Quiet Truths, Loud Decisions

The room assigned to her was modest by pack standards, but warm.

Soft candlelight flickered against the stone walls as she sat on the edge of the bed, fingers clasped tightly in her lap, thoughts drifting between fear and hope. When the knock came, she was startled.

“Come in,” she said softly.

The door opened, and Knox stepped inside.

She rose immediately, bowing her head in respect, but he stopped her with a gentle lift of his hand.

“There’s no need,” he said quietly.

His gaze softened as he took in her anxious posture.

“I came to speak with you.”

Her heart skipped.

Knox didn’t waste time. “The investigation is complete,” he said. “You were innocent. Of everything.”

For a heartbeat, she didn’t react.

Then her shoulders sagged, and a shaky breath escaped her lips.

“I… knew… I was,” she whispered, as if afraid the truth might still vanish. Her eyes shimmered. “Thank you, Alpha. Thank you for believing in me when no one else did.”

Knox inclined his head. “Truth matters in my territory.”

She swallowed, emotion thick in her throat.

“I will never forget this,” she said sincerely.

Knox studied her for a moment, then continued, “In three days, you will begin training with the other she-wolves.”

Her head snapped up. “T-training?” she repeated, hesitation flooding her expression. “But… they might not accept me. They might see me as—”

“As what? As what Nightclaw called you?” Knox interrupted calmly.

She nodded, her hands tightening again.

Knox stepped closer—not invading her space, but close enough that his presence was grounding.

“In my pack,” he said evenly, “no one is judged by lies. Anyone who disrespects you answers to me.”

Her breath hitched.

“You won’t be alone,” he added.

The fear in her eyes slowly eased, replaced by something brighter.

Relief. Gratitude. Hope.

“Thank you,” she said again, this time smiling—a real smile that lit her entire face.

Knox felt something tighten in his chest.

For a moment, he considered telling her everything—the war, the danger, the storm approaching.

But when he saw that fragile happiness, he chose silence.

“There’s nothing more for tonight,” he said instead. “Rest well.”

She bowed again, lighter this time.

Knox turned and left.

As the door closed behind him, his expression hardened.

Three days. Enough time for war.

------

That same night, far to the north— in the Nightclaw Pack. 

The letter trembled in Finn’s hand. Not from fear—but from rage.

He read it again, jaw tightening with every line, every carefully chosen word from the Southern Region Alliance.

Stand down.

Withdraw your forces.

Any act of aggression will be considered rebellion against the united southern region packs.

The parchment crumpled violently in his fist.

“They dare,” he snarled. “They dare threaten me in my own territory?”

He hurled the letter across the chamber. It struck the stone wall and slid to the floor like a dead thing.

“This is Knox,” Finn growled, pacing back and forth. “This is his doing. Hiding behind alliances like a coward.”

“I will summon the elders,” he growled. “Now.”

Delon, standing near the window, remained calm. Too calm.

“Calling another emergency council meeting would not benefit you right now, Alpha,” Delon said smoothly.

Finn whirled around. “And what would you suggest instead, Beta?”

Delon inclined his head respectfully. “The elders are already unsettled. If they sense hesitation, doubt will spread.”

Finn’s lips curled. “Hesitation?”

Delon stepped forward, voice lowering, deliberate. “The alliance is testing you. They want to see if you are weak enough to bend.”

Finn’s chest rose sharply.

“I am the Alpha of Nightclaw,” he said harshly. “I do not bend to a traitor's demands.”

“Exactly,” Delon replied. “Calling the elders again will make it seem as though you need permission before doing anything. You don’t.”

Finn stopped pacing. Silence stretched.

Then Delon added, quietly, “Knox has always relied on others to fight his battles. You were chosen to lead alone.” Delon stepped closer, voice lowering. “You are the Alpha. Since when do you bow to outsiders?”

That did it. Finn’s pride flared violently.

The old fear—buried deep, denied for years—twisted into fury.

“How dare they?” Finn snarled.“He thinks he can hide behind councils and alliances?” Finn scoffed. “Let him come. I will crush him and that bitch together.”

Delon smiled faintly.

“Then the war continues,” Finn declared. “Regardless of their warnings.”

Delon bowed. “A wise decision, Alpha.”

That night, Finn went to Delilah.

Her chamber was dimly lit, soft amber glow dancing across the walls. She stood by the window when he entered, the moonlight outlining her figure—elegant, distant.

“My Luna,” Finn said, approaching her.

She turned, offering a gentle smile that never reached her eyes.

“You seem troubled,” she said softly.

“The alliance has shown its hand,” Finn replied, pulling her into his arms. “They think I’ll retreat.”

Her fingers rested lightly against his chest. “And will you?”

“Never.”

She studied him for a moment. “Then you must be strong.”

Finn kissed her forehead. “With you beside me, I am.”

Later, when his desire turned demanding and she pulled away, exhaustion etched carefully into her expression, Finn frowned.

“Delilah…” he said, irritation creeping into his tone. “I need you tonight.”

“I’m tired,” she replied calmly. “The pack's expectations are exhausting… I need rest.”

Something dark flickered in his eyes.

“Ever since you were crowned, you’ve been distant, making excuses all the time!” he accused.

Her gaze hardened for a brief second before softening again. “Is that what you think?”

He stepped closer. “You’re my Luna for goodness sake, and I need you tonight.”

“I am,” she said evenly. “But I am still allowed to say no.”

The word struck his pride like a blade.

Frustration overtook reason.” I am not taking your excuses tonight”

“What are you doing? Finn! Let me—”

When it was over, silence filled the room—thick and suffocating.

Finn pulled back, horror slowly replacing heat.

“Delilah…” His voice broke. “I didn’t mean—”

Delilah lay still, staring at the ceiling.

“What have I done?” Finn whispered hoarsely.

She glanced briefly and Guilt crashed over him.

“I’m sorry,” he said urgently. “I swear, I never wanted to hurt you.”

He rose hastily, opening a carved chest near the wall and pulling out a velvet case.

“These,” he said, pressing it into her hands. “Rare ornaments. From the Eastern Isles. Please… forgive me.”

She looked at the jewels, then at him.

After a long pause, she nodded.

“I forgive you,” she said softly.

Relief flooded his face.

“Then, can I sleep in your chamber tonight?” He asked and she simply nodded.

He stayed the night, holding onto the illusion that he was still in control.

But Delilah did not sleep.

Each time she woke, she turned her head slowly, watching him breathe beside her.

Her jaw tightened.

Her fingers curled into the sheets.

You took something you never deserved, she thought coldly. And you think jewels can erase it?.

Her hatred for him deepened into something cold and lethal.

Enjoy your crown while you can, she vowed silently.

Because you won’t die so easily.

She closed her eyes, calm once more.

After all— His days were numbered.

And this time, she meant it.