Chapter 7- THE LIE SPREADS

Morning came, but it brought no relief. The cage was finally found just after sunrise. By then the story had already spread through the pack.

‘Nora had lured Rhett into the dangerous part of the forest.’

‘Nora had ignored the trial rules.’

‘Nora had endangered the future Alpha.’

I heard the whispers before I even climbed out of the pit.

“Why would she do that?”

“She wanted attention.”

“Maybe she planned the whole thing.”

My stomach twisted.

Rhett climbed out first, then turned and offered me his hand. I took it. We got out and were taken back to the pack.

The moment my feet touched the ground Rhett looked across the clearing. Then he found her. Cassia stood beside the rescuers with a worried expression carefully painted on her face.

Rhett’s expression hardened. “You.”

Cassia blinked innocently. “Rhett, thank the Moon Goddess you’re safe.”

He stepped toward her. “You lied.”

The clearing went silent. Cassia’s expression changed for only a second. “What are you talking about?”

“I heard you last night. Every word.”

Her eyes widened. “I don’t understand.”

“You told them Nora ran off alone in the opposite direction.”

“I only told them what I saw.”

“You knew she was with me.”

Cassia shook her head. “No, I didn’t.”

Rhett’s anger rose. “You trapped us.”

A murmur moved through the crowd. Cassia looked around, then back at him with perfect confusion. “Why would I ever do that to you?”

“Because you wanted Nora trapped, tell the truth.”

“I would never hurt my sister.”

The words sounded perfect. Too perfect. I watched the pack exchange uncertain looks. Cassia had led the rescuers directly to the cage. She had warned them where to search. To everyone else that made her look helpful, not guilty.

Rhett pointed at her. “She did it.”

One of the warriors frowned. “But Cassia was the one who found the trail.”

Another added, “She led us here.”

Rhett looked furious. “That doesn’t make her innocent.”

Cassia’s eyes filled with tears. “I was trying to find Nora.”

I almost laughed. She was good. Too good.

Alpha Gideon stepped forward. “Enough.”

His voice silenced everyone. He looked at Rhett. “Come with me.”

“Alpha—”

“Now!”

Rhett glanced at me once before following him into a separate cabin. The moment the door closed the whispers started again.

“She endangered him.”

“She should be punished.”

“What was she thinking?”

I lowered my eyes.

Then Cassia approached. She still wore the same worried expression she had shown everyone else.

“Nora,” she shouted and ran towards me like a caring sister. “Are you all right?”

I looked at her. “What's your aim for doing this, you already have everything. Why—”

Her smile disappeared then she whispered. “Be careful.”

I said nothing. She leaned closer so only I could hear. “You would have remained in that cage if Rhett wasn't being searched for.”

My heart tightened. “You wanted me—”

“I wanted you out of the Trial. I didn’t expect Rhett to follow you.”

“So you lied.”

Her eyes sharpened. “And now everyone believes me.”

She stepped back before anyone could notice, then raised her voice. “I’m just glad you’re safe, sister.”

The act returned instantly. A few people nearby nodded sympathetically.

I wanted to tell them the truth but who would believe me. I just walked away instead.

Inside the cabin I could only imagine what Alpha Gideon was saying. Rhett had always been treated like the pack’s pride. Now he had returned from the Trial with a story that sounded impossible to them. A future Alpha accusing his chosen partner’s sister without proof was never going to be enough.

When the cabin door finally opened, Rhett looked more tired than angry. He walked straight to his cabin without looking at me. I could imagine the discussion didn't end well.

The Hunt Trial was officially ended. There would be no victory for Rhett and me.

The elders gathered everyone near the main fire. Cassia stood beside Derek, smiling. The Head Elder held the prize, a small silver pendant resting inside a wooden box. It was old, rare, and said to carry the blessing of the Elders.

“The winners of this year’s Hunt Trial are Cassia and Derek.”

Applause filled the clearing. I stood at the back. Cassia accepted the pendant with both hands. She looked directly at me while the Elder placed it around her neck. Her smile said everything. She had won. Not because she was better, but because she had made sure I couldn’t finish.

Derek looked proud beside her. I forced myself not to react.

The rest of the day passed slowly. Everywhere I went I heard the same whispers. Some people avoided me. Others stared. A few looked at me with open disgust.

By evening I returned to my room exhausted. I had barely sat down when a pack servant appeared at the door.

“Nora.”

I looked up. “Yes?”

She held out a leather case. “You were instructed to take Rhett’s blade to him.”

I stared at the case. “His blade?”

She nodded.

I stood slowly and took it from her. “Where is he?”

“In his cabin.”

I looked toward the dark window. Then I tightened my grip around the leather case and walked out into the night.

When I got to the cabin. The door to the small cabin was slightly open. I raised my hand to knock, then froze.

A low, rough sound came from inside. “Nora…”

My name. Spoken like he was breathless.

I should have left. Instead I stepped closer. Through the gap I saw him. Rhett sat on the edge of the bed, shirt gone, head tilted back. One hand moved hard and fast around himself. His breathing was uneven. His jaw was clenched.

He was masturbating with me on his mind. Heat flooded between my legs immediately.