Chapter 4

Ryker’s POV

The moon hung high in the sky, casting its cold silver glow over the fortress. The night was quiet, but my mind was anything but.

I leaned against the balcony railing, staring at the darkened woods beyond the castle walls. The search party had returned an hour ago—empty-handed. No sign of the girl.

Twila.

Her name had been burned into my mind since the moment I saw her, though I couldn’t understand why. She was no one. She had no wolf. She was nothing but a runaway, a problem to be dealt with. And yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling in my gut.

Was it instinct?

Or something far worse?

A knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts. “Enter,” I said without turning.

Salsha stepped in, her scent filling the room before her presence did. She wore a thin robe, the fabric clinging to her curves, her intentions obvious.

“You shouldn’t be here,” I said, my voice colder than I intended.

She ignored me, walking closer. “You’ve been avoiding me,” she murmured.

I sighed, my grip tightening on the railing. "I haven’t been avoiding you, Salsha. I’ve been busy."

She scoffed, stepping closer until I could feel the warmth of her body behind me. "Busy thinking about her, you mean."

I turned to face her, my expression blank. "Don’t start."

She tilted her head, studying me like a wolf sizing up its prey. "You sent out a search party for her. You’re restless. And I see it in your eyes—you want her."

I clenched my jaw. "She’s a rogue who escaped. That’s all she is."

"Then why do you care so much if we find her or not?" she pressed, stepping even closer, her fingers trailing up my chest. "If she’s just a rogue, why are you losing sleep over her?"

I caught her wrist before she could touch me further. "Enough, Salsha." My voice was sharper than I intended.

Her lips curled into a smirk, but I could see the irritation beneath it. "You’re going to regret this, Ryker."

"Maybe." I released her and turned away. "But not tonight."

With a huff, she spun on her heels and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

I exhaled slowly.

Damn it.

I didn’t know what was worse—the fact that Salsha was right, or the fact that I couldn’t bring myself to care.

Twila was in my head. And I hated it.

I needed answers.

And I needed to find her.

Orion’s POV

It was midnight. I stepped onto the training grounds, my eyes immediately landing on her. Twila.

She was in the farthest corner, holding a sword with both hands, her brows furrowed in frustration. Her stance was a disaster—legs too close, grip too tight. If she went up against a real opponent, she’d be dead in seconds.

I should have walked away. I should have ignored her. But instead, my feet carried me forward… like I was hoping to see her there.

She didn’t notice me until I was right behind her.

"You still have no idea what you’re doing," I said flatly.

She jumped, spinning around with the sword raised—completely off balance. I stepped forward, catching her wrist before she could embarrass herself further.

"Careful, moon girl," I murmured. "You nearly took your own eye out."

She scowled. "I wasn’t expecting you to sneak up on me like a damn shadow."

I smirked. "You should always expect the unexpected. That’s lesson one."

She tried to yank her wrist free, but I didn’t let go. Instead, I leaned in slightly, watching as her body tensed.

"You’re gripping too tightly," I said, adjusting her fingers on the hilt. "You need control, not a death grip. Unless you want your hands to cramp before the fight even begins."

She huffed. "I don’t need your help, since you have refused me training… I'll handle myself."

I raised a brow. "Oh? So you prefer to flail around like a helpless pup?"

She glared at me, but I caught the flash of determination in her eyes. That fire. That defiance.

Damn her.

I sighed dramatically. "Fine. By all means, continue embarrassing yourself. I’ll just stand here and watch."

She gritted her teeth and adjusted her stance. It was slightly better—still sloppy—but at least she was trying.

I shook my head. "Wrong again."

"Why don’t you just show me instead of running your mouth?" she shot back.

I chuckled darkly. "Careful, Twila. You’re talking to an Alpha."

She crossed her arms. "Oh no, the big bad Alpha is mad. What ever shall I do?"

I growled, stepping closer, letting my Alpha aura roll off me in waves. Her breath hitched, but she didn’t back down.

My wolf purred in approval. ‘She’s strong. She’s ours.’

