17: Bridges and Bonds
Kaelen’s POV
The setting sun cast a golden glow over the training field as I dismissed the last group of warriors. Sweat glistened on their brows, their breaths heavy with exhaustion, but their expressions were serious. They were improving, becoming sharper, faster, more disciplined.
I watched them for a moment, pride swelling in my chest. This was my army, my wolves. Each one of them was a part of the strength that kept Shadow Keep secure. Yet, as they dispersed, my thoughts drifted to a promise I’d made earlier in the day.
Celeste.
I had assured her I would train her myself, but now, having a moment to ponder it, doubt began crawling in. When would I have the time? Between commanding the army, managing the council, and keeping the ever–present threat of rogues at bay, my days were already stretched beyond capacity.
And yet, I had made the promise without hesitation.
I ran a hand through my hair and sighed heavily. What compelled me to agree so quickly? Her determination? The fire in her eyes when insisting she wanted to be strong? Or was it much deeper, much more basic, something I didn’t want to name?
“She’s stubborn,” I grumbled under my breath and shook my head a bit.
“Talking to yourself now?
I turned to find Dorian approaching me from behind, he was his usual calm self.
“Dorian,” I said, nodding to acknowledge him.
“I was wondering where you’d disappeared to,” he said, stopping a few steps away. thought you’d want an update on the patrols.”
I waved my hand for him to continue, crossing my arms as I listened.
There’s a problem with the bridge that connects Shadow Keep to the old Thornclaw territory,” Dorian said, his tone serious. “It’s structurally unsound. If it collapses, it’ll cut off one of the main routes to the northern border.”
I frowned, the weight of yet another problem settling on my shoulders. “How bad is it? Bad enough,” Dorian replied. “We’ll need to rebuild it completely. It’ll take time and resources.”
I nodded slowly, my mind already working through the logistics. “Handle it,” I said finally. “Make sure the necessary supplies are sent, and put our best workers on it.”
Dorian hesitated, his brow furrowing slightly. “You want me to oversee this personally?”
“Yes,” I said firmly.
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17: Bridges and Bonds
But that’s not usually my role,” he said, his tone cautious. “You’re the one who makes the decisions about the pack’s infrastructure, not me.”
I met his gaze, my expression unyielding. “You’re my Beta, Dorian. I trust you to handle this.”
He still looked unsure, but he nodded. “If that’s what you want, I’ll see to it.
“Good,” I said, turning my attention back to the horizon. The golden light was fading, giving way to the deep blues and purples of evening.
For a moment, the silence stretched between us, broken only by the far–off rustling of leaves in the breeze.
Then, without really thinking, I spoke. “What do you think of Celeste?”
Dorian blinked, obviously taken aback by the question. “The Luna?”
“Who else?” I said, my voice sharper than I meant it to be.
He regained his composure in an instant, his face contemplative. “Why do you ask?”
“Because she’s my mate,” I said simply. “And because she’s Luna now. I want to know if you think she has what it takes to lead.
Dorian was silent for a moment, his gaze steady as he considered his answer. “I don’t know her well enough to say for certain,” he admitted finally. “But from what I’ve seen, she carries herself with grace. She’s kind, and the wolves seem to respond to that. Kindness can be a strength, especially when paired with the right determination.”
I nodded slowly, his words sinking in. “And do you think she has that determination?”
“I think she wouldn’t have survived what happened to Thornclaw if she didn’t,” Dorian said, his face showing seriousness.
I didn’t respond, my mind wandering back to the fire in her eyes from earlier that day. Through all she had been subjected to, she had not been broken. If anything, it had hardened her, made her more resolute.
Dorian’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “Why the sudden interest in my opinion, Kaelen? You don’t usually need validation.
I glanced at him, the trace of a smirk on my lips. “I just need no validation. I am merely. curious,”
“Curious?” Dorian repeated, brow going up.
“She is different,” I stumbled after the words had broken from my lips, saying too much. “Than anybody that I have ever come into contact with.”
For a moment, he stared at me, and without changing his facial expression, Dorian stated, “That isn’t a bad thing.
“No,” I agreed, my voice softening.
For the first time since the mating ceremony, I felt a flicker of certainty. Celeste was
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- Bridges and Bonds
more than just my mate. She was strong in her own way, and she was determined to find her place here.
“She’ll do well,” Dorian said, breaking the silence.
I nodded, the rare sensation of peace settling over me. “I think so too.”
As Dorian turned to leave, I found myself glancing toward the royal building, where Celeste was likely waiting. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I’d made the right
choice.
