Chapter 19

A Wolf Divided

Selene couldn't sleep. The tension from the day's events twisted inside her like a vice. Kael had refused to take her, but his touch, his kiss, still burned on her skin. Every fiber of her being ached with the need for him, but something in his eyes—something dark, possessive, and full of torment—made her pause.

She ran a hand through her hair, exhaling heavily as she stared out the window of Kael's quarters. The moon was high, bathing the forest in an eerie silver glow. Somewhere out there, Darius was waiting, plotting.

And she couldn't shake the feeling that he had something planned.

A knock at the door startled her. She turned, expecting Kael, but instead, it was Garrick—one of Kael's most trusted warriors. His expression was grim.

"Alpha Kael is in the war chamber. He wants you there."

Selene's stomach clenched. "What happened?"

Garrick hesitated. "Darius sent a message. He wants to negotiate."

Selene's pulse spiked. "Negotiate what?"

Garrick's jaw tightened. "You."

The Offer

Kael stood at the head of the war table, his body rigid with tension. The candlelight flickered over his sharp features, casting deep shadows beneath his stormy silver eyes. Selene could feel the barely contained fury radiating off him.

On the table, a parchment lay open, its elegant script unmistakable.

Kael,

Let's end this useless battle. You know what I want. Selene. Give her to me, and I'll ensure no more blood is spilled. Refuse, and I'll burn everything you love to the ground.

You know where to find me.

Darius

Selene's breath caught in her throat.

Kael's fists clenched at his sides. "He wants to negotiate," he growled. "But we both know this isn't a negotiation—it's a declaration of war."

Her mind reeled. "Why is he so obsessed with me?"

Garrick crossed his arms. "Because you are a Beta with an Alpha's fire. You are rare. And Darius… he doesn't take no for an answer."

Kael's gaze snapped to her, fierce and protective. "You are mine, Selene. No one will take you from me."

Something in his voice sent a shiver down her spine—not fear, but something far more dangerous.

She squared her shoulders. "Then let me face him."

The room went silent.

Kael's expression darkened. "No."

She met his gaze, unwavering. "If I don't, he'll keep coming. We both know that."

Kael stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "I will not let him lay a hand on you."

Selene tilted her chin up defiantly. "Then trust me to handle myself."

Their gazes clashed like a battle of wills, and for a moment, the tension in the room became unbearable. But Kael knew her well enough by now—she would not back down.

Finally, he exhaled sharply. "Fine. But I'm coming with you."

The Devil's Lair

Darius' territory was nothing like Kael's. Where Kael ruled with discipline and loyalty, Darius commanded chaos. His stronghold loomed in the distance, a fortress of jagged stone surrounded by thick, impenetrable woods. The air here was thick with something dark, something tainted.

Selene's heart pounded as she rode beside Kael, their horses moving at a steady pace. His presence was a steady anchor, his gaze never leaving her.

"Stay close to me," Kael murmured.

She nodded, but deep inside, she knew something felt off.

The gates swung open as they approached. Warriors lined the courtyard, their gazes predatory as they watched Selene dismount.

Then, Darius appeared.

He stepped down from the stone steps of his fortress, his dark eyes gleaming with triumph. He was handsome in a ruthless way, his presence commanding, yet where Kael's dominance was protective, Darius' was purely predatory.

"Selene," he purred. "You came."

Kael let out a low growl, stepping in front of her. "Speak your piece, Darius."

Darius chuckled. "So eager to rush? Fine." His gaze flickered to Selene, assessing her with an intensity that made her skin crawl. "I want you by my side, Selene. Not as a prisoner, but as my mate."

Selene stiffened. "That will never happen."

Darius smirked. "Won't it? Kael hasn't told you, has he?"

Kael's posture tensed. "Don't."

Darius' smirk widened. "Oh, but she deserves to know." He turned to Selene, his voice dripping with cruel amusement. "Tell me, darling, do you know why Kael is so desperate to keep you away from me?"

Selene's pulse quickened. "What are you talking about?"

Darius leaned in slightly. "Because Kael killed your father."

The words crashed into her like a violent wave.

She stared at Darius, then at Kael, searching his face for denial. But Kael said nothing.

The silence was an answer.

Selene took a step back, her chest tightening. "That's a lie."

Darius chuckled. "Oh, sweetheart. Do you really think Kael saved you out of kindness? No, he took you because he was the one who destroyed your pack."

Selene's breath hitched. "Kael?"

Kael finally spoke, his voice strained. "It's not what you think."

But Selene couldn't breathe. Couldn't think. The man she had grown to trust, the man she had begun to love, had killed her family.

Her legs felt weak, her entire world crumbling.

Darius stepped closer, his voice gentle now. "You don't belong with him, Selene. You never did."

Kael's eyes blazed. "Don't listen to him."

But she didn't know who to believe anymore.

 The Choice

The weight of betrayal pressed on Selene's chest, suffocating. She had spent her life believing Kael was her savior. Now, doubt clawed at her, whispering cruel possibilities.

She turned to Kael. "Tell me the truth."

Kael's jaw clenched. "I did what I had to do."

The pain in her chest sharpened.

Darius extended a hand. "Come with me, Selene. Let me show you the truth."

Kael stepped forward, his voice low, desperate. "Selene, don't."

For the first time, she hesitated.

Her choice would change everything.