Chapter 3: The Bond That Shouldn't Be

The forest was unnaturally quiet as Lyna ventured deeper into the territory. The sun barely peeked through the thick canopy, casting golden shadows on the mossy floor. Marla trailed a few steps behind her, constantly scanning the area with sharp witch senses.

"I feel something," Lyna murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Marla stopped. "Something… or someone?"

Lyna's heart pounded—not with fear, but with the strange anticipation that had been building since she stepped back into Shadowfang land. It was like an invisible thread was pulling her forward. A feeling deep in her chest. Not pain. Not anger. Something else.

Suddenly, a rustling noise echoed through the trees. Lyna's hand immediately went to the blade at her waist. Her silver eyes glowed faintly, a warning to anyone foolish enough to attack.

"Who's there?" she demanded.

From the shadows, a tall figure emerged. Not Kael. Not a warrior. A stranger—yet not completely unknown. He was around her age, with black hair tousled by the wind and piercing green eyes that seemed to burn into her soul.

He bowed respectfully. "I mean no harm."

Lyna didn't lower her weapon.

"You're from the Shadowfang pack?" she asked sharply.

"No. I'm from the Northwind Mountains," he replied. "I was sent… because of you."

"Because of me?" Lyna's eyebrows furrowed. "Who are you?"

"My name is Zephyr," he said calmly. "And whether you believe it or not, I was drawn to you by the bond."

Lyna froze.

"The bond?" she repeated slowly, the words tasting foreign in her mouth.

"Yes," Zephyr replied. "You are not only Kael's rejected mate. You are something far more powerful. A soul caught between two destinies."

Marla stepped forward, her tone defensive. "If this is a trick—"

"It's not," Zephyr interrupted. "I've dreamed of her for years. The dragon inside me recognized her scent the moment she returned to this land."

Lyna blinked, stunned. "Dragon?"

Zephyr nodded. "I'm not just a man. I'm a shifter, like you… but I carry the blood of dragons. And for reasons neither of us understand yet, our fates are intertwined."

Marla gasped softly. "Lyna, if he's telling the truth, this could mean—"

"That the Moon Goddess has a plan for me," Lyna whispered. "One that doesn't involve Kael."

Her hand slowly dropped from her blade.

Zephyr's eyes softened. "I know you've been hurt. Betrayed. You don't have to trust me now. But I'm here to help you uncover the truth… and protect you, if needed."

Before Lyna could respond, a loud growl echoed through the forest.

A Shadowfang patrol.

Zephyr moved swiftly, grabbing Lyna's arm. "They'll take you back by force if they find you here alone. Do you want that?"

"No," she hissed. "But I'm not running."

"Then follow me. I know a place where we can talk… safely."

Lyna hesitated for a heartbeat, then nodded. "Lead the way."

---

They reached a small glade hidden by enchanted mist. A fire had already been lit, and the air held a faint scent of cinnamon and herbs. It was peaceful. Too peaceful.

Zephyr handed her a flask of water as she sat down.

"I wasn't lying," he said, kneeling across from her. "You may still feel the remnants of your bond with Kael, but it's frayed. Unstable. The Moon Goddess sometimes offers second chances… and sometimes, she changes the path completely."

Lyna's voice was low. "I don't want a second chance."

"Then what do you want?"

She looked at him, silver eyes sharp. "Justice. Answers. And freedom from the pain that's haunted me since Kael turned his back on me."

Zephyr didn't flinch. "Then let me help you. Not as your new mate. Not as your savior. Just… as someone who understands what it means to carry too much pain."

She studied him in silence. For the first time, she didn't feel the pressure of the past pressing on her chest. Just quiet. Stillness. And something new blooming beneath her ribs—possibility.

Then, a familiar voice echoed in the distance.

"LYNA!"

She stiffened. Kael.

He had followed the scent. Of course he had.

Zephyr stood slowly, his expression calm. "You have to choose, Lyna. Run and keep your power… or face him now, and risk being chained by his regrets."

Lyna stood as well, her jaw tight.

"I'm not afraid of him."

"I know," Zephyr said. "But you should be afraid of what he represents: a future that already destroyed you once."

Kael's voice was closer now. "Lyna, I know you're there. Please. Just talk to me."

She took a deep breath.

And stepped out of the shadows.

---

Kael stopped when he saw her. His tall figure was rigid with tension, his golden eyes wide.

"You're really here," he whispered.

"I am," Lyna replied coolly. "And I'm not the girl you left behind."

Zephyr appeared behind her, and Kael's eyes narrowed.

"You brought another male into my territory?"

"He's not yours to claim," she snapped. "Neither am I."

Kael clenched his fists. "You don't understand, Lyna. I had reasons—"

"I don't care about reasons. Not now. What I want is the truth. The whole truth."

Silence fell between them, heavy with years of pain.

Kael's voice finally broke through, quiet and hollow.

"Then follow me to the council. I'll give you everything you want. Just… don't shut me out completely."

Lyna turned her head slightly. "We'll see."

And with that, she walked past him, her chin high, Zephyr at her side, and her heart torn between the bond she once had and the future that now waited to be written.