Elara had finally learned the crucial Pack lesson:never wait for promises that will never be secured.Five years of this false claim.She would treat it as nothing more than a fevered,brief dream.And now,after emerging from that dream,it was time to pack her strength and move into the unclaimed wilderness.
The city lights—the distant,human lights beyond the Pack border—flickered outside,just like the hope she had desperately clung to for the past five years,always igniting,only to be extinguished again and again.Now,she had finally accepted the darkness.There was no utility in chasing a light that would never illuminate her territory.
It was deep in the dark cycle when Ryder wrapped his powerful arms around Elara from behind,his warm breath carrying the scent of rich forest mead as it brushed against her ear.“Mate,I want to escort you to your Clan Territory to see your father in a few cycles,is that acceptable?”
Elara stiffened at the unexpected touch,confusion clouding her expression.“Why the sudden urge to visit the Vance Clan Den,Ryder?”
Ryder Thorne’s fingers gently traced the curve of her shoulder,a possessive,territorial gesture.“You’ve seemed to withdraw your scent lately,my Mate.I sensed that a return to your ancestral ground might lift your spirit.”
Elara’s thoughts drifted to the Shadow Glen,the familiar,ancient Vance Clan Territory—a place filled with the primal memories of her and Ryder’s youth.Every ancient oak,every flowing stream,held fragments of their shared past,before the Claim.
Lost in these memories,she heard Ryder add,“By the way,I heard a low-ranking Beta whispering that your Alpha Father is showing signs of weakness.It is a necessary time for the Alpha King to check on his well-being.”
“Father is ill?”Elara sat up abruptly,the Alpha-Mate connection to her lineage flaring with anxiety.“Why was I not informed by the Vance Clan Elder?”
Ryder quickly reassured her,pulling her back into his embrace.“Do not fret,Elara.I only overheard the chatter from a low-ranking Omega.It is nothing critical,likely just a small seasonal affliction.”
He tightened his grip,asking gently,“So,will you join me to reinforce your Clan’s strength?”