Chapter 116:
That night, I barely slept, my mind racing with thoughts of betrayal, of unseen threats lurking within our own ranks. The markings on the trees haunted me, a reminder that Silas’s scouts had crossed into our territory with ease, that they were watching, waiting for us to falter.
The following morning, I rose before dawn, moving through the compound to check on each station, each wolf assigned to watch over the borders. My presence seemed to ease some of the tension, wolves nodding respectfully, their eyes bright with determination. Despite the fear, the pack was ready, committed to the cause.
As I made my way to the western border, Dante joined me, his gaze steady but shadowed with the same exhaustion I felt. He had been awake all night, coordinating the patrols, reinforcing every vulnerable point.
“Any sign of movement?” I asked quietly as we neared the edge of the territory.
He shook his head.
“Nothing yet. But the wolves are on edge. They know Silas is close, and they’re worried about the possibility of a spy.”
“Then we need to show them that we’re stronger than his threats,” I replied, my voice filled with resolve.
“If Silas wants to use fear against us, we’ll turn that fear into focus, into strength. We’ll make it clear that nothing can shake our unity.”
Just as I spoke, a faint sound caught my attention—a low, rustling noise just beyond the trees. I signaled for Dante to stay silent, listening as the noise grew closer, a figure sliding through the shadows, moving with careful stealth.
I held my breath, watching as the figure came into view—a young wolf from our own pack, his eyes wide with fear as he looked around, his movements furtive, nervous.
I recognized him: his name was Finn, one of our newer recruits, a wolf who had been quiet, unassuming, often keeping to himself.
“Finn?” I called out, stepping forward, my voice firm. He froze, his eyes widening in panic as he saw me, his body tensing as if preparing to run.
“What are you doing out here?” I asked, keeping my tone steady but unyielding.
“This isn’t your assigned area.”
He stammered, his gaze darting between me and Dante, his posture shrinking under our scrutiny.
“I… I was just… I thought I heard something. I was checking the perimeter.”
I narrowed my eyes, sensing the unease radiating from him.
“Without notifying your patrol leader? Without backup?”
He swallowed hard, his gaze dropping to the ground.
“I didn’t think… I just… I wanted to help.”
Dante stepped forward, his expression unreadable as he studied Finn.
“We have strict orders, Finn. No one is to move alone, especially near the border.”
Finn’s face flushed with guilt, and I could see the fear in his eyes, the sense of being cornered. But something about his reaction, his hesitation, felt off, as if there were more beneath the surface.
“Are you in contact with someone, Finn?” I asked, my voice soft but firm.
He hesitated, a flicker of panic flashing in his eyes before he quickly shook his head.
“No, Alpha. I would never… I’m loyal to Talon Pack. I swear it.”
I studied him for a long moment, my instincts prickling with doubt, but I knew pressing him further now would only make him retreat.
“Very well. But from now on, you stay within your assigned area, and you don’t move without your patrol leader’s knowledge. Do you understand?”
He nodded quickly, relief evident in his face as he mumbled an apology before hurrying back toward the compound.
Dante watched him go, his expression thoughtful.
“Do you think he’s involved?”
