The next day dawned quietly, the morning light filtering through the windows of my room as I packed my belongings. It seemed the feast and gathering with the delegations had kept them all occupied, and Alpha Haynes had yet to return. His absence didn’t bother me; in fact, I welcomed it. It gave me the time I needed to prepare.
As I folded the last of my clothes, a document on the edge of the bed caught my eye. It was a proposal for an alliance with a group of wolves I hadn’t bothered to review. Something about them seemed suspicious, and I hadn’t wanted to waste my time on it. But now, as I held it in my hands, unease stirred in my chest. This report said that Leila trusted them, but from my knowledge, I knew she was not affiliated with any pack. No, it was not a pack... just a group of wolves whose aim, as per this document, was to gather powerful packs for the peace of the continent.
It was... too good to be true. But then, some were idealistic, were they?
Pushing the thought aside, I decided to head to the building where my office was, where Alpha Haynes, the elders, and Beta Ark also had their offices. If I could catch Beta Ark, perhaps I could at least lend this to him since I would leave this pack already.
When I reached his office, I noticed the door was slightly ajar. I was about to push it open when I heard voices from within. Instinctively, I stepped back and masked my presence, my heart pounding in my chest. It was a gift for a Lycan like me, the ability to hide not just my scent but also my very presence. I pressed myself against the wall, listening intently.
"Are you sure the Alpha of Bloodmoon Pack knows that his daughter is suffering here? Then why isn’t he making a move? He should be here right now, demanding to have his daughter back!" Leila’s voice was sharp, tinged with frustration.
I froze, my mind racing. What did they mean? Why would my father…?
Leila's voice continued, her tone lowering into something more sinister. "Wolves with Lycan lineage are very protective of their kind. If her father knew that Aeliana was suffering, he would make everyone suffer. But he's still not doing anything! The plan—"