LOGINHaven’s POV
I held the supplement in a small white bottle. I shook out the capsule and pressed it into Blue’s palm.
“This is for your health,” I said, keeping my voice light, hoping she’d buy the lie. “You’ve been tired lately. This will help.”
Blue stared at the capsule as if it were a tiny, p
Rue’s POVThe first time I stood at the front of Blue’s classroom, chalk in hand, I felt like my plan was silently falling into place. Tiny chairs formed a semicircle before me, each occupied by a child whose legs dangled several inches above the floor, swinging with unspent energy.Children smelled different from adults. Their emotions were immediate and unfiltered, excitement, boredom, curiosity, frustration; all of it flickering openly across their faces without concealment.“Alright,” I said gently, kneeling to their eye level. “Today we’re going to play a game.”They leaned forward instantly.I had structured the lesson to be interactive, matching exercises disguised as adventure. It was about colors, and the kids loved it.Blue sat near the window.She had grown taller. Her hair fell loose around her shoulders. She watched me intently throughout the lesson, her gaze thoughtful in a way that made my chest ache.She didn’t recognize me. Of course she didn’t. She knew me as her tea
Haven’s POVSpring arrived quickly, and transitioning to it took time. The ice and snow broke in a slow way, but the cold still bit during the nights.I stood outside the academy gates, watching Blue disappear into the stream of uniformed children. I stood there for a long while, thinking how Blue had changed my life, before I decided to leave.I quickly convened a council’s meeting. As a commander in the pack, I had the authority of convening elder meetings whenever I thought so.“Thank you for coming.” I said when they settled into the hall chamber. “I won’t take much of your time,” They nodded, though their faces betrayed their real emotions.“I want to revisit the CDC District initiative. The neutral zone facility is expanding and I don’t want us to get left behind. Whoever secures operational control of the mutant wolf containment wing will receive primary funding. We cannot afford to lose that opportunity.”A pause.“We are aware,” one elder replied. “However, given recent… com
Rue’s POVPercy’s hand brushed mine briefly, as we left to meet a certain acclaimed researcher.“He’s probably left by now.” I said.“No, he said he’d wait for me before the conference afterparty ends.” he murmured, voice low.I nodded without bringing up further argument. The researcher was an important man and if we didn’t meet him today, we’d have to catch him at the next convention the following year.“Percy.” Percy stopped. I did too, a half-step behind him. We turned to face Aiden who for some reason hadn’t left.Aiden approached, his long strides impatient. His gaze flicked to me briefly. Then it slid away.“I’m not giving you Rue’s original plan.” Percy said impatiently.“I know,” Aiden said to Percy. “But I know something that will change your mind.”Percy’s posture shifted subtly, his body angling just enough to put himself between us. “Nothing will change my mind. I’ve already given you my answer.”“Just listen for a second,” Aiden snapped. “It is also to your benefit.”“
Rue’s POV“I know what you are up to Vance…what you were up to.” Sora told a visibly tense Vance.“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Vance replied.“Sure, I guess Haven is just as clueless as you.” Sora scoffed. “ I know what you did and what you are planning to do.”“I don’t know what you think you know but leave me out of it.” Vance said then left.The video cut at that point but it was enough to elicit enough whispers and rumors. Aiden turned to Haven then to Vance who stood a few meters away. He didn’t speak but his eyes said it all. I remained there long after the screen went dark.One elder, cleared his throat and laughed awkwardly.“that clip is only meant to discredit Luna Haven and our beta, Vance. It proves nothing.” he said loudly, as if volume could restore order. “Haven has managed clan affairs impeccably for years post-apocalypse. One clip, obviously manipulated, does not negate her capability.”His praise didn’t chase our the obvious suspicions.I watched Haven
Rue’s POVI sat very still as the meeting continued, my hands folded in my lap like any other nameless attendee.Percy did not relent.“If this compound suppresses rabid mutation,” he asked, “why does your data omit post-exposure relapse rates?”Haven froze for half a heartbeat too long. It was clear she didn’t even read through the proposal before presenting it.“I…those figures are still being compiled,” she said, her voice pitching higher than before.“And the spiritual backlash?” Percy continued. “Mutated wolves are not merely diseased. Their wolf spirits are destabilized. What ritual anchor are you proposing to pr
Rue’s POVThe elders’ hall was filled to capacity for the presentation. Due to the importance of the presentation, and its effect on the survival of the wolves and humans, the meeting was heavily followed.I walked inside with my head lowered, my shoulders slightly hunched, the way insignificant wolves carried themselves when they did not want to be noticed. The illusion spell clung to my skin, dulling my features, muting the glare of my eyes. The disguise was doing a perfect job.I took a seat among the audience.Around me sat commanders, healers, strategists, and elders from packs across the nation. Their scents tangled in the air, but anticipation was the strongest. Whenever the topic of the mutated rabid wolves arose, it became everyone’s concern instantly.
Rue’s POVIf I had known that one chance encounter at the mall would lead to this… I might have thought twice about agreeing. Yet when Percy’s calm but firm voice suggested dinner—“You and your friend should join me, bring her brother too if he’s free”—I had found myself nodding before I could eve
Aiden’s POVThe door banged open before I could even ask who dared disturb me. Haven stumbled in, cheeks flushed, eyes wide, clutching her phone like it was a hot coal.“Aiden—” she panted, thrusting the screen toward me. “Look at this. It’s everywhere.”I leaned back in my chair, deliberately unhu
Rue’s POVI had been busy for the past few weeks, not even getting the chance to go shopping. But today, I had time.The mall was moderately crowded, with opulent people walking around, flashing their designer brands while drawing large carts. Today, I had dragged Vicky along, her easy chatter and
Rue’s POVPercy turned to me immediately, shrugging off his coat and draping it over my shoulders.“Rue,” his voice softened. “Are you alright? Did he hurt you?”I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of his coat seep into my skin.“I… I’m fine,” I whispered, though my throat was raw. “I just… I just







