Luna in Chains

04.

Inside Lyra’s heart, a storm raged. It was at odds with the peaceful dawn around her.

She sat on a fallen log beyond the clearing before the packhouse, nervously twisting the hem of her cloak in her hands. The basket she’d brought to forage with sat abandoned beside her. The early morning sounds of the pack coming to life played around her, but it was as if she were in a bubble.

In the days since Kade confided in her, she felt like she was floating through her duties more than ever. Even having Kade on her side, having someone to confide in and help her, her insides were still a twisted mess.

The crunch of Kade’s boots over the dried leaves and needles barely disturbed the calm around her. The usual mischief that followed Kade was absent. Something heavier clung to both of them now, like fear and determination wrapped so tightly together it created something so potent it could be tasted on each breath.

Kade settled beside her on the log, looking solemn. “I think we’re out of time,” he told her quietly. His low but firm voice did nothing to soothe the anxiety inside her. “Your father is making preparations. There’s no stopping it.”

“I know,” she said softly, her voice barely audible, a fragile thread.

Since she and Kade met at Silver Lake and their secrets were uncovered in the moonlight, she’d clung to the slightest chance that her father would change his mind with remnants of her fleeting hope. Lyra was stubborn, if nothing else, unwilling to completely give up the idea that there might be a way to avoid this marriage.

She knew Kade had been looking for anything that might keep her in their pack with him. He risked himself trying to eavesdrop on both their fathers. Preparations meant that the agreement was already made, even if it was not solidified. Her father never rescinded his word, so she had no reason to believe anything but all-out war would stop him from giving her away.

“What if we don’t run?” her trembled whisper broke the silence. Kade’s head snapped to the side, his dark eyes fierce and jaw tightening. “You’ll be married off before you even find your wolf! Sent away to a strange pack with a man who only views you as some breeding prize!”

Lyra closed her eyes and swallowed. She’d been to Ironclaw once with her mother and father. The fortress was cold and dark, a stark contrast to the warmth and life of Midnight Crest. The warriors were harsh, and the Alpha harsher. Sadness mingled with the trepidation she already felt.

“I won’t let that happen,” Kade whispered.

She sucked in a deep breath, then raised her gaze to his. She clung to the strength and determination blazing back at her from his eyes. The hope that blew away with her marriage being confirmed was replaced by Kade’s conviction.

She nodded her head, unable to look away from him. “Then we have to run. Together.” If they managed to escape, she knew in her heart she couldn’t survive without Kade. She may be able to accept leaving her home, but not the boy who made it complete.

Kade nodded once, promising her. She looked up at him, *** eyes shiny with fear and hope. He couldn’t let her down, no matter the odds. If he couldn’t get them away from Midnight Crest, then he failed them both.

He gathered his thoughts for a moment. Every bit of information he’d been able to glean over the past few days had been put to use, forming plans in his head and changing them as he learned new things. He’d learned far more in the past few days by snooping on the Alpha and his father than he had in any of his lessons so far.

Kade pulled a crudely drawn map from the pocket of his trousers and flattened it on the ground before them. He traced the route he’d devised through the dense forest surrounding Midnight Crest. “We can slip through here,” he said, tapping a spot near the western ridge.

Lyra settled next to him, tracing a delicate finger along the route until their fingertips met. “How far is it to the border?”

“Two days if we’re lucky. Maybe three if we have to hide or cover our tracks.” He went on to point out all the places where patrol may be heavier or lighter, paths that could take them through rockier hills, and narrow ravines that may cover their tracks. The morning slipped away as their young minds planned their dangerous quest.

Lyra tried not to let everything overwhelm her. Three days was a long time. They would be alone. While they were given relative freedom within the areas nearest the packhouse, they had never been given the freedom to truly explore the land around them alone. Things grew wilder and harsher the further one travelled from the packhouse. Could they handle the challenges they would face?

Kade had really been thorough in his preparations. They discussed all the risks they might face from their pack patrols to dangers that lurked deep in the shadowed woods. Lyra was reassured by his answers to all her questions.

She sat back on her heels as their discussion came to an end. She looked at Kade’s map, picturing all the details they’d talked about and Kade had smartly not drawn. “There’s a chance,” she decided. “But if we’re caught…”

Kade’s gaze hardened. “We won’t be. I won’t let them take you.”

She let Kade’s certainty wrap around her like a fragile shield.

*

As the sun climbed high in the sky, the pair abandoned their meeting place and returned to the ancient hawthorn tree that was the only witness to their confessions. They took some time to enjoy the gentle waters of Silver Lake, snacking on the dried fruits and nuts Kade carried with him.

The pair divided up the preparations they needed to make their escape. They couldn’t risk taking too long, but luckily Kade already had a few of the things they would need. They would spend the next two days gathering dried meats and other preserves, clothing, simple tools, and other necessities.

When they could no longer linger, Lyra had to ask one more time. “You’re sure about this?” She looked up at him, scared that he may waver and crush her hope one final time.

Kade reached up and tucked a stray strand of silky silver blonde hair behind her ear. The brush of his fingertips along her cheek made heat rise in her face. “More than anything,” he nodded.

Lyra gripped his hand firmly in hers as they retreated down the stone path to the pack house, only letting go once they were close enough to be seen. Kade’s heart panged when she let go, but he knew they would be together soon.

They spent the next couple of days doing everything they could to prepare for their journey. Even as things came together, neither felt confident as darkness fell on their final night in Midnight Crest Pack.

Kade lay awake on the cold ground outside his family’s lodge, staring up at the stars. His mind replayed every detail of their plan, every risk, every possible outcome. He clenched his fists tightly, willing himself to be strong. The image of those shiny **** eyes staring up at him drove him.

Far away, Lyra lay in her small chamber, the soft glow of the moon spilling through the window. Her fingers gripped her soft blanket as she stared at the ceiling, the sounds of the pack settling into sleep all around her. Her fear had transformed and morphed into something entirely new that she had no words to describe. All she knew was their plan had to work.

Tomorrow, everything would change. Tomorrow they would run. Tomorrow, she would escape her arranged marriage and leave her home behind forever.

If she allowed herself to believe, maybe they’d survive it all.