Chapter 15

Rowan's POV

Five days have passed since the Moonlight Dance Festival,I’m officially assigned a shadow just after my little sparring session with Thoran.

Though I told the Alpha I didn’t care who it was, I can’t deny I’m relieved by his choice.

Beta Carlos.

Second-in-command to the Alpha, husband to Andrea—who happens to be close friends with Luna Chelsea. Even before everything happened, Beta Carlos was one of the few who didn’t treat me like dirt beneath his boots. We never spoke, but silence, I’ve learned, is far kinder than the venom others spit.

Since the announcement, he’s followed me like a silent sentinel. Every time I leave my room,rare as it is,he’s there. Quiet. Unassuming. Stoic, with the same unreadable expression his Alpha wears like armor. I’ve only left for the kitchen or to wander the gardens, but he’s always a few steps behind.

Today, though, I need more than air.

I need answers.

For three days, I’ve tried to recreate that strange surge of power I felt during the festival. I’ve burned my fingers trying to summon even a flicker of that light again,but nothing. So, I’ve decided to go to the one place I might find answers: the library.

I know what I’m risking. If anyone sees me reading about magic, it could be the final nail in my already half-buried coffin. But confusion and helplessness are worse enemies than gossip. I need to understand what’s happening to me.

I dress simply,an ash-grey dress with a matching hood to shadow my face. My hair falls freely, another layer of disguise, and I keep my gaze low as I prepare to leave. I don’t want to be recognized today,by anyone.

Driving would be easier, of course. But I don’t own a car, and Beta Carlos is my guard, not my chauffeur. I won’t ask him for more than I’m due.

When I open my door, he’s there,as always. If he finds my outfit strange, he doesn’t show it.

“I’m heading to the library to get a few books,” I inform him, like I always do when I leave my room.

A nod. No words.

I begin walking, and as expected, I hear the quiet rhythm of his steps behind me.

We make it through the pack house without drawing too many stares,a small victory I owe to my hood.

“Hold on,” he says suddenly, “I’ll grab my car from the garage.”

I blink, surprised. I’d already steeled myself for the long walk. Even wore sensible shoes.

“That’s alright,” I tell him. “I don’t mind walking.”

He rolls his eyes.

He rolled his eyes.

That's the most expression I've ever seen on his face when he's regarding me.

“I mind the walk,” he replies dryly. “Wait here. I’ll be quick.”

And just like that, I’m left staring after him, frozen in shock outside the pack house.

______________________________________

I’ve circled the romance section twice, trying to figure out how to send Beta Carlos away without raising suspicions. I need access to the history section. That’s where they keep the ancient texts,if there’s any information on magic, it’ll be hidden in there.

I’m not bold enough to flip open books about witches and power in front of the Alpha’s right hand. Carlos might not be a snitch, but he’s loyal,and i know he reports to Kael. Every night.

My fingers trail along the spines of the books until I pull one off the shelf, more out of strategy than interest. It has a charming title,something about moonlit love,but I barely glance at it.

I turn around. There he is. Of course.

“You know,” I say, gesturing toward the entrance, “you could sit outside at the café while I read. I doubt anyone’s going to poison me in a public library.”

He remains silent, expression unmoved.

“Fine,” I sigh, “but I should warn you,I’m picky. I could be here for hours.”

A twitch. Just the slightest raise of his eyebrow, and I know I've got him.

“I’ll be just outside. Call me if you need anything.”

He’d given me his number two days ago, not that it helps,I didn’t bring my phone. Most wolves don’t carry them. Why would we, when the pack link exists? Well, used to exist for me.

I nod, giving him a small smile. He leaves without another word.

I wait five full minutes before leaving the romance aisle.

Time is short,he’ll be back soon to check on me. I hurry toward the back of the library, where the old books are shelved. History never used to interest me, but now it feels like the only lifeline I have.

The older texts are tucked in shadowed shelves, worn but well-kept. Geraldine, the librarian, takes pride in this place. I run my fingers along the cracked leather spines, letting instinct guide me.

One book practically calls to me.

“The First Wolves.”

It might not mention magic directly, but something about it hums against my skin.

Another title catches my eye: “The Ancient History of Werewolves and Witches.”

Yes. This one.

Without hesitation, I slip them into my bag. I can’t risk checking them out, not with a record that can be traced.

Just as I’m about to leave the aisle, I hear voices. I freeze.

“She’s definitely not going to survive it,” says a woman.

“Isn’t that better for the pack?” another replies.

My heart stops.

“I mean... maybe. But what if it’s just a miracle? Then this pack will be killing two innocent lives?”

They're talking about me. I don’t need magic to know that.

"Hmm"

“I don’t know, Chas. Elvira isn’t exactly known for her... safety methods.”

Elvira? The witch? I thought I’d been spared that test. I was told it was too dangerous. That my life,and my child’s,would be at risk.

“Not much good deliberating on it now. She’s already been summoned,” the voice continues. “Ranbir said it’s been decided.”

No. No, no, no.

My eyes sting. My wolf whimpers inside me.

He would risk my life,and my baby’s,without telling me. Without asking. Without warning.

To please the Elders?

To test a theory?

To silence doubt?

How heartless is Alpha Kael?

I thought I was already numb. But this... this betrayal carves deeper than I expected.

Tears burn in my eyes, but I don’t let them fall.

Not here.

Not now.

I straighten my spine.

I will not go quietly to my death. I will not let them sacrifice me like some cursed offering.

I march out of the library, eyes scanning the street until I see him,Beta Carlos, standing by the car, just as stoic as always.

“Take me to the Alpha’s house,” I say, my voice sharper than he’s ever heard it. “I need to speak with him. Now.”

“Are you scheduled to see him today?” he asks, surprised.

“No. And I don’t care. Either he speaks with me, or I go to the Elders. I’m sure he doesn’t want that.”

Carlos studies me, his surprise barely concealed.

“Send word,” I demand. “Tell him I’m coming. Now.”