The rumors began as faint and difficult to detect at first, like whispers on the wind, but they became louder every day. I started to notice the change in the atmosphere as people looked over their shoulders and talked in low voices. There was a strain in the air that made every word seem weighty and every gaze suspicious.
At first, I told myself it was merely paranoia spreading among the pack members, and I didn't want to believe it. However, my heart skipped a beat when I heard one of the guards murmuring about "betrayal" and "traitors lurking within." I was too familiar with that voice. And I knew he was returning as soon as I heard it.
Alec.
