Hearts bound by Moon

omething was wrong. She could feel it like a weight in her chest, like a scream just waiting to be let out.The rogue wolves were out there. And they were getting ready to strike.Behind her,

ive them that."Several heads turned toward her. Some looked surprised. Others nodded slowly."We've made it this far because we have each other," she continued. "We've lost people. We've been hunted. But we're still here. And if they want a war, then we'll give them one."There was a murmur of agreement, soft at first, then growing stronger. Kael watched her from where he sat, his eyes meeting hers. And for the first time that night, she saw something like hope there.Something else happened too.She felt a jolt in her chest. A strange warmth spreading from her Moonmark, pulsing like it was syncing with something outside of her. She gasped, her hand going to her collarbone.And then she felt it-Kael's pain.It wasn't physical, exactly. It was deeper. Like her body had opened up to the ache in his. The frustration, the exhaustion, the weight of all the lives depending on him. It filled her for a second before fading, leaving her breathless."What... was that?" she whispered.Kael looked just as shocked. "I don't know. But I felt it too."Their eyes locked. The bond between them, whatever it was, had just deepened. It was no longer just emotion or attraction. It was real, raw, and dangerous.Before they could say more, a howl pierced the air.Not just one-dozens. All around them.The rogues had arrived."Positions!" someone shouted.The camp exploded into motion. Warriors took up arms, younger wolves ran for cover, and Luna grabbed Kael's arm to help him to his feet."You can't fight," she told him. "Stay near the shelter. I'll-""No," Kael said, gripping her arm. "Don't