Whispers in the Shadows

The moon stood still low over the mansion, casting long blur shadows across the mansion. Within those shadows, secrets passed from one traitor’s mouth to another’s ear, reveling things.

Kieran stood near the east wing balcony, arms folded, eyes flicking toward the guard at the far post—Ronan’s spy. On the surface, the man looked like any other warrior: uniform crisp, stance disciplined, demeanor cold. But Kieran knew better.

He stepped away from the corner and walked toward the guard with the quiet confidence of someone in control.

“You’re off patrol in ten,” Kieran said under his breath, barely moving his lips. “Meet me by the storage cellar.”

No acknowledgment. Just a slight nod.

Ten minutes later, in the dimly lit storage cellar beneath the mansion, the two met—faces half-lit by flickering lanterns, truths sharper than the blades they carried.

“She’s getting too curious,” Kieran began, voice low. “Diva.”

The spy leaned against a crate, arms crossed. “About what?”

“Linan,” Kieran said. “She found a photo in Derek’s hidden room. She knows something isn’t right. She’s digging.”

“That’s dangerous,” the spy muttered. “Linan’s past is supposed to stay buried.”

Kieran’s expression darkened. “She’s not just curious—she’s determined. Said she’ll find her by any means necessary. And that’s not all…”

The spy raised a brow.

“She’s growing stronger,” Kieran added, jaw tight. “She fought Elise when a group tried to humiliate her. Didn’t just defend herself—she won. There was a moment… a flicker of power. It wasn’t normal. She’s changing.”

The spy was silent for a long moment, then spoke. “You think the bond is breaking?”

“I think whatever spell Ronan used is starting to backfire. She’s waking up. If we wait too long, we won’t be able to contain her.”

The spy narrowed his eyes. “Ronan will want to know everything. What about the other guards?”

“I’ve covered our tracks. No one suspects the bond is a lie. Yet. But if she keeps pushing, it’s only a matter of time.”

A heavy silence settled between them.

Then Kieran muttered, “This was supposed to be simple. Keep her suppressed. Distract Derek. Let Ronan finish the spell. But now…”

“She’s becoming a threat,” the spy finished.

Kieran nodded. “And I I'm sure Derek doesn't even notice anything.”

A soft creak echoed from the stairway behind them. They both turned their heads slightly—but not fast enough.

A slim figure stepped into the lantern’s light. Mira.

Her face was pale, her eyes wide with disbelief. “I knew something was off,” she said, voice shaky but strong. “But I never imagined it was you, Kieran.”

The spy straightened slowly. Kieran didn’t move.

“How long have you been standing there?” Kieran asked, voice like steel.

“Long enough to know you’re both traitors,” she snapped. “You’re working against Alpha Derek. Against the whole pack.”

She took a step closer. “Why? After everything he’s done for you?”

“You don’t understand,” Kieran said calmly. “You weren’t supposed to hear that.”

“Well, I did.” She clenched her fists. “And I’m not going to let it go. I’ll tell Derek everything. I’ll tell everyone.”

The spy laughed bitterly. “Do you have any proof?”

Mira hesitated.

“No?” he asked again, stepping forward. “Then it’s your word against ours. And guess what happens when a guard suddenly accuses two higher-ranked warriors of betrayal with no evidence?”

“She disappears,” Kieran said coldly.

Mira’s heart skipped. “You wouldn’t.”

“We would,” Kieran said. “And no one would even find your body.”

He took another step, his wolf flickering behind his gaze. “You’re brave, Mira. But bravery won’t protect you. Say one word to anyone… and we’ll make sure your death looks like an accident.”

“You’re monsters,” she breathed.

“No,” the spy said, his tone hard. “We’re survivors. And you should remember that before you speak.”

Mira looked between them, her breath shaky. “You won’t get away with this. The truth always comes out.”

“Maybe it does,” Kieran said, voice soft now. “But if it comes out with you behind it, we’ll make sure it looks like you were the traitor all along. You know what I’m capable of.”

For a moment, silence filled the room again. Only the sound of Mira’s breathing broke it.

Then Kieran stepped back. “Walk away. Keep your mouth shut. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll stay alive.”

Mira’s eyes didn’t leave them as she backed toward the stairs. Her mind was racing. She didn’t know what she would do—but she knew one thing.

She couldn’t trust anyone anymore.

And she couldn’t stay silent for long.