Swords and Silence

The next day, Selene woke up early.

She had to go with Crown Prince Kael and guide him to the rebel hideout.

The same rebels who had tortured her so brutally in one of her past lives—for no reason other than the blood in her veins. They hadn't cared who she was. To them, she was simply the daughter of Alaric, the symbol of power they resented. A scapegoat. An outlet for their rage.

And after surviving them, after crawling through fire and agony, what had her family done when they found her?

Killed her.

Selene stood in front of the mirror. Her hands were still, but her eyes trembled.

She remembered her reflection in a broken stream her face bruised and shattered, nose twisted, teeth gone, lips cracked open. She'd scared herself.

But now? Now she looked almost serene.

Pale skin. Silver-flecked eyes. A quiet fire behind them.

She exhaled sharply and turned away. There was no time to dwell on scars, even the invisible ones. She had work to do. And a curse to break.

Her only goal in this life was freedom—true, permanent freedom. Even if it meant dying at the end of it.

She dressed quickly and walked down the cold marble stairs.

Her aunt, Meridia, was seated at the breakfast table, tea cup in hand. Her usual distant silence hung heavy between them.

But today, she spoke.

"Why did you do it?" Meridia asked, without looking up.

Selene paused. "Do what?"

"You know what I'm talking about." Her aunt's voice turned sharp. "Emancipation. Removal from the Ravenshade registry. Rejection of your mate. Lucian is one of the strongest Alphas alive. You gave up your protection. Your blood status. Your name."

Meridia stood now, face tense. "Do you even understand what that means? You've made yourself a rogue, Selene. And rogues don't survive in this world. Especially not unmarked she-wolves. They will hunt you down."

Selene tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a cold smile.

"Alpha's daughter," she said quietly, "got me tortured and executed."

Her aunt's eyes narrowed.

"You think I'll understand if you speak in riddles?"

"No," Selene replied softly, "I don't think you ever will."

And with that, she walked away.

There was nothing left to explain to anyone.

Her silence was her shield now.

Outside, the morning was crisp, the sky pale with lingering clouds. And waiting at the end of the cobbled path was Kael—tall, regal, his armor shimmering faintly under his black cloak.

But he wasn't alone.

Alpha Aeron stood beside him.

Selene's gaze flicked between the two. Kael smiled politely. Aeron didn't smile at all.

"Good morning, my lady," Kael said smoothly. "We're ready."

Selene nodded once, not saying a word to Aeron.

They rode in silence, the journey long and slow.

Kael stayed close to her side, speaking gently at times about the route or the terrain. Aeron trailed a few paces behind, quiet and watchful.

But Selene could feel his gaze.

Aeron wasn't staring in lust or frustration. His gaze was… analytical. Curious. She could feel the weight of his questions in every glance.

Her coldness bothered him. And that pleased her.

She knew the kind of man he was. Cold. Strategic. Distant.

He had stood in front of burning homes with his arms crossed. She had lived enough lives to see how little warmth he offered.

And yet, there was something different in the way he looked at her now. Not possession. Not pity.

Something like… confusion.

He had not expected to be rejected.

Not by her.

By midday, they reached the edge of the Blackpine Forest—a thick, shadowy border that once hid rebel blood and death.

Selene dismounted first, adjusting the blade she carried on her hip.

Kael followed, landing beside her with grace. "You don't have to go in first," he said. "I'll scout ahead."

Aeron stepped beside them. "No. She stays beside me. I'll protect her."

Kael's brow twitched. "You'll protect her?" he repeated. "The last time I checked, you weren't even invited on this mission."

"I'm here by the King's order."

"Then follow it. Stay behind."

"Don't tell me what to do, Kael."

Selene watched the two men square off like hounds over a prize.

She sighed.

With a swift motion, she pulled her sword free from its sheath and stepped between them.

"I can protect myself," she said flatly. "I don't need either of you."

Both men blinked.

Selene didn't wait for a response. She marched into the shadows of the forest, sword in hand, the wind trailing behind her like a silent whisper.

The two Alphas exchanged glances.

Aeron scowled. "She's impossible."

Kael's lips curved upward. "She's magnificent."

And then they followed her into the dark woods where danger waited.