Chapter 12: The Alpha’s Burden

~Killian

The great hall hums with restless energy, the torchlight casting jagged shadows across the stone walls as the pack disperses after Selene's fiery stand against Mara. I stood at the head, my upright frame rigid, my emerald eyes fixed on the spot where she stood—dark hair framing her scarred cheek, silver eyes blazing with defiance. My wolf, Raze, paces within, his gold-flecked gaze locked on her memory, a pull I can't shake tugging at my chest. Her challenge to Mara, that bold accusation of a frame-up, ignites something in me—intrigue, admiration, and a guilt that gnaws at my soul, tied to a past mistake I can't fully grasp. The mate bond burns, a wildfire I've felt since her arrival, and her touch last night—firm yet trembling—haunts me, stirring a longing I can't name. I clench my fists, the weight of leadership pressing down, but it's her spirit that keeps me anchored.

Darius approaches, his amber eyes grim, his scarred face etched with concern. "Alpha, the pack's split," he says, his voice low. "Some hail Selene as a savior—Kael's alive because of her. Others side with Mara, calling her a threat. Her defiance… it's bold, but risky." I nod, my mind racing, the image of her glowing hands flashing in my memory. "She's more than she claims," I murmur, my voice rough. "That power—she's hiding something. Keep her under watch, but don't let Mara push her out. Not yet." Darius hesitates, then leaves, and I turn to the window, the mist-shrouded Frostfang Mountains a silent witness to my turmoil.

The door creaks, and Mara sweeps in, her golden hair a beacon, her blue eyes narrowed with fury. Her jasmine scent fills the room, a cloying mask that sets my nerves on edge. "Killian, you can't protect her!" she snaps, her voice a whip. "That rogue's defiance proves she's dangerous—those glowing hands, that stolen herb lie! Banish her before she turns the pack against us!" She steps closer, her hand brushing my arm, but the touch feels cold, lacking the fire Selene ignites. My wolf growls, protective, and I pull away, my jaw tight.

"Enough, Mara," I say, my tone a low growl. "Her herbs saved lives—your theft doesn't change that. I need proof, not accusations. She stays until we know the truth." Mara's lips curl, her gaze venomous. "You're blinded by her," she hisses. "Her power's a threat, and you'll see it when it's too late!" She storms out, her departure a storm cloud, and I rub my temples, the guilt within me a shadow I can't escape. Selene's defiance intrigues me, her strength a mirror to a past I've lost, and the bond pulls me toward her, a mystery I must unravel.

A scout bursts in, his breath ragged, his face pale. "Alpha!" he gasps, dropping to one knee. "A spy's report—enemy movements, plans to hit our northern flank. They're massing, and those strange marks are spreading!" My gut twists, the pace quickening, and I stride to the map table, my mind racing. "Details," I demand, my voice sharp. The scout hands me a crumpled note, the ink smudged but legible—coordinates, numbers, a sketch of a pulsing symbol. "They're close," he says. "Days, maybe hours." The threat looms, and my guilt flares, a weight that weakens my resolve.

I summon Darius, his presence a steadying force. "Double the patrols," I order, my tone urgent. "Send Rowan north—quietly. We can't let them catch us off guard." Darius nods, his eyes flickering with concern. "And Selene, Alpha? Her power could help—or expose us." I pause, her image flashing—those silver eyes, that scarred cheek, the way her voice trembled with defiance. "Bring her," I decide. "She's part of this now." Darius leaves, and I pace, the guilt pressing harder, a past mistake haunting every step.

The door opens again, and Selene enters, her cloak swirling, her silver eyes meeting mine with a mix of wariness and something softer—trust, perhaps. My heart stutters, the bond flaring, and I step closer, drawn to her despite the danger. "Selene," I say, my voice low, "we've got enemy plans—north flank, those marks. I need your skills. Can you help?" Her breath hitches, and she nods, her hand brushing mine as she takes the note, sending a jolt through me. "I can," she whispers, her touch lingering, and my wolf howls, Mine.

"Tell me what you know," I murmur, my hand covering hers, the air crackling with tension. "Those marks, your power—they're connected, aren't they?" Her eyes widen, a flicker of fear, then resolve. "I've seen them before," she admits, her voice soft. "In the wilds—signs of something ancient, dangerous. I can counter it, but it'll take time." Her honesty stirs me, and I lean closer, my lips near her ear. "I trust you," I whisper, my hand sliding up her arm, possessive yet tender. "Stay close." She shivers, her scent—ash and wildflower with a hint of cedar—intoxicating, and the bond burns brighter.

A shout from outside shatters the moment, and I rush to the window, Selene at my side. The northern patrol stumbles in, bloodied and frantic, their leader collapsing. "Ambush!" he gasps, his voice breaking. "Enemies hit us—fast, ruthless. Half the unit's down!" My blood runs cold, the pace accelerating, and I bark orders. "Darius, armor up! Rowan, scout the perimeter!" The hall erupts into chaos, warriors scrambling, and I turn to Selene, my hand gripping her arm. "Can you save him?" I ask, my voice urgent.

She kneels beside the leader, her hands glowing faintly, a silver light seeping into his wounds. The pack watches, awestruck, and the leader's breathing steadies, his eyes fluttering open. "Thank you," he rasps, and I feel a surge of pride, the bond pulling me to her. "You're incredible," I murmur, helping her up, my hand lingering on hers. Her cheeks flush, and she pulls back, her voice trembling. "It's what I do," she says, but her eyes betray her—longing, confusion.

The door slams open, and a scout staggers in, his face pale. "Alpha, they're coming back—more of them, with those marks glowing on their weapons! We're outnumbered!" My gut twists, the suspense spiking, and I draw my blade, my guilt fueling my resolve. "To the walls!" I roar, the pack surging into action. Selene grabs my arm, her touch burning. "I'll fight with you," she says, her voice fierce, and my wolf growls, protective.

We raced to the battlements, the night air thick with mist and the clang of steel. Shadows move in the distance, the enemy's forms emerging—swift, relentless, their weapons pulsing with those strange marks. Arrows rain down, and I shielded Selene, my body pressed against hers, the bond a lifeline. "Stay behind me," I growled, my voice rough with concern. She nods, her hands glowing, and she deflects an arrow, her power a marvel. "I can help," she insists, her eyes locked on mine, and the romance flares, a desperate heat amid the chaos.

The enemy breaches the outer line, their numbers swelling, and I lead the charge, my blade clashing with theirs. A warrior falls beside me, the mark on his weapon glowing as he collapses, and my guilt surges—am I leading them to ruin? Selene's voice cuts through, "Focus, Killian!" She hurls a burst of light, scattering the attackers, and I rally the pack, our defense holding. Her strength amazes me, her defiance a beacon, and the bond pulls tighter, a promise of something more.

A horn blares, the enemy retreating into the mist, leaving bodies and tension in their wake. I turned to Selene, my hand brushing her cheek, her scar a silent story. "You saved us," I murmur, my voice thick with emotion. She leans into my touch, her eyes glistening. "We saved each other," she whispers, and the moment stretches, the kiss a heartbeat away. But a scout's cry interrupts—"They'll return!"—and I pull back, my heart pounding, the enemy's threat looming larger.

The hall fills with the wounded, and I oversee the defense, my guilt a shadow I can't shake. Selene tends them, her hands glowing, her presence a light in the darkness. Darius reports, "They're regrouping, Alpha. We need a plan." I nod, my eyes on Selene, her defiance and power intriguing me, her touch haunting me. The enemy's attack escalates the tension, and my guilt drives me to protect her, the bond a force I can't deny.