Give and take

Aria's Pov

"Davina, where have you been?" My heart was racing with worry and I silently begged her to answer me. Tears threatened to spill from my eyes.

"Not now, Aria! Neo, his inner wolf, is dealing with the King as I am talking to you. Please be quiet for the time being. Don't provoke him. I'll see what I can do to keep the traitor alive."

The dungeon's heavy iron door creaked open. As we entered, the stench of despair and decay assaulted my senses.

"Davina? Are you still here" I whispered internally, relief flooding through me at hearing my inner wolf's voice after days of silence.

"I'm here, Aria," came her reassuring reply. "Stay calm and follow my lead."

My eyes struggled to adjust to the dim lighting as we approached Scarlet's cell. Three guards hovered around her unconscious form, their faces grim.

"By the moon," Dr. Edward gasped, rushing forward. "We need to act quickly."

I hung back, taking in the horrific scene before me. A makeshift cord fashioned from shredded mattress fabric was tangled around Scarlet's neck. The chandelier lay in pieces beside her, evidence of her desperate attempt to hang herself. Blood matted her hair where she'd struck her head in the fall.

Kaine's face was an impassive mask as he surveyed the carnage. "I warned her," he said, his deep voice devoid of emotion. "The mark on her hand ensures that any attempt on her life will result in her demise."

I wanted to plead with him, to beg for mercy on Scarlet's behalf, but Davina's warning echoed in my mind. "Let him handle this," she cautioned. "Don't make things worse. I've already talked to his inner wolf."

Dr. Edward's urgent voice cut through my internal dialogue. "Alpha, we must remove the magic dampening this cell. Without her regenerative abilities, she may not survive."

Kaine remained silent, his silver eyes distant. I recognized the signs of an intense conversation with his inner wolf.

The atmosphere in the room was charged with tension as we all held our breath, waiting for his decision.

My fingers twitched with the urge to reach out to him, to plead and even kneel in front of him once again but I held myself back, remembering how my previous attempts at intervention had backfired.

"Be patient," Davina murmured. "Let him work through this."

After what felt like an eternity, Kaine's gaze locked with mine. In that moment, a silent understanding passed between us.

He turned to Dr. Edward and Mellie, his voice firm. "Treat her injuries. Ensure she's fit to stand trial in four days."

Relief washed over me, quickly followed by confusion. Why hadn't he lifted the magic? Before I could voice my questions, Kaine's command rang out.

"Aria, follow me."

Without hesitation, I fell into step behind him as we exited the dungeon. My mind raced with questions, but Davina's presence kept me grounded.

"What's happening?" I asked her silently as we walked. "Why didn't he remove the magic?"

"Patience, Aria," Davina responded. "It seems that Scarlet is not ready to attempt regeneration, as she may want to harm herself again. The truth will be revealed when the time is right. For now, have faith in your Alpha and in me. Follow his instructions without hesitation."

The weight of her words settled over me as we climbed the stairs leading away from the dungeons.

——————

I struggled to keep up with Kaine's long strides as he led me through winding corridors. My heart raced, not just from exertion but from the tension of our earlier encounters. What did he want to discuss that required such privacy?

We reached a secret garden, tucked away in the pack house's grounds. I took a deep breath and marveled at the beautiful plants and fluttering butterflies. The sound of birds singing was all around us

"It's beautiful," I murmured, almost to myself.

A delicate orange and black butterfly alighted on my outstretched hand, soon joined by a second. I stood perfectly still, marveling at their fragile beauty.

Kaine's deep voice broke the spell. "How are you feeling, Aria?"

The butterflies took flight as I startled slightly. I looked up at him, relieved to see that the anger had faded from his chiseled features. Still, I hesitated before answering.

"I'm... okay," I said cautiously. "I was able to shift normally twice."

He nodded, his grey eyes intent on my face. "Good. That's progress."

An awkward silence fell between us. I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt, unsure what to say next. Finally, I blurted out, "Thank you. For Scarlet, I mean. I know you didn't approve, but..."

