You’re Actually Alive

The snowstorm temporarily paused, but the thick clouds still hung heavy in the sky, slowly rolling along the ridge like grey iron.

Inside the stone house, a brazier burned brightly, its flames dancing and casting a faint red glow on the rough walls. The air was thick with the acrid scent of burnt herbs, mixed with the smell of wolf pelts, blood, and animal flesh—heavy, pungent, yet strangely familiar.

Leo rested against a fur mat, his shoulders and sides wrapped in layers of coarse linen. Blood had seeped through the herbs, staining the bandages red. His eyes were clear, but his muscles still ached with sharp pain, the visions from the trial lingering like aftershocks deep within him, refusing to fade.

The tent flap was suddenly lifted, and the cold wind, carrying snowflakes, blew into the room.

"Eat something," Selena's voice came from the door, carrying a bowl of meat soup made from black stone. She had changed out of her wine-red cloak, wearing a simple grey-white robe. Her silver hair was loosely tied back, and a few curled strands fell across her forehead, slightly messy.

Leo looked up at her, his gaze softening unconsciously. He took the bowl, and after a brief pause, he took small sips. The warmth of the broth flowed down his throat, rough but comforting, slowly filling his chest with a small, steady heat.

"Thank you for taking care of me," he murmured softly.

"Until our alliance is complete, I can't afford to let an ally fall," Selena said, offering him a casual smile. Her words, light as they were, made Leo's heart tremble, like a gust of wind across a calm lake.

She leaned in, checking the bandages on his shoulder. Leo looked down, watching her long fingers gently touch his skin. The warmth of her touch seeped through the fabric, tracing along his nerves. A flush crept across his face, and he instinctively tightened his grip on the edge of the bowl.

Just as he was about to speak, a familiar scent suddenly flooded his nostrils.

Werewolves had an acute sense of smell, and despite the overpowering herbs, Leo could still catch the sharp scent of blood and rust.

Footsteps approached from outside—steady and deliberate.The tent flap was swept open with a sudden swish.

"Hah, I can't believe you're actually alive."

The voice was hoarse, dripping with sarcasm.Leo's expression immediately hardened.

The figure that stepped into the stone house was his older brother—Derrick Thorne. His tall form cast a long shadow against the doorway, still wearing his wolf-skin hunting cloak, a few dead animals draped over his shoulders, and the bone knives at his waist still glistening with dried blood.

His eyes were cold amber, with a scar running down the corner of his eye—a wound that had never healed, a permanent mark of battle. He stood like a lone wolf returning from the battlefield, his presence fierce and his gaze sharp as a blade.

He walked into the room, his gaze sweeping briefly over Leo before settling on Selena.

He paused for a moment.

That cold, indifferent look shifted, replaced by an expression of dangerous curiosity.He stared at her, from the top of her silver hair to the corner of her lips, and there was no attempt to hide his interest.

Selena noticed and frowned slightly but didn't step back.

"Who are you?" Derrick asked, his voice turning lazy, but the hint of testing lingered.

"I'm the envoy of the Moontrace," Selena replied calmly.

"Human?" Derrick chuckled, his gaze lingering between her silver hair and her cheek, "I've seen plenty of humans, but I've never seen one as pretty as you."

"She's my ally," Leo interjected, his tone low and hard.

Derrick scoffed, as if he hadn't heard, stepping closer to Selena. He seemed to be inspecting her badge, but more so, it seemed like he was trying to get closer to her. He flared his nostrils slightly, not bothering to hide the fact that he was inhaling her scent, the faint fragrance of a woman.

Selena tilted her head slightly, her expression calm.

"Enough," Leo said, pushing himself upright despite his wounds. His eyes were as sharp as a cold blade.

Derrick stepped back slowly, still smiling at him, "Looks like your injuries aren't that bad."

Leo narrowed his eyes, his hand instinctively gripping the short axe by his side.

The tension in the air was palpable.

Derrick's gaze turned icy as he looked at Leo, then suddenly, he turned to Selena and said, "You'll soon realize who the real warrior is. When that time comes... you'll beg me, little girl."

He walked toward the door, but before exiting, he glanced back at Leo. That look was cold, filled with hatred and warning.

The tent flap was whipped open and dropped, cutting off the outside world.

Selena stood silently for a moment before walking back to his side, gently draping the wolf-skin cloak over his shoulders.

"Your brother?" she asked softly.

Leo sneered. "That's why my father prefers him—he's combative, cruel, bloodthirsty. Like a true wolf warrior."

He paused, his gaze shifting to the flames in the brazier. "He never trusted humans. He was once taken advantage of by a hunter. That scar on his face—he got it from a hunter. He skinned that man alive and hung his skin on the wall."

Selena listened quietly, catching the hidden meaning in his words—if it was Derrick, he would never allow this alliance to exist.

The flames flickered, and outside, the snow began to fall again.

The sound of wind was faint, like a wolf's distant howl.

Yet, inside, the warmth remained. Though no more words were spoken, both knew that Derrick would not let this go.