Chapter 13: An Unbreakable Bond
Melissa’s POV
With his arms folded and an uncompromising look on his face, Kane stood in front of me in the clearing. “Once more,” he said in a stern tone.
My breathing was difficult as I wiped the perspiration from my forehead. Despite the protests of my muscles, I prepared myself by squaring my shoulders.
Kane walked around me and said, “You have to be faster, Melissa. Damon won’t hesitate.” You’re pretty much gone if you don’t respond.
“I’m making an effort! Frustration rising to the surface, I snapped.
I narrowly avoided his outstretched hand as he pounced at me, saying, “Trying isn’t enough.” “You must have faith in your intuition. Quit overanalysing.
He attacked me once more, and I matched his movements with a frustrated roar. This time, I was able to parry his blow and make a countermove.
“Better,” he remarked, taking a step back. “But not up to par.”
I gazed at him, feeling my chest heave. Do you ever slow down?”
His voice became a little softer as he said, “Not when your life is on the line.” Melissa, you underestimate your strength. However, you must believe it.
I clenched my hands as his comments began to weigh heavily on me. He was correct; I could no longer afford to have self-doubt.
I firmly planted my feet and said, “Again.”
A tiny smile pulled at his mouth’s corner. “That’s the essence.”
Training went on until the forest was bathed in a golden glow as the sun sank below the horizon. I fell on the ground, exhausted, my body hurting in ways I never imagined.
With a flask of water in his hand, Kane sat next to me. “You performed well today.”
Savouring the chilly drink, I took a long sip. “You don’t need to tell lies to cheer me up.”
His voice was soft and deep as he laughed. “I’m telling the truth. You’re getting better.
I looked at him and was taken aback by how gentle his face was. He was rarely seen this way, unprotected, nearly exposed.
“Are you ever worn out? Before I could stop myself, I blurted out the question.
“What?”
Taking on the burdens of everyone. Being the person that everybody looks up to.
His jaw tensed as he averted his gaze. “It’s not about me. The pack is the focus. Regarding you.
I was shaken by what he said: “You know, you don’t have to do it alone. I’m also present.
The world appeared to lighten for a second as we locked eyes. “I understand.”
The quiet that lingered between us was both cosy and laden with unsaid realities. I could feel our relationship growing stronger in that instant, solid and unbreakable.
I was startled out of my reverie by the sound of twigs breaking. In a moment, Kane was standing with his hand on his blade.
“Who’s there? His tone was stern as he urged.
A tall, thin man with piercing blue eyes and a scar along his cheek stepped out of the darkness. His clothing was ripped, and he moved warily.
The man raised his hands and said, “I come in peace.”
“Who are you? I moved closer to Kane and asked.
His voice was harsh as he said, “Name’s Zane.” “You’ll want to hear this information, but I’m a rogue.”
Kane kept his weapon raised. “Why should we have faith in you?”
With a sly smile, Zane glanced at me and said, “Because I know where Damon is hiding.” I also know how to enter.
A beat skipped in my chest. “How can we be sure you’re not putting us in danger?”
“You don’t,” Zane acknowledged. However, I’m here because I share your hatred of Damon. He killed my family and decimated my pack. I desire retribution.
Kane looked at him, his face unreadable. “You will not survive to regret lying.”
“I’m telling the truth,” Zane stated confidently. “I’ll lead you to his hideout, but it won’t be simple.”
Kane and I looked at each other. There wasn’t much of an option.
We watched Zane carefully as we returned him to the camp. He gave information about Damon’s stronghold, a castle tucked away in the mountains and protected by devoted wolves and black sorcery.
While drawing a chart in the ground, Zane remarked, “It’s nearly impossible to breach.” But here, in the eastern cliffs, is a secret entrance. It will allow you to enter.
Kane scowled. “How are you aware of all of this?”
“Before I went rogue, I used to run with Damon’s pack,” Zane acknowledged. “I am aware of his strategies.”
The idea of putting my trust in someone who had previously been close to our enemy made my stomach turn. And what makes us think you’ve changed?”
Zane’s eyes became stony. “Because of him, I’ve lost everything.” I have nothing more to lose.
It was difficult to overlook the unvarnished truth in his statements. However, there was still something strange about him.
On Zane’s forearm, as we were getting ready to go to bed, I discovered a tattoo of a wolf’s head entwined with a serpent.
I muttered, “Kane,” and drew him away. “Have you noticed Zane’s tattoo?”
His face darkened as he nodded. “It’s a sign of devotion to Damon.”
My blood froze. Do you believe he is still employed by him?”
“I’m not sure,” Kane said. “However, we must avoid taking any chances.”
With our trust shaky, we went back to Zane. It was even more difficult to understand his intentions because of the unsettling shadows the moonlight created across his face.
Zane’s words, “I’ve got nothing left to lose,” replayed in my thoughts as I lay awake, uncertainty racing. But what if he was lying? What would happen if we were directly entering Damon’s trap? I felt cold when I heard a wolf’s low howl cut through the darkness. We would discover tomorrow whether Zane was our ally or our downfall.