Caden gazed up at the bright moon overhead, his breath forming mist in the cold night air. The Obsidian Ridge, blanketed in snow, appeared beautiful yet deadly, hiding the dangers of its rough terrain. He took in the view silently, letting his mind drift.

It had been 28 years since the goddess Elyndra had chosen him as their leader, marking him with her divine symbol. From birth, he was destined to rule the hybrids and lead them to a better life. The crown he wore was heavy, and with the growing threat from humans—who saw hybrids as lesser beings and even tried to enslave them—his role had become more crucial than ever. The hybrids, living in harsh, barren lands no human would choose, were increasingly restless, their hatred and fear of humans intensifying with each passing day.

Caden rubbed his face roughly, his stress mounting. When his pack members called out his name, he was ready to snap at them if not for the important report—they had found a human near the borders. Without hesitation, he transformed, shortening the journey.

Shifting back to his human form near his destination, Caden expected a threat but found none. Instead, a malnourished human, clad in tattered rags, lay in the snow, on the verge of freezing to death. Caden's black eyes locked onto the human’s face, his mind racing. He knew he should be cautious, as bringing a human into their hidden sanctuary could bring disaster. But something about the human called to him, as if they were his other half. He picked the human up from the snow and gave the hybrids a cold, unwavering gaze, a warning to dare not argue with him.

Back at his residence, Caden's stern demeanor softened as he worked quickly to warm the human. Concern filled his features as he draped them in multiple fur blankets and placed them near the fire. He watched as the color slowly returned to their cheeks, his tension easing once their eyes fluttered open.

He gazed down at them with a gentle expression, careful not to startle them with his appearance. “You’re awake,” he said softly. “How do you feel?”