The moment they left the great hall, Ryker's grip on Kate's wrist tightened, his long strides forcing her to keep up. His expression was unreadable, but the faint tremor in his hand betrayed him — he was angry, but more than that… he was scared.
He led her through the corridors of the Eclipse fortress, past watchful guards and curious servants, until they reached the privacy of his chambers. The heavy oak doors shut behind them with a soft thud.
"Do you have any idea what you just did?" he demanded, turning to face her. His voice was deep, edged with steel. "Aria isn't just Caden's sister — she's trained her whole life for combat. She's ruthless, Kate. This isn't some friendly sparring match. If she beats you—"
Kate's chin lifted. "Then I lose everything, yes, I know. But I'm not going to lose."
"That's not the point!" Ryker snapped, pacing once before pinning her with his gaze. "You're not ready. You don't even have your wolf yet."
His words cut, but she refused to flinch. "Maybe I don't have her… yet. But I can fight. I've fought my whole life, Ryker. Just because no one's seen me shift doesn't mean I'm weak."
Ryker ran a hand through his dark hair, the muscles in his jaw flexing. "You don't understand how dangerous Aria can be. And you—" He stopped himself, his eyes softening. "Kate… I can't lose you. Not now."
The tension between them shifted, the anger bleeding into something heavier, more raw. Kate stepped closer, her hand brushing his chest. "Then help me," she said quietly. "Help me find my wolf before the duel."
Ryker's breath hitched, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other. Something unspoken passed between them — an understanding, a bond deeper than words.
And then it happened.
Kate.
The voice was soft, feminine, yet threaded with strength. It wasn't Ryker's, and it wasn't her own. It was… inside her.
Kate froze, her eyes widening.
Finally, the voice murmured, warm like a spark catching flame. I've been waiting for you.
Her lips parted, but no sound came out.
Ryker's eyes narrowed, his head tilting as if he were listening to something beyond her words. "Kate… something's different. My wolf… he feels another presence."
"It's her," Kate whispered, barely believing it herself. "It's my wolf. She's talking to me."
Ryker stepped closer, his hand cupping her cheek. "Tell me what she says."
Tell him I'm here, the voice urged. Tell him my name will be revealed when the time is right.
"She says she's here," Kate murmured. "But she's… holding back her name."
Ryker's thumb brushed her skin. "Then tonight, we'll bring her forward. I'll help you."
The promise in his voice stirred something deep inside her — not just trust, but the pull of the mate bond, fierce and undeniable. Her breath caught when his gaze dropped to her lips, lingering.
"Kate…" His voice was low, rough, as if he were fighting himself.
She didn't give him time to win that fight. She leaned in, closing the distance between them. His lips met hers in a kiss that was both a claim and a surrender, heat unfurling through her veins. His hand slid to her lower back, pulling her against him, and for a moment, the world outside ceased to exist.
When they finally parted, both breathing harder, Ryker rested his forehead against hers. "Tonight," he said again, "you'll meet her."
---
That night, they sat on the wide fur rug before the hearth, the firelight casting shadows across Ryker's strong features. He took her hands in his.
"Close your eyes," he murmured. "Focus on the bond between us. Follow it inward."
Kate obeyed, letting his deep, steady voice guide her. She felt the warmth of his presence in her mind, like a tether. Somewhere beyond that tether… something pulsed.
Come to me, the voice whispered again, stronger now. I'm right here.
She pushed past the strange veil that had always been there, and suddenly—
She was standing in a moonlit field inside her own mind. And there she was.
Her wolf.
White fur gleamed like fresh snow under the silver moon, but at the tips of every strand, fire-kissed red shimmered like embers, giving the illusion that she was burning with power. Her eyes — the same green as Kate's — watched her with a fierce, knowing pride.
"You're beautiful," Kate breathed, stepping forward.
The wolf lowered her head, brushing her muzzle gently against Kate's shoulder. And so are you, Kate. Now… let's show them what we can do.
When Kate opened her eyes, Ryker was watching her, awe flickering in his blue gaze. "You saw her."
Kate smiled — a real, confident smile. "I saw her. And she's ready."