Moonlit Vows

The tension in the air hadn't fully lifted as Kael, Damon, Selene, and Ivy returned to the edge of Everhollow later that night. Ivy had recovered enough to walk, though Selene stayed close, still shaken from how close she had come to losing her sister.

"Remind me to never go on a walk alone again," Ivy muttered, her voice hoarse but laced with her usual dry humor.

Selene smiled faintly, relief washing over her now that Ivy was safe. "You're not allowed to go anywhere alone for the foreseeable future."

Ivy glanced at Kael and Damon, who were walking slightly ahead, their expressions grim. "And who are these guys exactly? Because last I checked, normal people don't turn into wolves and fight monsters in the woods."

Selene hesitated, unsure how to explain everything. "It's… complicated," she said finally. "I'll tell you everything later. Just—trust me for now, okay?"

Ivy studied her sister for a long moment before nodding. "Fine. But you owe me a serious explanation."

Selene nodded, grateful that Ivy wasn't pressing for answers just yet.

---

When they reached the safety of Selene's house, Kael and Damon stayed back, lingering in the shadows of the forest.

"I'll be inside in a minute," Selene told Ivy, who gave her a questioning look before reluctantly heading into the house.

Once the door closed, Selene turned to Kael. His face was illuminated by the pale moonlight, and for the first time that night, his shoulders seemed to relax.

"You didn't have to do that," she said softly.

"Yes, I did," Kael replied, his tone firm. "She's your sister. That makes her my responsibility too."

Selene's chest tightened at his words. "Thank you. For everything."

Kael held her gaze, his blue eyes softening. "You don't have to thank me, Selene. Keeping you safe—it's not just my duty. It's my choice."

She opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat. There was something raw and unguarded in his expression, and it left her breathless.

Damon cleared his throat loudly, breaking the moment. "Well, as much as I love standing around watching this awkward tension unfold, I'm going to head back to the den."

Kael shot him a warning look. "Go."

Damon grinned, giving Selene a mock salute before disappearing into the trees.

Selene shook her head, a small laugh escaping her lips. "He's something else."

"He's a pain," Kael muttered, though there was a hint of fondness in his voice.

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of the night's events settling over them.

"I can't keep doing this," Selene said suddenly, her voice trembling. "I can't keep waiting for the next attack, wondering if someone I care about is going to be taken—or worse."

Kael stepped closer, his presence steadying. "I know it's hard," he said quietly. "But I won't let anything happen to you or your sister. You have my word."

"It's not just about me," she said, meeting his gaze. "What about you? You're putting yourself in danger every time you fight to protect me."

Kael's jaw tightened, but he didn't look away. "That's my choice to make."

"Why?" she whispered.

He hesitated, his blue eyes searching hers. "Because I care about you, Selene," he said finally. "More than I should. More than I ever thought I could."

Selene's breath caught, her heart pounding in her chest. She could see the conflict in his eyes—the fear, the longing, the weight of his unspoken feelings.

"I don't want to lose you," he added, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You won't," she said, stepping closer. "But you don't have to do this alone, Kael. I'm stronger than you think. And I'm not going anywhere."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the sound of their breathing and the steady thrum of their hearts.

Kael reached out, his hand brushing against hers. The simple touch sent a spark through her, and she knew—deep down—that she was falling for him.

"You're impossible," he said with a faint smile.

"So I've been told," she replied, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

He stepped back, his expression softening. "Get some rest. We'll talk more tomorrow."

Selene nodded, though she didn't want him to leave. "Goodnight, Kael."

"Goodnight, Selene."

As he disappeared into the shadows, Selene couldn't help but feel that their bond was growing stronger—whether they were ready for it or not.