I clenched my jaw. ‘She is not ours.’

‘Deny it all you want, but I feel it. She’s your mate, Orion.’

I pushed the thought aside and focused on her.

"Fine," I said, grabbing a sword from the rack. "Let’s see if you can handle a real fight."

Her eyes narrowed. "You want me to spar with you?"

I smirked. "Afraid?"

"Not a chance." She lifted her sword.

I lunged.

She barely had time to react before my blade clashed against hers, sending vibrations up her arms. She stumbled back, cursing under her breath, but she held her ground.

Not bad. But not good enough.

I advanced again, forcing her to block and retreat. She was improving—adjusting her stance on the fly, learning from every mistake. I’d give her that.

Then, out of nowhere, she did something unexpected.

She faked a swing to my left, then spun and aimed for my side. It wasn’t a bad move. If she had been faster, she might have landed a hit.

But I was faster.

I caught her wrist mid-swing, twisting her around in one fluid motion, pinning her against my chest.

Her breath was ragged. So was mine.

We stood there, pressed together, swords forgotten.

‘See?’ my wolf rumbled. ‘She fits perfectly.’ I ignored him.

Twila was staring up at me, defiant even now. "Let me go."

I smirked. "Say please."

She growled—actually growled—before stomping on my foot.

I released her with a laugh as she took a step back, panting.

"Better," I admitted, rolling my shoulders. "You’re improving."

She scowled. "If this was your idea of training, I think I’d rather have Thane teach me."

I stiffened. ‘Thane?’ My wolf snarled. ‘Over my dead body.’

Twila smirked at my expression. "What’s wrong, Alpha? Jealous?"

I exhaled sharply, shaking my head. "Go work on your stance, moon girl. I’ll see you at the next lesson—if you survive."

And with that, I turned and walked away before I did something I’d regret.

Twila's POV

‘Did he say the next lesson?’ I found myself smiling. ‘Does that mean Orion the Alpha wanted to train me himself?’ I shrieked with joy.

“Thank you Orion. Thanks to you I might be able to avenge my family.” I smiled sadly as I sniffed in a tear that threatened to escape my eyes.

I shook my head, pushing away the emotions welling up inside me. Now wasn’t the time to get sentimental. I had to get stronger, and if Orion was willing to train me—no matter how insufferable he was—I’d take the opportunity.

I picked up my sword again, tightening my grip. My arms still ached from the sparring session, but I refused to stop. I adjusted my stance the way Orion had shown me and swung the blade in slow, controlled motions.

The air was cool against my skin, the weight of the sword feeling slightly more manageable than before. I imagined my enemies before me—the ones who had taken everything from me. My village. My family. My life.

They would pay.

I struck the air again, harder this time. Sweat trickled down my temple, but I ignored it. I had a long way to go before I could stand against real warriors, but for the first time, I felt like I wasn’t completely helpless.

Letting out a steady breath, I lowered the sword. I wasn’t done yet, not by a long shot. But this was a start.

And I would make sure my enemies regretted the day they crossed me.

After a while of sparring with the wind, I decided to return to my room. I should sleep in case Orion calls for me early in the morning, that way I would be able to get up early. As I walked back to my room, I met Thane. He was talking to someone, but the person left as I approached.

‘Who was that?’ I wondered, but it was none of my business.

“Little wolf—” He said, his demeanor never wavering. “What are you doing loitering about the hallways by this time of the night?”

“I was just returning from the training grounds.” I smiled.

“Training grounds?” He asked, but he didn't wear a puzzled look.

“I think Orion has made his decision. I think he'll train me himself.” I replied with excitement written all over me.

“Oh.” He mouthed. “Good.” He added. “You should go to bed now. Come, I'll walk you.” He replied and led the way back to my room.

Thane was a good man from my encounter with him. It was just annoying that I couldn't read him. Not like I cared about him or something, but shouldn't people express emotions.

He's like a brick wall. You never know what he's thinking or feeling.

“Ohhh.. annoying!!” I grunted as I tucked myself in bed. Tomorrow is a huge day for me.. the start of something good.