"Scarlet showed remorse," Kaine said, his tone matter-of-fact. "She attempted to end things, despite having a direct order from me. Perhaps change is possible for some, or maybe she was just too afraid to confront her punishment. Only time will reveal the truth."

I nodded, grateful for his mercy but still uneasy. Why had he really brought me here?

Kaine's next words answered my unspoken question. "My wolf has informed me that Davina was absent for three days."

My breath caught. How did he know?

From Davina, of course.

For some unknown reason, she had a strong connection with his inner wolf and they seemed to get along quite well.

I simply nodded, unable to find words.

"The reason she was able to return today," Kaine continued, "is because I unwittingly channeled some of my power in your direction, when you collided with me earlier. Much like when you were able to hear her in the forest while in my presence."

I remained silent, trying to process this information. Was that why I'd felt that strange surge of energy earlier?

So, that means that Kaine is the one who activated my wolf powers in the forest?

"Davina?" I called inwardly. "Is this true? Can you only manifest when Kaine is near?"

Her response was tinged with reluctance. "Yes, little one. The poison makes it difficult for me to appear naturally. I can tap into Kaine's magic when he's around, but otherwise... well, you saw what happened."

My mind whirled. "So the night we fled the forest...?"

"I used every ounce of his energy to keep you safe," Davina explained. "But I could only do it because Kaine lent me some of his power. That's why I was silent for so long afterward - I was completely drained."

The implications hit me like a physical blow. To keep Davina with me, I'd have to stay close to Kaine. To literally drain his magic.

"Does it... hurt you?" I asked him hesitantly. "Whenever you give Davina your magic?"

Kaine's expression remained impassive, but I sensed a flicker of something in his eyes. "To some extent," he admitted. "Werewolf magic is about balance - a give and take. There is always a cost."

Guilt washed over me. "I'm so sorry," I whispered. "I had no idea."

He shrugged slightly. "It was necessary."

A horrible thought struck me. "Are you in pain right now?"

"Yes."

That single word felt like a knife to my heart.

I force myself to remember that he murdered my mother.

I don't want to be able to relate to him or feel any connection to him, just so I can feel like my true self again - a wolf.

By the moon goddess, what a dilemma.

I turned inward again, desperate. "Davina, what can I do? How can I give him back his magic?"

Her response was immediate and firm. "You're not ready to hear that answer, Aria."

"What? Why not?" I demanded aloud, forgetting Kaine's presence for a moment. "Please, I need to know!"

Kaine's large hand on my shoulder startled me from my internal argument. "Aria," he said, his voice low and intense. "Look at me."

"I don't want to owe you anything," I said, bluntly.

"Then you prefer to remain wolfless until Edward and Mellie work on your cure?"

His words only intensified my worry. What was Davina hiding from me? And how much would Kaine suffer in the meantime because of my weakness?

As if sensing my spiraling thoughts, Kaine squeezed my shoulder gently.

Once again, I am filled with a sense of satisfaction and joy, similar to what I felt three days ago when I humbled myself in front of him to beg for Scarlet's life. As I gaze at him, the color seems to return to his pale complexion.

Was it what he meant when he said that magic requires a give and take?

"Come," he said. "We should return to the others. There is much to discuss regarding your training and safety."

I nodded mutely, following him out of the garden. But my mind was far away trying to find the truth inside myself. I felt Davina tense once again.

Give and take. Drawing from Kaine's magic. Davina's silence.

Finally, it hit me all at once.

My feet trembled, my breath caught in my throat as I closed my eyes, unable to face the truth. I could hear Davina's voice, urging me to take deep breaths and reassuring me that it was just a panic attack and everything would be okay.

Kaine's strong grip steadied me as I stumbled, and the warmth of his body enveloped me. Unlike before, I welcomed this feeling, knowing that without it I might have collapsed.

I squinted my eyes open, catching a glimpse of his concerned expression before asking in a trembling voice, "Are you my mate?"