"The Alpha's Vow"

sky, casting an ethereal glow over the stone buildings, and the faint sound of the River of Tears could be heard in the distance. The Citadel ha

the kingdom, but what they didn't see was the warrior underneath the title-the woman who yearned for freedom, for peace. She needed this t

d over her shoulders. Her eyes, usually a deep blue, were shifting in hue, a strange trait she had learned to acc

amous in her kingdom-legend spoke of it being imbued with the magic of lost souls and forgotten promises. Yet, for

pple of calm through her, and she closed her eyes, letting the soothing sound of the river drown

ace was sh

ely alert. She stood slowly, her hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of her dagge

eady, deliberate, and his presence felt like a storm on the horizon. He was dressed in black, his cloak flowing behind him, and his face was partially

art skipp

d for moments like this. She was the Queen of Light, and no one would ever

without seeing his eyes. He lifted his head slightly, revealing the face of the man

hed, her voice bar

hey had crossed paths before-briefly-during skirmishes and meetings between their two kingdom

kind of voice that carried authority withou

lied, her tone measured. "But I don't think either

. "Not really," he admitted. "But I suppose

d. "Fate? You belie

dable. "I believe that there are forces at work beyond our understa

ver allowed herself to delve into. But there was something about Asher's presence that made her uneasy in a way she couldn't explain. He was t

, her voice quiet but firm. "

ackling with an unspoken tension. "I know. But I

of the pack that has threatened my people for years.

it. You don't know what it's like to be responsible for so many lives. To be

ned exterior of the Alpha. But she wouldn't let herself be swayed. She had a d

h there was less venom in her words than she

nly sound the distant murmur of the river. It w

ce softer this time. "Maybe... maybe I don't need

isarmed her, something that made her reconsider her initial judgment. But she co

alk away with no consequences?" she sa

hers. "I don't expect forgiveness. But I do think..

efore Runa finally spoke again. "If you truly believe tha

rms, though his eyes still held a deep intens

aving her standing by the river, the cool breeze brushing against her sk

htmares alike. But there was something more-something unexpected.

est, realizing that this encounter had been the beginning of s