfaithful wolves from both sides to any tribe and aimed exclusively at obliteration.

Aria unexpectedly found herself depending on Kael during the heat of combat. He moved quickly, deliberately, and protectively, as if he were guarding not just her but also himself. It was frightening, frustrating, and confused.

"Pay attention to your left!" Aria dodged, just escaping a powerful assault, and Kael let out a cry. She struck back quickly, eliminating another adversary.

They fought with an unspoken agreement, like a well-oiled machine. The closeness between them became evident with every clash of swords. They seemed to be in tune with each other's wolves as they battled more and more together.

The last of the outlaws left Aria and Kael behind as the dust cleared, standing amid the aftermath's quiet. They were both drenched in blood, some of it not their own, and their breathing was laborious.

Aria fell atop a downed tree and just stared at the earth. Her thoughts were racing. Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper as she said, "Why did you protect me?"

Kael flinched and looked aside, hesitating. "Because... I was unable to let you die."

Establishing Trust

Although there was a palpable quiet between them, it wasn't unpleasant. It was full with unspoken tension, but there was more to it than that—something neither of them had been ready to face.

Kael was sitting next to her, his proximity unsettling. He said, "This war is wrong," as he peered off into the distance. Aria, we didn't initiate it. However, we can put a stop to it.

Aria gave him a quick glance, expressing her doubt. And what is your recommended course of action?

By demonstrating to our clans that there is an alternative, Kael said in a calm yet assertive voice. "That there's more worthwhile causes to fight for than retaliation."

His comments caused Aria's chest to tighten. Could they truly have faith in one another? Could this feud actually come to an end? Rather than just sitting here and believing the claims of her sworn adversary, every instinct inside of her begged her to run, to fight.

But something struck her as she stared at him, the crimson corners of his eyes still burning slightly. She had no desire to flee. She also had no desire to attack him.

She said, "I don't trust you," her voice quivering from the significance of her disclosure.

With a stern gaze, Kael turned to face her. Then I'll gain your confidence," he muttered.

Enchanting Times

They weren't enemies for the first time. They were not plotting, nor were they fighting. They were only two wolves entangled in a maze of feelings that they were unable to unravel.

Aria felt her heart race in her chest, and she could feel her wolf stirring once more as Kael drew nearer—that same raw yearning gnawing at her insides. She could smell him—strong, sensual, and musk-filled.

She stretched out and touched his arm without thinking. She felt a flame ignite inside her as she saw Kael's eyes go dim and his breathing become labored.

She said, "We shouldn't," but her tone lacked conviction.

Her hand met Kael's thumb gliding across her flesh. "I am aware," he muttered. He didn't, however, back off.

The world around them vanished at that instant. The fact that they were meant to be adversaries made no difference. The fact that their clans would destroy them if they found out made no difference.

All that mattered was the apparent way that an indisputable force was pulling their spirits toward one another.

Aria closed her eyes as Kael leaned closer, feeling the warmth of his breath on her lips. When their lips did eventually meet, it was cautious and almost frail at first. However, the kiss soon became more intense, including all the anxiety, perplexity, and desire they had been attempting to suppress.

It was fierce, hot, and strictly banned.

When at last they were both breathing heavily as they were hauled away. With her allegiance to her tribe and her yearning for Kael at odds, Aria's mind was racing.

However, it was evident that nothing would ever be the same.