LOGINRUNE'S POVThe moment word reached the Oxen stronghold that Logan lived, the air itself turned to icicles in my nose.The rumours seeped through the walls like poison, mixing with the first rumours of what happened between Logan and I.From when the news of me stabbing him began to circulate, I could feel the multiple disapproval through the mind link…but no one dared to confront me. Not until the gathering that was orchestrated by Egan.By the time I entered the great hall, the tension was thick enough to be cut through. Voices rose above others as the people argued, their voices echoing through the walls.“He’s alive, and that's a good thing for us!” one barked.“Then what’s the point if we're still going to war?” another spat.“You should ask the Alpha that! Every pack from here to the coast will see us as rabid for what he did!” It was an elderly wolf that said it, of course. They were the only ones with enough courage to say some of the things most couldn't.Their words slammed i
AELLA'S POV "There is a traitor amongst us.”A murmur swept through the group as Redmond’s voice carried through the hallmI felt my pulse kick hard underneath my skin, and I swallowed as I tried to maintain my composure. The long oak table between us looked suddenly too small to hold all that tension circulating.Redmond stood at the head, with a taut posture and a cold expression on his face. “Rune knows the alpha survived his attack, and that news got to him from someone within our city and pack.”“But how do we know for sure?” Farrow asked, looking genuinely bothered by the revelation.“We have an eye in the Oxen pack,” Redmond answered.“So that means there's also a traitor in Oxen?” Zade blurted out and I shook my head as I looked straight at him.“Gods, you're such a dud.”“It was a simple question, Aella,” he replied hotly, “no need for your wicked flippancy.”I eyed him coldly, then looked away as Redmond began to speak.“Your assessment is correct, Zade. Oxen also harbours
LOGAN'S POV Pain was the first thing that greeted me as I slowly gained consciousness.A slow, pulsing throb in my side that spread like wildfire every time I tried to breathe too deeply. There was also the harsh taste of metal and bitterness in my mouth, clinging to my tongue as though they were one.I slowly peeled my eyes open to dim light and the faint scent of pine smoke and slowly, very slowly, recognition creeped into my consciousness.My ceiling. My room…I wasn’t dead!“About time,” a voice murmured beside me, bursting through my haze of joyful realisation.I swiftly turned my head too fast, and regretted it immediately. The world spun for a heartbeat and the throbbing at the sides of my head, increased,before settling.And then I saw her.Raven sat beside the bed, elbows on her knees, chin resting in her palms as she studied me with an expression that made my chest tighten worriedly.“You know you could've just told me if you didn't want to deal with me anymore, instead of
RAVEN'S POV The day dragged on longer than usual, until I began to inwardly question if something was wrong with the universe.And by the time the sun reached its highest point over Blood Nest, I’d already checked the courtyard twice, the training field three times, and the council room four times.Each time telling myself I would find him now, even forcing myself to feel some excitement at the thought, until I'd open the door only to begreeted by an empty room.By sundown, the truth had begun to press against my ribs like a secret trying to claw its way out.Logan wasn't in Blood Nest.He’d probably left before dawn because although I woke up very early, I still didn't see him.The hearth in his room had gone cold, and there was no sign he'd slept in his room except for his faint scent on the pillows.“Still no word?” Aella asked gently when she found me pacing the drawing room, arms folded so tightly across my chest I could feel my pulse beating through them.“No, nothing yet.” I
LOGANThe letter sat on my desk like a heavy curse, Rune’s signet ontop of it.He’d accepted my invitation to meet at the valley of the lost. And for some reason, I felt weird about it instead of relieved.Perhaps because I hadn't thought he'd agree, I was surprised he even responded to my letter.He'd told me not to bring any men, since he too was coming alone. A completely unnecessary request as I was already planning on going alone anyways.But amidst my turmoil, one stood out taller amongst the others.I hadn’t told Raven about any of this.Today, each time she asked what was wrong whenever I kept looking at her as I battled the urge to tell her not, I'd respond with a smile and say “nothing, don't worry.”Redmond's knock came once, then he pushed the door open and stepped inside with a blank expression.“I went looking for you at the drawing room,” he began, moving closer to the desk. “You still owe me a game of chess.”“Sit down, Red,” I replied. “I have other things on my mind.
AELLA'S POV IfI had a moonstone for every single time Zade annoyed me, I could build a fortress higher than Blood Nest’s walls.“Do you two ever stop talking?” Farrow groaned, dragging his spear along the dirt as we circled the eastern wing. “I swear, the two of you together are like thunder and lightning. So damn loud, destructive, and in my opinion, entirely unnecessary.”“Hey!” Zade and I cried out.Then Zade flashed him that smug half-smile I’d come to associate with bad decisions. “I’m thunder though, right?”“No, you are a moron,” I spat out automatically.“I wasn't even talking to you, banshee.”Before I could retort, Farrow stopped walking and turned toward Redmond, who stood near the gate scribbling notes on the patrol logs. “Redmond, for the love of everything wholesome, please switch me. Put me with literally anyone else. These two will be the death of me.”The beta didn’t even bother look up. “You three work well together. There will be no switch till further notice.”“No







