Aria's pov.
“You can't possibly be serious!” I exclaimed, my voice trembling in disbelief.
A tall figure shrouded in the shadow was a rogue who leaned against a gnarled tree, his dark eyes gleaming with mischief.
“Oh, I'm dead serious; I know you want to break that nasty curse tying you to Ryder? There's only one way, and that's his blood on your hands”.
My breath hit the forest around us, and it was eerily quiet. The faint scent of pine and danger were carried around by the wind.
I never hated Ryder, but his humiliation and rejection were something that left me in pain; his memory was still haunting me, but I couldn't deny the pull I still felt towards him.
When I heard that killing Ryder was the only option to break the curse. I felt irritated with a churning stomach.
“Is there no other way?” I insisted, my voice firm despite the fear gnawing at my resolve. “I'm not a murderer and I can't imagine myself as one”.
The rough chuckled darkly. “That's your problem Aria. You're just too soft. Hatred and love are the only two sides of the same coin. You just need the right push to flip it”.
I clenched my fist. “Why do you even care? What's your benefit?”.
He stepped closer, the smell of smoke and leather clinging to him. “Let's just say I've my reasons for making Ryder alive. Do we have a deal, or should I walk away and leave you to your cursed fate?”.
Before I could respond, a familiar growl echoed through the wood, making my heart leap into my throat.
“Aria” Ryder's voice cut through the tension like a blade. He emerged from the shadows, his eyes glowing with fury.
His broad shoulders were tense, and his wolf was just beneath the surface that was ready to strike. “What the hell are you doing out here?”.
I took a step back as guilt kept washing over me. “Ryder, I—-”.
His gaze shifted to the rogue who was watching us with a smug grin. “Who's this? Another one of your bad decisions?”.
“Watch your tongue Alpha,” the rogue sneered. “You're in my territory so behave yourself”.
Ryder's lips curled into a snarl. “Aria, get behind me”.
“No,” I firmly said, surprising even myself. “I came here for an answer”.
“What answer are you looking for? An answer for who?” Ryder spat. “He's a rogue, and you can't trust his kind.”
The rogue laughed. “Oh, the mighty Alpha thinks he typically knows everything.”
Ryder's hand clenched into fists. “What did he promise you, Aria? Is it power or revenge?”.
I hesitated and my throat was dry. “He knows how to break the curse”.
Ryder's expression darkened. “At what cost?”
The rogue's grin widened. “Her loyalty, of course. And maybe your life, if she's brave enough”.
Ryder took a threatening step forward. “Touch her and I'll rip you apart”.
“That's enough!” I shouted, stepping between them. “This isn't solving anything”.
Ryder's chest heaved, but he backed off, his eyes never leaving the rogue. “Aria, you're coming back with me, now”.
I shook my head. “I need time to think”.
“Think about what?” Ryder demanded. “Whether or not you're going to betray me?”.
The rogue's laughter echoed through the trees, “It looks like your Alpha doesn't trust you, sweetheart.”
“Shut up,” I snapped at him.
I softened my tune, turning back to Ryder, “I just need to figure things out, okay? Please,”.
His jaw tightened, but he nodded reluctantly, “That's fine, but this isn't over”.
As Ryder stormed off, the rogue leaned in close, his voice low and dangerous.
“Better make up your mind soon, Aria choices have consequences”.
I watched Ryder's retreating, my heart torn in two. Could I betray him to gain my freedom, or was there another way to break the curse without bloodshed?
And if there wasn't…..what choice would I make?
My heart was pounding in my chest as I stood in the fading light when Ryder swiftly disappeared into the thick shadows of the forest.
The rogue's words lingered in my mind, it was heavy and dangerous. Its choices have consequences.
I turned to face him, my voice sharper than I felt. “What aren't you telling me?”.
The rogue grinned his sharp teeth flashing in the dim light. “It's plenty sweetheart, but some secrets are sweeter when discovered on your own.”
My fists clenched heavily, fighting to lash out the urge. “I'm not here to play games”.
“Neither am I,” he said coolly, leaning casually against a tree. “But you're standing on dangerous ground, Aria. You can't have both freedom and loyalty. Sooner or later you'll have to choose”.
His words sank into me like ice. “I never agreed to your deal.”
“Not yet.” His eyes gleamed with dark amusement. “But you will. When Ryder's hold over you becomes too much to bear.”
I swallowed hard, refusing to show weakness. “I’ll find another way.”
The rogue’s expression darkened. “You keep telling yourself that, sweetheart. But just remember—time isn’t on your side.”
Without another word, he melted into the shadows, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts. The forest was eerily silent, the weight of my decisions pressing down on me.
I should have followed Ryder back, but my feet refused to move. My mind churned with doubt and fear. Was I really strong enough to face this curse on my own? And what about Ryder?
He’d rejected me once and shattered my heart, yet here he was, storming back into my life like some protective force I never asked for.
Why did he care now?
I could sense the sound of rustling leaves pulling me from my thoughts. I turned sharply, my eyes scanning the dark forest
My senses went on high alert as the faint scent of musk and cedar filled the air.
"Ryder?" I hesitantly called, but there was no response.
A chill ran down my spine. And for that moment I knew better than to believe I was alone. The rogue's warning echoed in my mind: Dangerous ground.
My instincts kicked in, crouching low. Although my wolf may have been dormant, my senses were still sharp.
The breeze shifted, carrying a scent I didn't recognize—wild and untamed.
Another rogue?
