Chapter 8 Feared

• Kael’s grip on the wooden table tightened.
• His sharp gray eyes flicked between Cassia—who looked as if she had just been struck by lightning—and Edna, who sat calmly as if she hadn’t just dropped the biggest revelation of Cassia’s life.
• “A Lycan?” he repeated. He stared at Cassia. “That must be the reason why she felt different.”
• He had suspected something was off about her. But this?
• Lycans were nearly extinct.
• How could Cassia, a girl who had been locked in a tower her whole life, be one of them?
• Cassia let out a dry laugh. “Y-You are making it like I’m a monster.”
• She pushed away from the table, pacing back and forth across the small cabin.
• “I mean, it doesn’t make sense, right? I’m just—” She gestured at herself. “I’m just Cassia. Just a werewolf. My father is a werewolf! How can I be a lycan?”
• Kael’s gaze hardened.
• But she wasn’t just a werewolf.
• Everything about her—the unnatural healing, the strength, the way she carried herself despite never being trained— pointed to something more.
• And now he knew why.
• Cassia suddenly whirled around to face Edna.
• “But why?” she demanded. “Why would my father keep it a secret? Why would he lock me away?”
• Edna sighed, folding her hands on the table. “Because, child, Lycans are feared. And they are hunted.”
• Silence.
• Cassia’s throat tightened. “What?”
• Edna’s expression darkened.
• “Both vampires and werewolves will want you dead.”
• Cassia froze.
• Her stomach twisted, but she forced herself to speak. “But, why? I didn’t do anything! I just wanted to be free!”
• Edna’s gaze met hers.
• “Your mearly existence can be one of the reason why. Because Lycans are powerful, and power is a threat.”
• Kael exhaled through his nose. It was true.
• Lycans weren’t just stronger than werewolves. They were faster, more resilient, and far deadlier.
• And they were feared because of the combination of the blood.
• The vampires would see her as an abomination. The werewolves would see her as a threat.
• No pack would accept her.
• No coven would take her in.
• Cassia was alone.
• Except…
• Kael’s fingers curled into a fist.
• She wasn’t. Not anymore.
• Cassia, however, was still reeling.
• She clenched her jaw, struggling to find the words. “But… why am I a Lycan? Werewolves and vampires can’t… they don’t…”
• She trailed off, unable to finish the thought.
• It was impossible.
• Werewolves and vampires didn’t mix.
• They couldn’t.
• And yet…
• Edna’s expression was thoughtful. “It’s rare. But not impossible.”
• Cassia’s stomach churned.
• She could barely wrap her head around it.
• Edna sighed. “Your mother…”
• Cassia stilled.
• “My mother?”
• She barely remembered her.
• Her father never spoke of her.
• All she knew was that she had died when Cassia was young.
• Kael leaned forward, arms crossed. “You think her mother was a vampire?”
• Edna nodded. “It would explain everything.”
• Cassia felt like she was going to be sick.
• A vampire?
• Her mother was a vampire?
• “No,” she whispered, shaking her head. “That can’t be right.”
• But deep down—she wasn’t sure if she believed that.
• Her father had kept her hidden her entire life.
• Had never let her train.
• Had never let her shift.
• And if her mother had been a vampire…
• Cassia swallowed hard.
• Everything started to make sense.
• Kael exhaled. “If that’s true, then your blood is even more dangerous.”
• Cassia’s head snapped toward him. “What do you mean?”
• Kael’s gaze was sharp.
• “Vampires crave power. If they find out you have vampire blood and a werewolf’s strength, they won’t just try to kill you.”
• Cassia’s breath hitched.
• “They’ll try to use you.”
• A chill ran down her spine.
• And the werewolves?
• They would never accept a half-blood.
• She had nowhere to go.
• Cassia clenched her fists.
• She was alone.
• Again.
• Edna’s voice was calm but firm. “You need to be careful, child. From this moment on, both sides will be after you.”
• Cassia sucked in a shaky breath. “Then what do I do?”
• Kael’s voice was low. “You find out the truth.”
• Cassia’s eyes flickered to him.
• He was serious.
• She swallowed hard. “You mean—”
• Kael nodded.
• “You find out who your mother was. You find out why your father kept you locked away.”
• Cassia hesitated. “And then what?”
• Kael met her gaze.
• “Then, you decide who you want to be.”