LOGINRue’s POV
I had grown accustomed to the weight of responsibility again. My fingers moved steadily against the scrolls as I transcribed new supply routes, treatment schedules, mutation containment updates, practically everything Percy had entrusted to me.
Percy sat behind me, one arm draped loosely around my waist, his presence warm and solid at my back. He had insisted I sit on his lap
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 POV “So ridiculous, ” Vicky said. “Trying to wriggle her way out of her own words? Coward. If she had even a shred of decency, she’d—”“—eat the damn dog poop?” I finished wryly, shaking my head.Vicky laughed loudly, drawing a few curious glances. “Exactly! But we both know she’ll never adm
Aiden’s POVThe room went silent when the sleeve slipped.Her arm. Her scars. The pale, blurred lines tore through my chest.For a moment, my lungs forgot how to breathe. My throat closed, my vision tunneled, and all I could see was Rue—standing there, clutching Iris to her chest, her face hard but
Rue’s POVThe hall held its breath. Every gaze was pinned on the elder clutching Marcus’s decision, the parchment trembling in his hands.“After due consideration…” his voice rang out, weighted and deliberate, “…Alpha Marcus has chosen to award the partnership to Percy’s company.”For a moment, a h
Rue’s POVThe night after Aiden’s call had been almost sleepless. His voice was a reminder that no matter how much distance I created, he still found ways to haunt me.I had stared at the ceiling for a long while, clutching my phone, weighing my options. The things left behind in that house weren’t







