Chapter 3 The Burden Of Fate

The Day Following Aeryn stirred before daybreak, her body rigid, her thoughts still ensnared in the turmoil of the previous night. The mate connections pulsed under her skin, demanding attention. She had passed nearly the entire night by herself, attempting to quell the storm of feelings, but she couldn’t avoid it. She had agreed to the Trial of the Fated. In three days, she would confront Kael, Riven, and Talon in battle, determining if she deserved to keep all three mates or had to select only one. It was an absurd custom, a futile effort by the Elders to compel her into compliance. However, she refused to allow them to dictate her destiny. She would battle. Aeryn removed the heavy fur blanket that enveloped her and emerged from her tent into the brisk morning air. The magic of the Blood Moon continued to hover in the atmosphere, reminding everyone of how much had transformed. The pack’s campsite, typically bustling with the noises of morning traditions, was unsettlingly silent. Wolves that typically welcomed her with reverence now observed her from afar, their looks cautious and unsure. The murmurs continued unabated. "Three friends?" "It's not natural." “Will she turn them all down?” "Or will she succumb to one?" "Is it possible for her to conquer them?" Aeryn's teeth ground together. Her whole life was dedicated to demonstrating her strength to be Alpha, yet now the very wolves she had battled to safeguard questioned her. She refused to provide them the pleasure of witnessing her doubt. The Initial Clash She hardly arrived at the training grounds before she detected him. Kael. As she turned around, she caught him observing her, his golden eyes glinting with mischief. He reclined nonchalantly against a tree, arms folded across his wide chest, his dark attire hardly concealing the strength beneath. "You appear fatigued, young wolf," he said slowly, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. Aeryn dismissed the effect his deep voice had, causing an involuntary shiver to run through her. "I didn't know you were concerned." Kael pushed away from the tree, advancing toward her with measured, intentional steps. Predatory behavior. Computing. "You have three days to get ready for a battle against three Alphas." He leaned his head to the side. “Are you prepared to face defeat?” Aeryn’s gaze flickered. "I never lose." Kael laughed, pausing just before making contact with her. The connection ignited between them, warmth caressing her skin. His aroma—smoke and cedar—was captivating. You have no idea what it entails to yield to a partner, do you? His voice became deeper and more resonant. "You resist it." "Challenge us." She compelled herself to maintain his gaze. "I am not an object to be possessed." Kael's grin wavered just a bit. "Then you should be prepared to demonstrate it." Before she had the chance to reply, a different voice interrupted the atmosphere. "I notice that the arrogance is still present." Aeryn shifted as Talon got closer. In contrast to Kael, his demeanor was inscrutable, his green eyes concealed. The tempest within him was scarcely restrained. He halted several feet away, his posture tense. "Speak to me, Aeryn—do you truly intend to battle against us all?" Aeryn raised her chin. "That's what the Elders desire, right?" Talon laughed derisively. "And you fall perfectly into their trap." She squinted her eyes. "Do you have a superior suggestion?" His stare deepened, shimmering with an unuttered sentiment. Discomfort. Bitterness. "I do not desire this bond." His voice was strained, yet his wolf revealed his true feelings—the way his fists tightened, the way his body stiffened when she moved a step nearer. "And I won't act as if I do." Aeryn overlooked the hurt his words inflicted. "Next, dismiss it." Talon clenched his jaw. He did not speak. Kael emitted a soft laugh. “He will not.” "None of us will do that." Just before the tension could break, a third figure emerged. Riven. He came closer in his typical silent manner, silver eyes observing the situation. In contrast to the other two, he carried no animosity, just a calm comprehension. “I notice we’re already at odds with one another,” he reflected. Kael grinned. "This way is more entertaining." Aeryn breathed out to boast pointedly. "Did you also want to brag?" Riven nodded his head negatively. “No, I arrived to get you ready.” Her eyebrows knitted together. "Get me ready?" He offered her an understanding glance. "You intend to battle three Alphas, Aeryn." "You possess strength, but sheer power alone won't suffice." Aeryn reacted with annoyance at the suggestion. "I'm capable of taking care of myself." Riven exhaled deeply. "That’s precisely why you must train." You’re thinking like a fighter. However, this trial is not focused on conflict—it revolves around endurance.” His words sent a shiver down her back. Kael raised an eyebrow. "You seem to be hoping for her victory." Riven’s silvery eyes locked onto hers. "I desire for her to have the option." In that instant, Aeryn understood—Riven was the sole person who comprehended. Training alongside the Moon-Favored An hour later, Aerynontrolled found herself in the isolated training area, preparing to battle Riven. In contrast to Kael and Talon, he was exact. “You're battling incorrectly,” he remarked as they moved around each other. "You’re approaching this as if it’s just another challenge, but it isn’t." “It’s a trial of control, of instinct.” Aeryn charged forward, but he smoothly dodged, leveraging her momentum to unbalance her. She struck the earth with a snarl. Riven crouched next to her, extending a hand. "Consider, Aeryn." She pushed his hand aside and got up. “I don’t require a tutorial on strategy.” He breathed out. "What is it that you require?" She paused. She required understanding. She required authority over these annoying bonds. She required… to comprehend why the Moon Goddess had treated her this way. Riven appeared to perceive her distress. He moved nearer, his tone gentler. "The bond isn’t a burden, Aeryn." She gulped. "Then why does it seem that way?" Riven paused, then softly extended his hand, grazing his fingers over her wrist. The touch ignited a wave of warmth within her, distinct from Kael’s searing flame or Talon’s erratic energy. “You don’t need to pick one of us,” he stated. "You just need to select what you desire." Aeryn's breath caught. What was her desire? For years, her sole desire had been one thing—to lead. To become the Alpha that her pack needed. However, what about now? The connections altered everything. And she wasn’t confident that she was prepared for what followed. A Shadow in the Night That evening, Aeryn was unable to sleep. She was on the cliffs once more, gazing at the moon. The wind screamed all around her, yet the heaviness in her chest stayed. At that moment, she felt his presence. Talon. He remained a few feet back, arms folded, observing her quietly. She pivoted. "Are you present to refresh my memory on how little you desire this?" Talon breathed out. “Negative.” Aeryn scowled. "Then what for?" He paused for a moment, then moved a step nearer. His green eyes shimmered with a certain intensity. "Since... I don't desire this." His tone was soft, nearly filled with sorrow. "However, I do." Aeryn gasped. Talon tightened his jaw. “And that frightens me.” For the first time, Aeryn witnessed it—the conflict within him. The conflict between dismissing the connection and yearning for it. Before she had the chance to respond, he was already turning to leave.