Chapter 7 This is not you

~Kael’s POV~

Seeing her turn pale and vomit at the sight of blood both confused and amused me. Some powerful witch she turned out to be. What kind of witch couldn’t stomach the sight of blood? It was almost laughable, but laughter felt like a crime in that moment.

Rudy and I had been restless all day, and her presence had done nothing to ease that tension. Even now, as the deliberations were being held, I found it impossible to focus. I had placed Taren in charge of her welfare, but that small assurance did little to settle the unease gnawing at me.

“It is decided then. The witch shall serve the purpose of bringing a permanent solution to our security situation by luring out and eliminating the members of the Shadow Pack,” Elder Rowan announced, his voice carrying the weight of finality as he sought to end the meeting.

But Cross, one of the older warriors, was not ready to let the matter die. “Are we just going to ignore the fact that she used magic on one of us? A reputable member of Ironfang?”

“I will ensure she is duly punished for that,” I said, my tone firm, “but only after she has served and achieved the purpose for which she is here. For now, no one lays a finger on her. This meeting is dismissed.”

I stood, ignoring the ripples of murmuring that followed, and walked out of the hall. I needed to be alone. The walls felt too tight, and the air too heavy. My thoughts were a storm I could not quiet.

“Alpha Kael,” a familiar voice called out just as I turned the corner toward my quarters. I did not need to look to know the voice belonged to Brenda. Her footsteps grew faster as she tried to catch up with me.

Brenda was the only daughter of Alpha Chase, the leader of Moon Crest Pack. Everyone, including elders, allies, even members of my own pack, had been insistent that I take her as my Luna. They claimed she possessed every quality a strong she-wolf needed to rule beside me. And perhaps they were right.

But I did not want a Luna chosen for me by logic or tradition. I wanted someone who stirred something real inside me, someone with whom I could share a connection deep enough to last a lifetime. The kind my parents had shared. So I decided to wait until I found that.

After a short sprint, Brenda caught up to me, her blonde hair catching the light as she stopped in front of me.

“Brenda, your father has already left. What are you still doing here?” I asked, watching the faint pout form on her lips.

“I am an adult, Kael. I can leave whenever I want. Unless you are saying I am no longer welcome here,” she replied, her tone defensive, though the hurt in her eyes gave her away.

“I am saying you are aware of the security situation at the moment. Your father would not be pleased to hear that his only daughter had been abducted by the Shadow Pack,” I countered evenly.

“I will be staying here for a while, and I will be under your protection, so my father has nothing to worry about,” she said with confidence, crossing her arms over her chest. “However, there is something that has been bothering me. I have noticed something quite odd since I arrived.”

I sighed internally. I was exhausted, physically, mentally, and emotionally. My patience was wearing thin, but I could not dismiss her without at least hearing what she had to say.

“I am listening,” I said finally.

“The great Alpha Kael has gone soft,” she said without hesitation, and her words made me pause.

“What are you talking about?” I asked, my voice flat but wary.

“Everyone knows how much you despise witches. For someone with such a reputation, it is disturbing to see how much you are protecting this one,” she said, her tone sharp and accusing. Her words made me wonder if my reservations had been that obvious. I thought I had concealed it well, but perhaps I had not done enough.

“Were you present during the meeting we just concluded?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.

“Yes, I was,” she replied confidently.

“Are you sure?” I tilted my head slightly. “Because it seems only your body was present while your mind wandered elsewhere.”

Her chin lifted stubbornly. “I heard and understood everything that was discussed, Kael. But I know you. The you I know would not spare a witch from punishment simply because she pretended to be sick. She is a witch, for goddess’ sake. A supposedly powerful one. They do not fall ill so easily.”

“Tell her to be quiet before I do it for her,” Rudy growled inside my head, his irritation seeping into my veins.

“This matter was concluded in the meeting room,” I said in my alpha tone, the authority in my voice silencing whatever else she might have wanted to say. “I will not discuss it further.”

I turned and walked away before she could respond.

“You don't have to be angry, Kael. I am only worried about your well-being,” she called after me, but I didn’t stop. Her concern, real or not, was the last thing I needed right now.

The witch’s face flashed in my mind, pale and frightened. Maybe Brenda was right. Maybe it was an act.

But no. I had seen her tremble. I had seen the color drain from her skin. Whatever it was, it had been real. It had to be. I refused to believe otherwise.

Instead of heading to my quarters, I turned toward the dungeon, telling myself I only needed to speak with the guards. In truth, I wanted to see her again.

The guards lowered their heads immediately when they saw me.

“Was Taren here?” I asked.

“Yes, Alpha. He came with Kaitlyn first, then brought food later for the prisoner,” one of them replied.

My eyes drifted toward the cell. She was curled up on the floor, her body fragile against the cold stone. Her clothes were too thin for the chill of the dungeon, and the sight made something in my chest tighten painfully.

“Send Taren to bring her some blankets,” Rudy suggested quietly.

“I cannot,” I replied inwardly. “I already have eyes watching my every move. Sparing her punishment has raised enough suspicion. Any further act of kindness would only make it worse. She is a witch. She will be fine.”

But as I turned away, I prayed to the goddess that nothing goes wrong until I unravel this mystery.