CHAPTER 4: Hidden Sanctuary

"You've got a lot to say, Keira!" the redhead spat, rising to her feet. "What now? Think you're invincible just because the elders claim Queen Nameria's spirit lingers in you?"

"That's right! And look at you—still a trainee at twenty-one! You can’t even make it as a pack warrior!"

“You are lucky because Alpha Heron doted on you too much!” another voice sneered.

I narrowed my eyes, my claws itching to pull out my silver knife and silence them for good. One swift strike, and their irritating voices would be nothing but a memory.

“Keira, no!” I heard Freya’s voice urgently through the mind link. She was still sitting on the grass, her attempt to maintain control evident in her strained expression. 

She’s right! I knew better! In this era of relative peace between packs, killing pack members would only lead to accusations of murder, and even Alpha Heron wouldn't be able to protect me from facing the families of these three fools. I had to restrain myself, no matter how satisfying letting my inner wolf loose would be.

Freya added, “You tried to hurt Susan last month, and Father punished you even though you lost the fight.”

“Enough!” Delta roared. “I was only trying to motivate you. I'm just pushing you to continue with your training! I'm a physical trainer, not a history teacher!” His eyes locked onto mine. “You're preparing for a Luna position, and this won't work if your pack despises you. Understood?”

I released the tension in my body, unclenched my fists, and took a deep breath. “Understood, Delta!”

Delta signaled everyone to stand up and continue the training. The group dispersed, casting wary glances in my direction as they paired off for sparring exercises.

While sparring with Freya, I had no idea Ronan was watching us from a bench a few meters away, just outside the open training field. He was accompanied by members of the Darkwood pack, who allowed him to be nearby.

"Hey, sis! Did you and Ronan decide to talk?" Freya asked again through a mind link, sipping her water. 

I rolled my eyes. “Come on. Don’t tell me you believe I’m just sulking and making up stories, too.”

She looked at me with disbelief. “You know, I’ve really noticed a change in you since you woke up this morning. It’s like all your affection for him just vanished into thin air!”

“Why? Was it really so impossible for me to suddenly stop liking him?” I retorted, grabbing my water bottle for a sip. Especially if I never liked him in the first place? I added silently.

“Ronan saved you from the rogues when you were lost at the lake in the south, back when you were ten. It’s no wonder you grew attached to him over time. You cried countless times because of him, but he always comforted you with flowery words that honestly made me sick. I never liked him for you; he only ever seemed to make you cry. So, I’m honestly relieved to see you finally moving on from your obsession with him.”

I spoke aloud so that those pack members nearby could hear me, deciding to offer an explanation that might satisfy them. "If you found your mate, you'd finally understand."

Ronan only walked toward us after Delta dismissed the training session. His approach was measured, and his dark eyes were unreadable as they fixed on me. His tall, muscular frame cut an impressive figure as he moved, and his jet-black hair was slightly tousled from the breeze.

In Keira's fate—or rather, the fate I now found myself navigating—Ronan would be why my pack's legacy ends. I’m still trying to adapt to this era, and I don't want any connection with him in the meantime. 

"Hello, Ronan!" 

Some of my pack mates greeted him with admiration and subtle flirtation. I noticed how some of the she-wolves batted their eyelashes at him.

Ronan blocked my path. “Keira, stop pretending! I’ll forgive you if you apologize to me now. Alpha Zander punished me because of what you did. You need to stop this nonsense and tell your father you’re just making up lies!”

Right now, giving a disgusted look at Ronan still seemed like a privilege. The only thing I could do was ignore him and pretend he wasn’t even there. Who does he think he is?

“Ronan, it’s fine! Isn’t the party with the Lycan King happening this Saturday? We had a fight with Keira earlier, and she was really stubborn.”

"Ugh! I can't wait to see that fool embarrassed so the Nightclaw pack can punish her for spreading lies! Tss!"

I could feel Freya's anger rising beside me; her body tensed, ready to confront them. Her loyalty warmed me, but I knew escalating the situation wouldn't help. I told her through our mind link, "It's not worth it! You're the daughter of an alpha, not a rogue! Let them bark!"

***

I never expected Alpha Heron to throw a party for Keira’s twenty-first birthday. When he asked me what I wanted, I simply replied, "I'd rather not attend any more physical training sessions that would make me sleepy."

Because I know, deep in my blood, that I have the strength to fight! Am I being too arrogant? No, Keira isn't a weak she-wolf either. 

I need to find out if I’m just being arrogant. Based on my memory, if my castle were located at this very resort in the mountains, I'd be able to find the waterfall to the west, near the boundary of the Lycan's territory. 

Before sprinting toward the direction of the secluded waterfall where Valen and I used to secretly meet, I managed to glance back at the resort. At this point, all my senses were likely on high alert, not just my legs.

Remaining in human form, I ran faster. The wind whipped through my hair, branches and leaves blurring past me. I couldn't shift into Lucy or Amara, but that was normal. During this time, when the moon isn't full, most of us are unable to shift. Some can, like father, but not every shifter!

After sprinting miles away from the resort, I finally arrived at the secluded waterfall. I paused momentarily, scanning my surroundings as was my custom, before parting the dense curtain of vines that shielded the entrance. 

With some effort, I shifted the heavy stones that had formed a spell-bound barrier over the years, causing the thick bark of the surrounding trees to part and reveal a narrow path.

I stepped into the enchanted passage, which stretched about ten meters. The roar of the waterfall reached me, its powerful cascade echoing through my way. I hadn't expected this place to still exist after three centuries.

Sadness overwhelmed me as I looked at the paradise Valen and I once enjoyed. The place was surreal: flowers, leaves, and even poisonous fruits glowed in the night, casting a magical light. Everything shimmered in shades of blue, purple, green, and other neon colors. Fireflies danced between luminescent mushrooms, their light pulsing in rhythm with the falls.

Stripping off my clothes, I plunged into the water, hoping to find some relief. The coolness of the pool shocked me, washing away the sweat and dust from my run.

As I emerged from the water, my mind refreshed from its depths, a powerful arm encircled my neck from behind. A cold, gleaming silver blade pressed sharply against me. I struggled to escape, but his grip was overpowering.

“Who is this lowly she-wolf who dares to trespass in my territory?!” he roared, his voice a menacing growl.

His identity was hidden, and my position obscured his face, but one thing was undeniable—he was a Lycan.

“Speak. Now!” he demanded, spinning me around to face him, but I froze. The world seemed to stop as I looked into those familiar eyes.

‘Valen!’