Chapter 78

Their intimate moment was interrupted by a knock at the study door. Alaric entered with a tray of hot tea and sandwiches.

"Master Lucius suggested you both eat something before retiring for the night," the butler said, setting down the tray. "You'll need your strength for tomorrow's journey."

Shea and Achilles moved apart, though their hands remained loosely linked. They settled into the plush chairs near the fireplace while Alaric poured their tea.

"Thank you, Alaric," Achilles said. "Has father finished the preparations?"

"Yes, sir. The supplies are packed and ready. I've also prepared some special provisions for Miss Wolfe, considering this will be her first extended journey since developing her abilities."

Shea picked up her teacup, letting the warmth seep into her hands. "I appreciate that. Everything still feels so new sometimes."

"You're adapting remarkably well," Alaric commented. "I've served the Von Lunar family for many years, and I've rarely seen someone master their transformation so quickly."

"She's a natural," Achilles agreed, his voice filled with pride.

They ate in comfortable silence, the crackling fire and gentle clink of china providing a peaceful backdrop. Outside, the sun had fully set, and the moon cast silvery shadows through the study windows.

Shea found herself studying Achilles's profile in the firelight. His strong jawline, the slight furrow of concentration between his brows as he reviewed the map one final time. Her heart swelled with emotion - gratitude, affection, and something deeper she wasn't quite ready to name.

Achilles caught her looking and raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Just thinking about how different everything is now," she said softly. "When I first came to Lockewood, I was so lost and angry. Now..."

"Now?" he prompted.

"Now I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be."

Achilles reached across and squeezed her hand. The simple gesture conveyed more than words could express. Their eyes met in the firelight, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

"I should probably get some rest," Shea said, though she made no move to leave. "Tomorrow will be a long day."

"Stay a little longer," Achilles replied. "Father won't mind if we review the route one more time."

He pulled the map closer, tracing their planned journey with his finger. Shea leaned in, breathing in his familiar scent of pine and leather. The path would take them through the deepest parts of Lockewood's forests, areas even the other factions rarely ventured.

Alaric returned to collect their empty cups and plates, moving with his characteristic silent efficiency. "Shall I prepare anything else for you both?"

"No thank you, Alaric," Achilles said. "We'll head up soon."

Once the butler had left, Shea rested her head against Achilles's shoulder. The fire had burned low, casting a warm glow across the study's dark wood panels. Outside, an owl called into the night.

"Do you remember that first night at the cabin?" she asked. "When you saved me from that werewolf?"

"You weren't as afraid as you should have been," he chuckled. "Even then."

"I think part of me recognized you somehow. Not consciously, but..." She paused, searching for the right words. "Something in me knew I was safe with you."

Achilles turned to face her fully, his blue eyes intense in the dim light. "I'll always keep you safe, Shea. No matter what happens tomorrow or after."

The conviction in his voice made her heart skip. She reached up to trace the line of his jaw with gentle fingers. His skin was warm under her touch, and she felt the slight catch in his breath.

"I know," she whispered. "I trust you."

The crackling fire had nearly died when Shea lifted her head from Achilles's shoulder. "I miss Aunt Penelope," she said softly. "Could we visit her? It's been so long."

Achilles tensed slightly. "It's risky. The Hawkins could be watching her place."

"We could sneak out." Shea's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Through the window, like teenagers."

"We are teenagers," Achilles pointed out, but a smile tugged at his lips.

Minutes later, they were perched on the windowsill of Achilles's room, the cool night air brushing their faces. Shea's heart raced with excitement.

"Race you there?" she challenged. "As wolves?"

"You've never shifted into wolf form before," Achilles said, but his eyes held a playful glint.

"Then teach me." Shea stepped closer, her fingers trailing down his arm. "Show me how it feels."

Achilles's breath hitched. "Close your eyes," he murmured. "Feel the forest calling to you. Not the fierce pull of the werewolf, but something... wilder. More ancient."

Shea followed his instructions, letting the night's energy flow through her. The transformation felt different this time - smoother, more natural. When she opened her eyes, she stood on four legs, her silver-gray fur gleaming in the moonlight.

Beside her, Achilles had transformed into a magnificent chocolate-brown wolf. He nudged her playfully with his muzzle.

Through their mental connection, his voice reached her: "Ready to see who's faster?"

Shea took off into the woods, her paws barely touching the ground. Achilles's warm presence stayed close behind her as they wove between trees, two shadows racing through the darkness.

Through the moonlit forest, Shea and Achilles raced as wolves, their paws barely touching the ground as they weaved between ancient trees. The silver-gray of Shea's fur caught fragments of starlight filtering through the canopy, while Achilles's chocolate-brown coat blended with the shadows.

"You're a natural," Achilles's voice echoed in her mind through their connection. The thrill of running together made their hearts beat in sync.

Shea leaped over a fallen log, her movements growing more fluid with each stride. She felt free - truly free - for the first time since arriving in Lockewood. The wind rushing through her fur carried a thousand scents: pine needles, fresh earth, distant water.

Achilles pulled up beside her, matching her pace. Their shoulders brushed as they ran, and Shea felt a surge of affection through their bond. She playfully nipped at his ear, darting ahead.

"Getting cocky?" His mental voice held amusement as he accelerated to catch up.

They burst into a small clearing, moonlight washing over them in silver waves. Shea slowed, taking in the beauty of the night. Achilles circled back to her side, pressing his warm flank against hers.

"The woods feel different like this," Shea observed through their connection. "More alive. Like I can feel every heartbeat, every rustling leaf."

"It's how our ancestors experienced the world," Achilles replied. "Raw. Unfiltered. Pure."

A gentle breeze stirred the grass around their paws. In wolf form, their connection felt deeper, more primal. Shea could sense Achilles's contentment, his joy at sharing this with her. His presence wrapped around her like a shield, making her feel safe despite the dangers that lurked in Lockewood's shadows.

They resumed their journey toward Aunt Penelope's house at a more leisurely pace, savoring the night and each other's company. Their paws moved in perfect synchronization, two hearts beating as one under the watchful moon.