Xanthe returned to the pack's territory early the next morning, her mind racing with questions about Elias. Her uneasy thoughts were interrupted by the sight of her pack members whispering in hushed tones. As she approached, they quickly fell silent, their eyes avoiding hers.
"Is there something you'd like to share with me?" she asked, her voice firm.
One of the younger wolves hesitated before speaking. "Alpha Luna, there are rumors spreading… about your marriage."
Xanthe's stomach churned. "What rumors?"
"They say… they say Lynam has been seen with another woman. That he's been spending nights away from home."
Her blood boiled, though not at her pack. This had Michelle's and Elias's handiwork written all over it.
"Who started these rumors?" she demanded, her voice rising.
The young wolf looked down, unwilling to answer. Xanthe didn't push further, knowing it wouldn't do any good. Instead, she turned on her heel and headed straight for Lynam.
Xanthe stormed into their shared home to find Lynam sitting at his desk, his head buried in papers. He looked up as she entered, his expression tired but hopeful.
"Xanthe," he started, but she cut him off.
"Did you know the pack thinks you're cheating on me?"
Lynam's brows furrowed, and he stood up, crossing the room to close the distance between them. "What are you talking about?"
"Rumors, Lynam. Someone is spreading lies about you, about us." She threw her hands up in frustration. "And the worst part is, I don't know if I can even defend you right now."
His jaw tightened. "You think I would do that to you? After everything we've been through?"
"I don't know what to think anymore!" she shouted, her voice breaking. "You've kept so much from me, Lynam. How am I supposed to trust you when you won't even tell me the truth about who you are?"
He ran a hand through his hair, his frustration palpable. "You want the truth? Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."
Before she could respond, he took her hand and led her out of the house, towards the edge of the forest.