Chapter 6 The Connections That Unite

The Burden of Triumph The evening atmosphere was heavy with the aroma of burning timber, the sparks of the festive bonfires popping in the background. The group remained in celebration—drinking, howling, indulging in the mayhem of what had just occurred. However, Aeryn was not present with them. She positioned herself at the brink of the cliffs, the identical place where she frequently visited to reflect, to ponder. But now, everything was different. She emerged victorious. She exceeded expectations, overcame three Alphas, and secured her position. And still… Aeryn tightened her hands into fists, gazing at the valley beneath. The connection was present, interlaced throughout every a piece of her essence—Kael, Riven, Talon. Three wolves are now bound to her spirit, each tugging in a distinct direction. How was she meant to handle this? How was she expected to be Alpha, leader, and mate simultaneously? A breeze brought the sound of footsteps her way. She recognized his identity before he said a word. Kael: The Blaze That Consumes "You seem to be deep in thought." Kael’s tone was laced with humor as he positioned himself next to her. She refrained from glancing at him—she didn’t have to. His presence was consistently vivid, intense, unmistakable. Aeryn breathed out. “I’m contemplating.” Kael let out a chuckle. "Risky practice." She turned then, locking eyes with his golden gaze. "You ought to give it a go one of these days." Kael grinned, yet there was a deeper layer beneath his typical pride this evening. Something significant. "I meant what I stated prior to the Trial," he whispered, his tone quieter now. "You battle like a warrior." However, an Alpha represents more than just a fighter. "You must take the lead." Aeryn tensed up. "You believe I can't?" Kael's look softened in a manner that disturbed her. "I believe you are capable of anything, young wolf." Aeryn’s breathing caught. Kael was not meant to be this way. He was meant to present a challenge. An opponent. Not a person who regarded her as if she were his entire universe. Before she had the chance to reply, another presence revealed itself. Riven: The Ice That Stabilizes “I trust I’m not disturbing you.” Riven’s voice was serene, soothing—an entirely distinct form of warmth. Aeryn glanced over to find him a short distance away, arms folded, silver eyes inscrutable. Kael sighed. "Naturally, you arrive." Riven disregarded him and moved in closer. His eyes connected with Aeryn’s, probing, as if attempting to look beyond her barriers. “I noticed you exit the gathering,” he remarked plainly. "I aimed to confirm that you were okay.” Aeryn exhaled deeply, running a hand across her face. "I’m not even sure what ‘all right’ signifies anymore." Riven angled his head. “What is it that you know then?” Aeryn gulped. “I understand that things will never return to how they were.” Kael breathed out forcefully, rubbing his hand through his hair. "Isn't that the issue?" Riven briefly looked at him before returning her attention to Aeryn. “It doesn’t need to be.” Aeryn scowled. "What are you trying to say?" Riven paused. He then, thoughtfully—intentionally—extended his hand toward hers. The mate connection ignited, vivid and unmistakable. "I mean," he spoke gently, "that we no longer need to struggle with this." Aeryn gasped. Kael stiffened next to her, his golden eyes darting between them. However, before anyone had the chance to talk— A figure shifted among the trees. Talon: The Tempest That Fury Aeryn’s wolf awakened as soon as she sensed him. Talon appeared from the shadows like a specter, quiet, inscrutable. Yet his gaze— His gaze ignited with a perilous intensity. Aeryn felt a tightness in her chest. “Claw.” He remained silent. Did not shift. Just viewed. Kael grimaced. "Are you going to sulk all night, or will you actually speak up?" Talon paid no attention to him. His attention was on Aeryn. When he eventually spoke, his voice was quiet and tense. “This is not finished.” Aeryn felt a tightness in her stomach. “Talon—” He stepped sharply ahead, interrupting her. "You succeeded in the Trial." You have the right to retain us. "However, that doesn't imply we agree with it." Quiet. Kael’s grin disappeared. Riven's demeanor grew somber. Aeryn sensed the tension buzzing in the air. “What do you mean?” she inquired, her voice hardly rising above a whisper. Talon clenched his jaw. "I’m suggesting that the pack could agree to this." "However, I am uncertain if I will ever do so." The words struck like a punch. The connection between mates became tense. Aeryn gulped deeply. “You sense it, Talon. "Exactly how I do. Talon's breathing was irregular. "That is the issue." Then—before she had a chance to halt him—he pivoted and vanished among the trees. The Crisis Moment The stillness he created was overwhelming. Kael muttered a quiet swear. “That fool is going to break himself apart.” Riven's face showed no clear emotion. "Or he’s going to rip us all to shreds." Aeryn shut her eyes, placing a hand on her heart. The mate connection throbbed, hurting. She had battled for them. Achieved victory over them. But was she really able to hold onto them? Kael moved nearer, his voice soft. "You have to make a choice, Aeryn." She lifted her eyelids. "I've already completed it." Kael’s eyes looked into hers. He nodded slowly after taking a deep breath. Riven remained silent. He merely observed. And what about Talon? Talon had already left. In a hidden part of the woods, the wind transmitted the call of a solitary wolf howling under the bright full moon. Aeryn felt a pain in her heart. Due to her awareness— This battle wasn’t finished. It had just started.