Chapter 4 Flames, Frost, And Tempests

The Burden of a Choice Aeryn's night without sleep made her feel exposed and tense. The sun had just started to rise when she departed from the cliffs, her thoughts a jumble of feelings and unresolved queries. She found herself torn between obligation and longing, with three dominant partners she hadn't selected and a pack that now scrutinized her every action. She had dedicated her entire life to becoming an Alpha, yet nothing had readied her for this. When she arrived at the training grounds, her sole intention was to engage in battle. To shift. To overcome the confusion raging in her heart and recall who she truly was. Kael was present, waiting already. The Challenge of the Alpha Kael was bare above the waist, his golden eyes shining in the morning sunlight as he stretched. He possessed a physique shaped by conflict—wide shoulders, firm muscles, and scars from battles that narrated tales of former triumphs. He appeared entirely the powerful Alpha that he truly was. And he observed her. "You're tardy," he remarked, grinning. Aeryn moved her shoulders. "Didn’t know I had a timeline." Kael advanced slowly, each movement displaying a watchful elegance. “You will be if you intend to succeed.” The challenge existed—brave, steadfast. Aeryn locked eyes with him and walked onto the training mat. "Let's find out if you’re just making empty claims." As soon as the words escaped her mouth, Kael attacked. He didn't restrain himself. He was quicker, more powerful, and unyielding. His assaults were exact, every motion designed to conquer, not annihilate. Aeryn evaded, retaliated, and pushed him away with a quick kick to his side. He hardly reacted. Instead, he grinned, his eyes deepening with delight. "You battle like a champion," he remarked. “Excellent." However, champions do not succeed in Alpha trials. He jumped forward. Aeryn defended, but the power of his blow pushed her sliding backwards. Curse him. He was correct—this wasn’t a contest of raw power. It was a contest of control. Kael approached nearer, grasping her wrists before she could flee. His breath felt warm by her ear. "You can resist it as much as you like," he whispered, his voice smooth as silk. “However, we are both aware of what your wolf desires.” The mate bond ignited, intense and insistent. Aeryn’s heartbeat revealed her inner turmoil, yet she compelled herself to hold it at bay. With a quick movement, she escaped, turning him onto his back. Kael stared at her in surprise—then chuckled. “Remarkable,” he remarked, propping himself up. “Perhaps I ought to be the one concerned.” Aeryn shifted her gaze upward in annoyance. "You ought to." Kael smiled. "I have fondness for you, small wolf." Aeryn brushed aside the flutter in her heart at his words and looked away, only to see Riven observing her. Frost Versus Flame Riven remained at the boundary of the clearing, arms folded, silver eyes inscrutable. In contrast to Kael, he did not have a smile on his face. Aeryn scowled. “Pardon?” Riven inclined his head. "Are you practicing, or competing?" Kael le sort. “Envieuse, bénie par la Lune?” Riven disregarded him and walked onto the mat. "Once more." Aeryn squinted her eyes. “Do you believe you can perform better?” Riven remained silent. He just shifted. His attacks were completely different from Kael’s. While Kael battled with flames and shear strength, Riven embodied graceful accuracy. He predicted her actions, evading effortlessly, responding with the slightest adjustment of his balance. Aeryn snarled in annoyance when she failed to hit. "Anger won't benefit you," Riven stated calmly. "Reflect." Adjust. Aeryn clenched her jaw and compelled herself to take her time. To examine. To understand him. She faked to the left, then turned to the right—surprising him. She jabbed her elbow into his side, causing him to step back. Riven let out a quick breath but grinned. “Improved.” Kael moaned from the sidelines. "You're being lenient with her." Riven looked at Aeryn. "Negative." "She's simply gaining knowledge." Aeryn sighed. "I’ve been battling since I learned to walk." Riven examined her, then moved a step nearer. Certainly. "However, you’ve never struggled for something truly significant." His words struck her more fiercely than any physical hit. It was no longer solely about demonstrating her worth as Alpha. This concerned her future. And she was battling against destiny itself. Tempest Approaching Later that night, Aeryn discovered she was walking in the woods, attempting to free her thoughts. The training had challenged her, compelled her to consider different perspectives, yet uncertainty remained. Would she possess enough strength? Would the pack ever embrace her with three partners? A noise from behind caused her to turn—just as Talon emerged from the shadows. His green eyes blazed with a deep, troubled intensity. “Talon,” she remarked, astonished. He remained silent initially. He just gazed at her, hands balled into fists beside him. Finally, they asked, “What made you agree to the trial?” Aeryn scowled. “Did you think I would withdraw?” His jaw grew tense. "I anticipated that you would think." Aeryn tensed up. "I am contemplating." Talon made a sudden movement ahead. "Then turn me away." Aeryn stood still. Talon's voice was strained, filled with anguish. “dismiss his hands shook by his sides. “I agree.” Aeryn gulped deeply. “Then why have you not turned me down?” Quiet. A tempest shimmered in his gaze. "Since..." His voice faltered. "Since I don’t know how to desire this." Aeryn stepped cautiously nearer. "You have fear." Talon recoiled. She breathed out. "You believe that embracing these emotions will cause you to crumble." Talon's eyes fell to the floor. "It will." Aeryn paused—then, slowly, she extended her hand, lightly touching his palm. The bond ignited, transmitting warmth between them, but rather than retreating—Talon allowed it to unfold. For a short while, neither of them uttered a word. Then, just above a murmur— “I’m unsure how to cease this struggle,” he confessed. Aeryn felt her heart tighten. She didn’t either. The Warning of the Full Moon As the night progressed, Aeryn made her way back to camp, her mind burdened. The connection with Kael was intense—hazardous, all-consuming. The connection with Riven was frozen—constant, unwavering. The connection with Talon was a tempest—fierce, erratic. She wished to trust that she could manage this. That she might be victorious. Yet destiny had always been cruel. And in the distance, the full moon started to ascend—casting its silvery glow over the woods. The Trial was approaching. Before long, she would need to confront the reality