MATED WITH THE FORBIDDEN ALPHA 의 모든 챕터: 챕터 11 - 챕터 20

Kael had read the patrol report three times. Something was wrong. The western patrol had been scheduled to return before sunset, yet the attack had occurred almost two hours earlier than expected. According to the official records, Ronan had approved the route change himself. But Ronan denied giving that instruction. Kael placed the report on his desk. “Bring me the original patrol register.” The guard at the door bowed and left. Across the room, Ronan stood with his arms folded, his expression unusually tense. “You think someone altered the records,” he said. “I think someone wants me to believe you did.” “And if the records prove otherwise?” “Then we'll know someone has access to information they shouldn't.” Ronan hesitated. “There is something else, Alpha.” Kael looked up. “The surviving warrior wasn't the only one who heard that name. One of the missing men knew about the patrol change. He questioned it before we left.” “Why wasn't that included in the report?” “B

The alarm bells had not stopped ringing when Lyra reached the courtyard. Warriors moved in every direction, some heading towards the gates while others searched the buildings. The usual evening noise of Nightfang had vanished beneath shouted orders and hurried footsteps. “What's happening?” she asked Seth, who was tightening the strap on his weapon. “Beta Ronan is missing.” Lyra stared at him. “Missing? Since when?” “No one knows. His guards found his quarters empty. His weapons are still there.” A cold feeling settled in her stomach. The message beneath the missing patrolman's bed returned to her thoughts. The next body will be the Beta's. “Have they searched the western road?” she asked. “They're searching everywhere.” Seth caught her arm before she could move. “Don't get involved. Darius has already ordered that you remain in your quarters.” “Why?” “Because he thinks you know more than you're telling us.” Lyra pulled her arm free. “Then he can ask me questions instead

“Speak, Ronan.” Kael's voice was quiet, but the anger beneath it was unmistakable. The clearing had gone still. Two guards stood behind Varek, while Lyra watched from beside the fallen tree. She had never seen Kael look at his Beta this way. Ronan lowered his eyes. “Three winters ago, I received an order to change the patrol route.” “From whom?” Kael demanded. “Your father.” Kael's expression hardened. “My father?” “He said there was intelligence suggesting Ashen Moon wolves were gathering near the northern ridge. He wanted us to investigate before they crossed into our territory.” “And you followed the order.” “Yes.” Varek laughed bitterly. “Tell him the rest.” Ronan's jaw tightened. “The route was changed shortly before we left. I was told to take seven additional warriors through the northern passage. But when we reached the ridge, we found no Ashen Moon patrol. Only an empty clearing.” “What happened?” “An ambush.” Kael stepped closer. “Who attacked you?” “I ne

Darius read the message twice.They found the warning. Move before they do.He held the paper over the flame of his desk candle. The edges caught fire, curling inward until the words disappeared beneath the smoke.For several seconds, he watched the ashes fall.Then he rang the small bell beside his desk.A guard entered.“Send word to Captain Varek. I want to see him tonight.”The guard hesitated. “Captain Varek is being held under watch, sir.”“Then find someone who can deliver a message without attracting attention.”“Yes, sir.”“And make sure nobody knows you came here.”The guard bowed and left.Darius leaned back in his chair.Kael had found the letter. That was unfortunate, but not yet disastrous. The document was old, and an old warning did not prove who had betrayed the patrol.What mattered was ensuring they never found the rest.Lyra was still in Kael's office when Ronan arrived.“I've arranged for a messenger to travel to Ashen Moon,” he said. “He can deliver a letter to M

Lyra barely waited for Kael's permission before heading towards the western gate. “Lyra, wait.” She stopped when Kael caught up with her. “You don't know who is waiting outside,” he said. “The guard said her name is Mara.” “And anyone could use that name.” Lyra swallowed her impatience. He was right. The last thing they needed was to walk into another trap. Kael signalled to the guards. “Open the smaller gate. Keep the main entrance secured.” Two warriors moved into position while Ronan approached from behind. “I'll come with you,” he said. Together, they stepped outside. A woman stood several feet from the entrance, her dark cloak dusty from the journey. Her hair was partly covered, and one sleeve had been torn near the elbow. But Lyra recognised her immediately. “Mara?” The woman lifted her head. “Lyra.” Lyra rushed towards her, then stopped just before embracing her. “What happened? We were told you were no longer in Ashen Moon.” Mara glanced at Kael and the warri