The wind carried the scent of blood.
Hazel felt it the moment she stepped outside the house.
Her heart tightened slightly.
Not fear.
Not panic.
Something heavier.
She followed the trail without realizing it.
The forest behind the house was quiet.
Too quiet.
The moonlight cut across broken branches and disturbed earth.
Then she saw him.
Ryan.
He was sitting on a fallen tree trunk near the edge of the clearing.
Shirt torn in several places.
Dark blood staining the skin beneath.
His breathing was slow but controlled.
Like he was forcing his body to obey him.
Hazel's chest tightened slightly.
She didn't speak immediately.
Ryan noticed her presence without turning.
"You came," he said quietly.
Hazel crossed her arms.
"I smelled blood."
Ryan nodded once.
"Hunters."
Hazel frowned.
"You fought them alone?"
"Yes."
Silence.
The wind moved gently between them.
Ryan's injuries were not minor.
Deep claw marks across his shoulder.
One near his ribs.
Venom stirred weakly inside him.
Blade was quiet.
Ralph was tired.
Hazel watched him for a moment longer.
Then said coldly:
"You are reckless."
Ryan almost smiled.
"Concern?"
"No."
Pause.
"Observation."
Ryan nodded slowly.
"Of course."
Hazel walked closer — but stopped two steps away.
Not touching.
Always that distance.
Ryan spoke first.
"They will attack again."
Hazel crossed her arms tighter.
"I can handle them."
"You are not ready yet."
Her eyes flashed slightly.
"I am stronger than you think."
Ryan's gaze softened just a little.
"I know."
Silence returned.
Hazel looked at his wounds.
"They should be treated."
"I heal faster than humans."
"That is not the point."
Ryan didn't answer immediately.
Then said quietly:
"You are worried."
Hazel scoffed.
"Don't flatter yourself."
Ryan's voice was lower now.
"You hate me."
Hazel did not answer.
Because the truth was complicated.
She hated what he represented.
Control.
Secrets.
Watching her life without telling her.
But something inside her reacted every time he was near.
The mark on her wrist burned faintly.
She pressed her fingers over it.
Ryan noticed immediately.
"What is it?"
"Nothing."
Liar.
Ryan didn't push.
After a moment he said:
"I went to Hell again."
Hazel frowned.
"Why?"
"To confirm something."
"What?"
Ryan looked at her.
"Whether the Devourer is hunting the heir… or hunting you personally."
Hazel's stomach tightened.
"And?"
Ryan's eyes darkened.
"It is personal."
Silence fell heavily.
Hazel swallowed.
"Why me?"
Ryan answered quietly.
"Because Blood Alpha heirs are unstable when they awaken."
Hazel's voice lowered.
"I am not unstable."
Ryan did not contradict her.
Instead he said:
"You are angry."
Hazel frowned.
"And you are observant."
Ryan's gaze lingered on her face.
Not hungry.
Not aggressive.
Just watching.
Venom stirred slightly.
Mate.
Blade whispered softly.
Careful.
Ralph was silent.
Hazel finally spoke.
"Why did you fight the hunters alone?"
Ryan answered simply.
"Because they came for you."
The words landed heavily.
Hazel's chest tightened again.
She hated that feeling.
She hated that he made her feel protected.
She took a small step back.
"Don't do that."
"Do what?"
"Act like you care."
Ryan's expression didn't change.
But his eyes darkened very slightly.
"Do you want me to stop protecting you?"
Hazel hesitated.
The honest answer scared her.
"Yes."
Silence.
Long.
Heavy.
Then Ryan nodded once.
"Very well."
He stood slowly despite his injuries.
Hazel watched.
Something inside her felt… wrong.
The distance between them suddenly felt heavier.
Ryan turned to leave.
Not dramatically.
Not angrily.
Simply walking away.
Hazel's fingers tightened slightly.
The mark on her wrist burned stronger.
She spoke without thinking.
"Wait."
Ryan stopped.
Did not turn.
"Yes?"
Hazel swallowed.
"…Are you badly injured?"
Silence.
Then Ryan answered quietly.
"No more than necessary."
Hazel closed her eyes briefly.
This was dangerous.
Because part of her wanted to walk closer.
To touch the wounds.
To heal them.
But she stayed where she was.
Ryan waited.
But she did not move.
Finally Ryan said softly:
"Rest tonight."
Then he walked away into the forest.
Hazel stood alone in the moonlight.
The wind carried his scent faintly.
Blood.
Demon fire.
Something ancient.
And Hazel realized something terrifying.
She was starting to worry when he was hurt.
And she hated that.