Chapter 5

*Adrian *

 Many lives were lost in the unexpected war. Brave soldiers fell while protecting their families, helpless children who could not run, pregnant wives, and even guests who had come only to celebrate.

 It was a great calamity.

 Wives clutched the lifeless bodies of their mates, crying until their voices broke. Mothers collapsed over their dead children. The sight was too painful to endure. It would take years before the pack recovered from this devastation.

 I rushed to my parents.

 By some miracle, they were unharmed. My father had shielded them through the worst of the battle, refusing to fall no matter the cost.

 One by one, wolves shifted back to human form, grabbing whatever clothing they could find. This is why wolves always keep spare clothes nearby.

 Then I looked at Hazel.

 She was still unconscious.

 I had no choice but to knock her out earlier — it was the only way to stop her from running into danger.

 We summoned neighboring packs for support and protection. Warriors began clearing the battlefield and carrying away the fallen. My mother and Ariana returned to their chambers while I carefully lifted Hazel into my arms.

 “Did she get hurt during the fight?” my father asked when he saw me.

 “No… she’s…” I hesitated, unsure how to explain without revealing the truth.

 His gaze shifted. “What is that backpack on her back? Was she trying to escape?”

 “No, Father… it’s not like that,” I said quickly, but his commanding tone made it impossible to lie.

 Hazel stirred in my arms and began coughing weakly, her fingers clutching my sleeve.

 “What’s happening to her?” my father demanded.

 *Hazel*

 With Adrian’s support, I tried to stand, but before I could speak, the Alpha’s voice thundered.

 “You tried to escape.”

 The truth crashed down on me.

 The battle was over.

 My secret was exposed.

 “Alpha, please forgive me,” I whispered, sinking to my knees.

 “You will be punished for this,” he said coldly, “but now is not the time. Guards — take her to the dungeon.”

 The uninjured guards seized me and dragged me away.

  *Alpha Bruno*

 I had failed as an Alpha.

 My people looked to me for protection, and I had allowed war to reach our home.

 “You will wipe your tears and stand strong,” I growled to the pack. “I swear we will avenge every life that was lost tonight.”

 I returned to my study and immediately began arranging shelter for those whose homes were destroyed.

 Soon after, I summoned the Beta and the pack elders.

 “The attackers were not rogues,” I said. “One of the packs betrayed us and violated our alliance.”

 “I believe it was the Dark Silver Pack,” Adrian said, presenting the evidence. “Their scent was everywhere. I also found silver weapons and armor in the forest — only they can wield silver without harm.”

 The Dark Silver Pack was the head of all packs.

 I had no memory of any dispute between us.

 “How could they attack us without warning?” I slammed my fist on the table. “If this is true, then I will confront them personally.”

 “Then I will go with you,” my Beta said firmly.

 This was the only path left if I wanted to protect my people from further bloodshed.

 We departed at dawn.

 The journey took less than two days in wolf form. Without the guards and security stationed around the territory, one would never know a pack resided there — it was hidden deep within the woods.

 Their Alpha King was infamous.

 A brutal ruler.

 A man of darkness.

 A being who killed without mercy and punished without hesitation.

 He never attended pack meetings and had no mate or heir. Rumors claimed he was cursed from birth. Others whispered that he favored men, for he had never been seen with a woman.

 When we reached their borders, I announced, “We demand an audience with the Alpha King.”

 One of the guards bowed slightly. “The Alpha King has been in the woods for four full moons. No one knows when he will return.”