Nyra's POV
The ground beneath our feet trembled. On reflex, I held on to Kade's arm for support.
"What is happening?"
Shadows spilt skyward like smoke as the Dreadmoor splintered in explosive cracks. The ancient prison of spirits' centuries-old walls started to collapse in on itself.
"We need to leave," Kade ordered. "Now."
The walls shattered behind us as we fled, jumping over ruins.
"I think we outdid ourselves. Kade, this might be the cost of the Hades deal!"
Although the erratic flare of silver light in his claws revealed the instability tearing through him, Kade stood firm, "I have no regrets." It was as if his bones had turned to flames.
"Kade!" I called out, grabbing his arm to help him find his balance. He had a frightening spark in his eyes.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm good. I just need a minute. You can go ahead."
I didn't stop, but I didn't leave him behind either. I pull him with me. I didn't come this far just to watch Hades take him.
We broke past the decaying barrier and staggered into the chilly night air, the last of the Dreadmoor collapsing with a thunderous roar. We made it.
We both fell to our knees, gasping for air.
I felt at ease until I noticed the air starting to ripple, and a figure appeared, damaged and recognisable.
Kade was stunned. "Papa?"
Before us stood his father's spectral form, part man, half shadow, his wolf spirit barely retaining its shape, his eyes full with regret."
Instinctively, my left hand gripped my dagger tighter. Spirits always have a reason for existing. They never show up without reason.
Kade got up unsteadily. "Papa? Is that really you?
His father replied with a quiet nod.
"Why are you here?"
The sound of his father's voice was harsh, akin to gravel being pulled across steel. "Because you have taken the same step that I took. You're making the same mistake. I know this path, I know how it ends."
"What? You mean… Hades?"
The ghost gave another nod.
"You don't get to judge me. You did what I needed to do for my people. I need more power. Being Alpha is not enough."
"You've been deceived. You might think you have more power now. But what you really got is a heavy metal chain. One you'd have to wear for the rest of your life until it eventually pulls you down."
Kade's jaw tightened. "I had no choice. What else was I supposed to do? My people need…"
"Your people need an Alpha who has admirable self-control, not one who'd be quick to make a death with death itself."
Kade winced. "I accomplished what you couldn't—"
His father had fire in his eyes. "Do not mistake arrogance for strength." He turned to me. "You will suffer more from fate than from retaliation. So, be careful what you bind yourself to."
I tensed, my heart racing. "You don't know me."
The ghost's eyes sliced through me like a piece of glass. "Oh, I know enough. I know you too well."
The ghost's form wavered before we could react, scattering into the chilly air. He was swallowed by the night.
I said in a firm yet piercing tone. "Your dad doesn't seem as confident as you are."
Kade balled his fists. "He is only a regretful ghost. I refuse to bear the weight of his mistakes."
"What if he's right? What if you're making the same mistake?"
Kade ignored the pain of her words and looked away. "Let's go."
…
Dawn was on the horizon when we arrived at the pack grounds with a mixture of relief and fatigue, and the guards hurried to greet us.
Riven rushed towards us, "Alpha, you were away for three days. We thought—"
"You were mistaken," Kade interrupted, pacing by. "We're back."
Riven's skepticism simmered as his gaze shifted between Kade and me. "Yes, back. but different."
Kade paid him no attention.
Vaela showed up on the stronghold's stairs, her silk gown glistening, her worried face meticulously painted.
"Kade!" She grabbed his arm and hurried forward. "I feared the worst. The elders were terrified. We were worried sick." She narrowed her eyes slightly, then covered them with sweetness as she slid them to me. "And you... You spent the entire time with him?"
My mouth clenched. "Without me, he would have died."
Vaela's smile remained unwavering. "How devoted."
"Enough," snarled Kade. "Where's everyone?"
"Waiting."
The stone walls of the council room were dark and silent. With piercing, uncompromising eyes, the elders sat in a semicircle.
Elder Marros was the first to speak. "Alpha, you come back stronger, but erratic. We can sense it".
Kade became agitated. "Power is what you observe. I've returned it to us.
Elder Serath retorted, "Power without anchor destroys more than it saves."
Kade's tone faltered. "I am in total control if that's what you fear."
"Are you sure?" Silently, Marros inquired. "Look at your hands."
Kade looked down. He was unaware that a silver flame had erupted in his claws. Until the light went out, he balled them into fists.
There was a long pause.
Elder Serath leaned forward at last. "This hall is not as old as the lore. One soul cannot handle the intensity of the Blood Moon Alpha's gift. It consumes when it is out of balance."
Kade felt sick to his stomach. "And how do we achieve this balance?"
"You need to find your mate," remarked Marros plainly. "The power is only stabilized by a strong mating bond. The ceremony must be completed before the next Blood Moon rises."
I stood close to the threshold and froze. It seemed as if someone had hit her chest.
Kade spoke softly. "You're saying that a mate is necessary for my ascension?"
"Not just any mate," Serath clarified.
"The one selected a long time ago. The one the stars have chosen. Vaela."
Vaela bowed her head and stepped forward elegantly at her name. "I have patiently waited. For this. For you.
I felt the need to vomit.
Kade's jaw tightened. "What if I say no?"
Marros's eyes become stony. "Then you will be consumed by your power. The pack will fall with you if you do."
Heavy silence.
Kade gave me a quick glance. I hastily averted my gaze, my face a mask impossible to decipher. However, he sensed the strain emanating from me.
His father's words, "What you think you've gained will chain you," Could that be what he was thinking of?
Elder Serath's voice broke the silence. "The ceremony is going to be ready. Seven nights from now, the Blood Moon will rise. Let's make haste.
Later, Vaela put her hand on his arm as they left the room. "Kade, we are destined for each other. You'll see. This link won't just save you; you'll become invincible.
"Or I'll be chained", Kade muttered inaudibly, but I read his lips clearly. It made me smile.
Vaela's eyes sparkled with victory as she left the room.
"If you learn to love them, chains can be beautiful." I softly said, my heart burning in ways I couldn't describe.