Chapter 12: The Traitor’s Shadow

Sleep didn't come easily after the council meeting.

Every sound in the corridor outside my chamber pulled me awake. Every passing step made my heart race. The memory of hands dragging me into darkness lingered like a bruise on my mind.

Someone inside the pack had wanted me dead.

And they were still here.

Morning training was canceled. Instead, patrol wolves flooded the compound, moving in tense groups as Kael's orders spread through the territory. Wolves who once greeted each other openly now watched with suspicion.

Trust was breaking.

I found Kael in the strategy hall, leaning over a map spread across a large stone table. Rhen stood beside him, along with two patrol leaders.

Their conversation stopped when I entered.

"You shouldn't walk alone," Kael said immediately.

"I wasn't alone," I replied. "Half the pack is guarding every hallway."

Rhen gave a short nod. "True."

Kael didn't look convinced, but his attention returned to the map.

"Three attackers," he said. "All masked. All escaped east."

"Toward the unknown tracks?" I asked.

"Yes."

Rhen frowned. "But they knew patrol shifts. That information doesn't leave this room."

Silence fell.

Someone with authority had helped.

My stomach twisted.

"Have you found anything about Mira?" I asked.

Kael's jaw tightened. "She claims a wolf threatened her brother if she refused."

"Do you believe her?" I pressed.

"I believe someone is manipulating weaker pack members."

Before I could respond, shouting erupted outside.

A young guard burst into the room. "Alpha! We found something."

Kael straightened instantly. "Show me."

A crowd had gathered near the servant quarters.

Two wolves held another guard between them. Blood streaked his lip, and fear shone in his eyes.

"What happened?" Kael demanded.

One of the guards stepped forward. "He tried to leave the territory."

The captured wolf shook his head frantically. "I wasn't running! I swear!"

Kael's voice turned cold. "Then explain."

The wolf's gaze flicked nervously around the crowd before landing on me.

"They told me to deliver a message," he blurted.

Silence fell.

Kael stepped closer. "Who?"

"I don't know their names," he said quickly. "But they said if I didn't help, they'd kill my sister."

My pulse quickened. "What message?"

The wolf swallowed hard.

"They said... the submissive mate won't survive the next attempt."

A ripple of unease spread through the gathered wolves.

Kael's aura surged, suffocating in its intensity. Even the guards holding the prisoner shifted uneasily.

"Where were you supposed to deliver this message?" Kael demanded.

"To wolves outside the eastern ridge," the guard whispered. "They're waiting."

Shock tightened my chest.

The attack wasn't random. It was coordinated.

Rhen cursed quietly. "Someone inside is working with outsiders."

Kael turned to his commanders. "Lock down every exit. No one leaves."

The crowd dispersed quickly, fear spreading like wildfire.

I watched the trembling guard being dragged away. He looked more terrified than guilty.

"They're using fear," I murmured.

"Yes," Kael replied. "And fear spreads faster than loyalty."

Later, as patrols intensified and wolves whispered in corners, unease gnawed at me.

I stood alone on a balcony overlooking the training grounds, trying to steady my thoughts.

Footsteps approached behind me.

I turned, expecting Kael.

Instead, Lyria stood there. Her expression was unreadable.

"You're brave," she said quietly.

I stiffened. "Or foolish."

"Both, perhaps."

Silence stretched between us.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

Her gaze drifted across the compound. "Because wolves are dying in conflicts that don't concern them."

My pulse quickened. "You think this is my fault."

"I think," she replied carefully, "that someone is trying to replace Kael. And you're the easiest way to weaken him."

Cold realization washed over me.

"This isn't just pack jealousy."

"No," Lyria said softly. "This is politics."

Before I could question her further, Kael's voice cut through the air.

"Elara."

He strode toward us, his expression darkening when he saw Lyria.

"Leave," he ordered.

She inclined her head slightly and walked away without protest.

Kael turned to me. "What did she want?"

"To warn me," I admitted.

His jaw tightened.

"This is bigger than we thought," I continued. "Isn't it?"

He hesitated, then nodded. "Yes."

Fear curled in my stomach.

"Then what happens now?" I asked.

Kael's gaze hardened.

"Now," he said quietly, "we find out who's trying to take my pack."

A distant howl echoed across the territory.

Not a warning. A signal.

And somewhere in the shadows, the traitor was listening.