Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Fugitive of the Night

"Run! They're chasing us!"

Aria's heart pounded as she ran as fast as she could, struggling to keep up with Lorian’s swift movements. Her feet nearly slipped on the damp forest floor, but Lorian grabbed her arm just in time, keeping her upright.

Behind them, the howls of werewolves echoed through the trees.

They weren’t going to let them escape.

"Don’t stop, Aria!" Lorian’s voice was firm, yet filled with urgency.

Aria bit her lip and pushed herself to run faster. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her chest burning with exhaustion.

From the corner of her eye, she caught glimpses of massive figures darting between the trees. Their glowing eyes pierced through the darkness, their movements unnaturally fast.

Kael.

And dozens of other werewolves.

They were chasing them with only one goal—capture or kill.

Suddenly, a dark blur leaped out from the bushes ahead.

BANG!

Lorian shoved Aria aside just as razor-sharp claws nearly slashed her throat.

Aria tumbled to the ground, her vision spinning.

Lorian now stood face-to-face with Kael, who had fully transformed—his silver fur gleamed under the moonlight, his bared fangs dripping with saliva.

"You’ve made a grave mistake, Lorian."

Kael lunged with terrifying speed.

Lorian barely had time to react, raising his arm to block the attack, but Kael's strength was overwhelming.

THUD!

Lorian’s body was sent flying, crashing hard against a tree.

Aria screamed. "Lorian!"

Kael stepped forward slowly, savoring the pain he had just inflicted.

"I've been waiting for this moment," he murmured, his voice laced with hatred.

Lorian groaned, blood trickling from the corner of his lips. But before Kael could strike again, Lorian leaped, his claws slashing across Kael’s chest.

SLASH!

Kael roared in pain.

Aria held her breath as the two werewolves clashed, their battle too fast for human eyes to follow.

The air was filled with the sounds of claws tearing flesh, furious growls, and the sickening crunch of breaking bones.

Aria knew Lorian was strong, but Kael was no ordinary opponent.

And time was running out.

Her eyes darted around. More werewolves had begun to surround them.

If they stayed any longer, they would die.

Her fingers instinctively reached into her pocket, brushing against something cold— a small silver dagger she had taken from the courtroom table before they fled.

Without thinking, she sprang into action.

Kael didn’t see her coming.

"Aria, no—!" Lorian shouted.

But it was too late.

Aria drove the dagger into Kael’s shoulder with all her strength.

SHNK!

Kael howled in agony.

As he staggered back, Lorian didn’t waste the opportunity.

He pounced, gripping Kael’s throat with his claws.

But just before he could deliver the fatal blow, a deep voice thundered through the forest.

"Enough!"

Every werewolf froze.

A chilling sensation crept up Aria’s spine as the Alpha stepped out from the trees.

His eyes burned with rage and disdain.

"Lorian," his voice was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blade. "I've been patient with you long enough."

Lorian stood, bloodied but unyielding. "I won’t let you touch her."

The Alpha’s gaze narrowed. "Do you think you can protect her? Do you think you can escape your punishment?"

Aria tightened her grip on the dagger, her breath heavy, legs trembling, but she refused to show fear.

The Alpha raised his hand. "Seize them."

The werewolves around them began to move.

But before they could attack—

"Wait!"

The deep voice made everyone turn.

Aria's eyes widened.

From the shadows of the trees, an old man in a long black cloak emerged.

The Alpha’s expression shifted. "Elder Grayson."

The elder stepped forward, his gaze sharp despite the wrinkles lining his face.

"The trial is over," he said calmly. "But there is one ancient law you seem to have forgotten, Alpha."

The Alpha stiffened.

Grayson turned to Aria, then to Lorian.

"If a werewolf chooses a human mate, their blood will determine their fate."

Aria felt the air around her grow colder.

Grayson looked at the Alpha with authority. "Let the woman speak."

The Alpha looked enraged but couldn’t deny the old traditions.

"Fine." He turned to Aria. "Speak."

All eyes fell on her.

Aria’s throat felt dry, but she knew this was their only chance to survive.

She met the Alpha’s gaze with determination. "I don’t know much about your world." Her voice wavered slightly, but she pressed on. "But I know one thing."

She turned to Lorian.

"He doesn’t deserve to be punished for loving someone."

Silence.

The werewolves exchanged glances.

The Alpha’s cold stare burned into her. "Love?" he scoffed. "Do you think something as weak as love can defy the laws of blood?"

Aria didn’t back down.

"I don’t care about your laws," she said firmly. "I only know that Lorian is not like you."

The Alpha’s eyes darkened. "And that is exactly why he must be punished."

Elder Grayson sighed. "But the old law states that if a human mate can survive one night in the Cursed Forest, they shall be recognized as part of the pack."

The Alpha went silent.

Aria tensed. "What does that mean?"

Grayson looked at her solemnly. "If you want to live, you must survive in the Cursed Forest until sunrise."

A suffocating silence fell over them.

The Alpha smirked. "Interesting."

He turned to Lorian.

"You truly love this woman?"

Lorian didn’t hesitate. "Yes."

The Alpha chuckled darkly, then gestured with his hand.

"Very well," he said softly. "I accept the challenge."

Aria’s blood turned cold.

Lorian grabbed her hand tightly.

They would be thrown into the Cursed Forest.

And there were only two outcomes—survive or die.