Chapter 3 Chapitre 3

She had heard about the village by accident, or maybe it was on purpose. The kind of rumor you let linger on the tip of your lips, just enough to pique your curiosity. The woman at the grocery store had whispered something as she counted out the change, a snippet of conversation she wasn't supposed to hear. Nothing clear. Just a name: *Kael Drayven*. It had followed her into her thoughts, that name. Like a melody you can't chase away, that keeps coming back, always stronger.

She hadn't asked for anything. Not right away. But as she walked through these streets where no one seemed to want to meet her gaze, she had noticed things. People turning away abruptly, muffled words, signs she didn't understand. It wasn't fear. Not really. More like a kind of respect mixed with silent dread. She should have left, ignored all of that. But the idea of a village, of a hidden pack, had planted a seed in her mind. Part of her wanted to understand. The other part, the one she didn't want to listen to, felt like that name, Kael Drayven, was linked to what she was trying to escape.

It was Maria who had changed everything. She had met her by chance, while buying something to eat at the market. A young brunette woman, full of energy, the type to speak too quickly, too loudly. Maria had not hesitated for a second before approaching Lyra, as if she had sensed that she was different.

- You're not from around here, are you? she said with a smirk.

Lyra had stiffened, wary, but Maria hadn't seemed to mind. She had continued to speak, without waiting for a response, as if she knew Lyra would eventually listen to her.

- There aren't many new people around. Well, not like you. Most of them come for the scenery, or because they got lost. You're something else, right?

Lyra had tried to cut the conversation short, but Maria wouldn't let go. She had a way of asking questions without seeming pushy, a way of smiling that made it impossible to completely push her away. And, against all odds, Lyra had finally answered, a little. Not everything. Just enough to make Maria feel encouraged.

- If you're curious, there's a place you have to see, she had said later, as if in confidence. A village a little out of the way. Not easy to find, but it's worth it.

- What kind of village? Lyra had asked suspiciously.

Maria had shrugged her shoulders, looking innocent.

- You'll see. If you're interested, I can show you.

There was something in her eyes, a mischievous glint, like she knew exactly what she was doing. And despite her instincts, despite that little voice inside her telling her not to let herself get carried away, Lyra had agreed.

The path to the village was winding, almost invisible. Maria walked ahead, babbling about everything and nothing, while Lyra remained silent, her senses alert. There was something in the air, a tension she couldn't explain. When they finally arrived, Lyra felt her breath catch for a moment. This wasn't just a village. It was something else. The houses were modest, but there was a presence, an energy that permeated the place.

The looks she received as she entered were nothing like the ones she had encountered in the city. Here, it was different. They were sizing her up, assessing her, as if they were looking for something. She clenched her fists, trying not to show her discomfort.

- Don't worry, Maria said with a smile. They're like that with everyone.

Lyra wasn't so sure. She felt like these people knew things she didn't. And that feeling only grew stronger when she noticed the markings on some of them. Scars, tattoos, symbols etched into their skin. Signs she recognized. Pack signs.

Maria led her to her house, a small, secluded house. It was simple, but warm, and for the first time in days, Lyra felt almost safe. Maria offered her a drink, sitting down across from her with a smile.

- So? What do you think?

Lyra shrugged.

- It's... different.

Maria burst out laughing.

- That's for sure. But you'll see, it's not so bad here. Well, if you know who to talk to, and who to avoid.

- And you, do you know? Lyra asked, unable to hide her curiosity.

Maria gave an enigmatic smile.

- Let's say I know the rules. But you... you're not like the others.

Lyra froze.

- What do you mean?

Maria shrugged, but her gaze was serious.

- I don't know yet. But I feel it. You give off something. Something that attracts attention.

She wanted to answer, to deny it, but the words stuck in her throat. Because she knew Maria was right. She had always attracted attention, even when she tried to blend in. And here, in this village, that feeling was even stronger.

What she didn't know was that Kael Drayven was already watching her. From the moment she had set foot in the village, he had felt her presence. He was there, hidden in the shadows, following her every move. It wasn't hostile surveillance. It was something else. A fascination. A recognition he didn't yet understand.

She hadn't seen him, but she had felt him. That look. That presence. And even though she didn't know who he was yet, a part of her knew that their meeting was only a matter of time.