Chapter 52: The Hunt Begins. Oliver POV

There was tension in the room. The air was heavy with the leftover smell of fear and desperation. The creak of the wood reverberated through the still room as I relaxed in my chair. My eyes fell on the sheet of paper in front of me, a hurriedly written report from one of my scouts. Lucas was no longer there. Anna had gotten away. In my head, the two names swirled like a tempest, and I sensed the beginnings of a rage that pleaded to be let loose.

"Useless fools," I growled, slamming the paper down on the desk. The scout in front of me was scared by the sound, his shoulders shaking and his head bent. "Your only duty was to watch for Lucas. And yet here I am, reading about his treachery on paper. Explain yourself."

The scout's words were a tangled mix of justifications as he stammered. "We didn't expect him to..."

"To what? To run?" I got up from my chair and let out a growl. "Lucas was never one to settle in one place, and you expected him to sit happily like a lapdog? You underestimated him. And now we've lost both him and the omega because of your stupidity."

The scout's silence was sufficient answer. I waved my hand dismissively, my patience at an end. I was left alone with my thoughts as he rushed out of the room. Just me and my rage.

"Anna." Like a curse, the name left my lips. My Luna, Amelia, was attacked by the little omega who tried to challenge me. She misjudged me, but she thought she could escape from me. They all did. As I paced the room, thinking about what to do next, a sneer formed on my lips. Her growth would be limited. I was going to put a reward on her head, but not yet.

"Mark!" My voice boomed across the hallway as I called out.

My beta appeared a few moments later, looking as grim as ever. "Alpha," he said, bowing. "What are your orders?"

"Send word to the allied packs," I ordered. "I want Anna found. Put up a reward for catching her alive." I paused, my grin increasing, and said, "As for Lucas, offer double for his head."

An understanding flared in Mark's eyes. "It will be done."

I stopped him as he turned to leave. "And Mark? Make it clear that I will be furious with anyone who protects them."

He nodded before disappearing down the hallway to carry out my orders. The situation weighed heavy on me as I leaned back in my chair. I couldn't help but be insulted by Anna's escape. Not only because of what she had done to Amelia but also because of what she represented. Her mark was more than just a sign. It was dangerous. A challenge to my power.

"You're brooding again," Amelia's voice stopped my thoughts.

I turned to see her standing in the doorway, the faint glow of the candles illuminating her frame. She was still healing from the injuries Anna had caused, and she looked pale. Her eyes were keen and her tone was warning. "Don't underestimate her."

I laughed, but the laughter was not funny. "Underestimate her? Hardly. She's merely an omega. She's no match for me, marked or not."

Amelia took a step forward, her face somber. "Oliver, she's not just an omega. That mark is connected to something old. Something strong. If you're not careful, it could be your downfall."

I got up and walked across the room to her. "My downfall? Don't be stupid. She's a scared little girl trying to escape her fate. And Lucas? He's a fool who's unsure about his loyalties. They're merely pawns in a game they cannot understand."

Amelia's lips formed a thin line, but she stayed silent. She knew better than to argue with me when I was like this. Instead, she turned to leave, her closing words hanging in the air. "Remember, Oliver. The marked are never truly alone."

Her warning gnawed at the edges of my awareness as I returned to my work. Alone, I let my mind wander to Anna. The fire in her eyes when she had stood up to Amelia. The defiance that had made her run. She was more than just a bother. She was a task. And I took problems seriously.

I spent hours choosing what to do next. The map in front of me showed several possible hideouts where Anna and Lucas might seek cover. I would send scouts to each one, ensuring everything was checked. They couldn't stay secret forever.

A knock on the door interrupted my thinking. "Enter," I ordered.

Mark entered with a grave attitude. "The messages have been sent. But there's something else."

"What is it?" I asked.

"There's been talk among the elders," he said slowly. "About the mark. They're... concerned."

I raised an eyebrow. "Concerned? About an omega?"

"About what she represents," Mark explained. "The mark is tied to prophesy. To power. If she's allowed to grow into it..."

I raised my hand to stop him. "She won't. I'll see to that personally."

Mark paused before nodding. "As you say, Alpha."

After he left, I leaned back in my chair, feeling the weight of the situation fall upon me once more. Anna might have been marked, but she was still just a girl. A girl who had made the mistake of betraying me. And I would make sure she paid the price.

"If she's marked, she's mine to break," I said to the empty room, my grin returning.