After the council session, tension hung heavy in the air. Xanthe and Lynam returned to their home, both aware that the victory in the council chamber was temporary. They were fighting a war on two fronts—against the visible threat of rogue attacks and the insidious schemes of their own family.
Lynam poured himself a glass of water, his hand trembling with restrained anger. "Elias won't stop. He'll double down after today."
Xanthe crossed her arms, pacing. "And with Alex and Michelle fueling the flames, the pack is already divided. We're losing their trust."
"We need a plan that exposes them without revealing too much about us. The pack isn't ready to know about the supernatural, and if Alex or Michelle even get a hint..." Lynam's voice trailed off, the unspoken consequences clear.
Xanthe nodded, her mind racing. "We have to be smart. We'll need someone on the inside—someone who can pretend to support Elias, Alex, and Michelle but report back to us."
Lynam arched a brow. "You're thinking of Aisha, aren't you?"
Xanthe hesitated. "She hates me, but she also hates losing. If we can make her think Elias is playing her too, she might switch sides."
"She's your sister. Do you really trust her with this?"
"No," Xanthe admitted. "But right now, we don't have many options."
Later that evening, Xanthe arranged to meet Aisha in secret at a secluded part of the estate. The air was crisp, tension palpable as the two sisters stood across from each other.
"What do you want?" Aisha's tone was sharp, suspicious.
Xanthe took a deep breath. "I know you hate me. But you're being used. Elias, Alex, Michelle—they don't care about you. They're just using you to bring me down."
Aisha narrowed her eyes. "And why should I believe you?"
"Because when they're done with me, they'll turn on you. You think Elias will let you share power? He's manipulating everyone, even Alex and Michelle, and they don't even know the full story. But I do."
Aisha crossed her arms. "If you know so much, prove it."
Xanthe stepped closer. "Elias has been working with rogues. He's the one behind the attacks, framing me and Lynam. You know the truth when you hear it, Aisha. He's playing all of us."
Aisha studied Xanthe for a long moment, then finally spoke. "If I find out you're lying…"
"You won't," Xanthe interrupted. "We need you. The pack needs you."
Reluctantly, Aisha nodded. "Fine. But don't expect me to trust you overnight
Meanwhile, Elias kept spread whispers throughout the pack, planting doubts in every corner.
"I heard Xanthe's leadership is cursed," one pack member murmured.
"And Lynam? He's just an outsider pretending to care about us," another added.
The seeds of mistrust took root. Pack members who once stood by Xanthe and Lynam began questioning their loyalty.
Lynam stormed into their home one evening, his jaw tight. "It's getting worse. They're turning the pack against us faster than we can counter."
"We'll need a public show of unity," Xanthe said. "Something undeniable that proves we're still the rightful leaders."
Lynam hesitated. "You mean the Blood Rite?"
Xanthe's gaze was steady. "Yes. It's the oldest tradition, and if we perform it, no one can question our right to lead."
"But it's dangerous. If anything goes wrong…"
"It won't," Xanthe said firmly. "We can't afford to let fear dictate our actions anymore."
Meanwhile, in the secluded wing of Elias mansion, Aisha and Elias met under the guise of a family meeting.
"Alex and Michelle are playing their parts well," Elias said, leaning against the grand piano. "They're stirring tension between Lynam and Xanthe without even realizing it."
Aisha crossed her arms. "And what if Xanthe figures it out? She's more perceptive than you give her credit for."
"That's why we need to act faster," Elias said. "We'll amplify their doubts. Michelle will handle Lynam. Alex will pressure Xanthe. And when the cracks deepen, we'll make our move."
"And if it doesn't work?"
Elias smirked. "It will. Xanthe's holding on by a thread. All we have to do is cut it."
Aisha nodded slowly, though doubt flickered in her eyes. She was in too deep now, but part of her wondered if Elias's ambition would ultimately destroy them all.