At first, the news was merely whispers and murmurs that floated through the pack, barely audible. However, the tension persisted, growing, a ripple that became more intense every day. This time, Alec wasn't the only factor causing the problem. Like a shadow hiding just out of sight, this was different and more subdued.
Then her name came to me.
Elaine.
At first, I couldn't believe it. She had been gone for so long that she had somehow slipped my mind in the midst of Alec's upheaval. Now, though, her presence weighed heavily on the atmosphere, akin to a storm looming over the horizon.
I made an effort to dismiss it, telling myself that she wouldn't dare return at this time. However, as the days went by, an increasing number of pack members started acting strangely; those who had always supported Lucien and stuck by him through thick and thin were suddenly beginning to distance themselves from him, their allegiance to him eroding.
