The following day arrived silently, like a shadow encroaching on the outskirts of a dream. Angela awoke before sunrise, the sky remaining dark, her thoughts from the night before already consuming her mind. Kael's words had a weight that stayed with you, like dense smoke that couldn't be brushed away. Reclining quietly, she focused on the consistent pattern of her breath, attempting to collect her thoughts before confronting the impending truth.
She wasn't prepared to confront the group once more. And she absolutely wasn't prepared to confront what was hiding in the darkness, biding its time to attack. However, whether prepared or not, the world kept moving forward for everyone, especially for her.
The clearing mentioned by Kael was located several miles beyond the city, concealed deep in the woods. It had been years since she last visited, since she departed from the group and everything unraveled. The memories of that location were intertwined with her own sorrow, too agonizing to go back to, but now there was no option. The phantoms she had attempted to evade vigorously had at last reached her.
When the sun appeared, Angela had already come to a decision. She could no longer evade it. There was a war approaching, and she needed to prepare.
Silently, she put on the battered leather jacket that carried the burden of countless memories from past battles. While she gazed at herself in the mirror, her reflection met her eyes—a memory of the girl she once was and the fighter she now is.
She walked through the peaceful streets towards the outskirts of the city, where the tall buildings transitioned into expansive forests. She moved quickly, alert in her surroundings, each step deliberate.
As she neared the forest, the air grew more dense, as if the entire world was pausing to take a breath.
The familiar path through the woods had a changed feeling. The trees appeared to be taller, and the shadows seemed darker. The quietness was unsettling, as if the woods were anticipating some event to occur.
Approaching the open space, she observed Kael standing in the middle, facing away from her, his muscular shoulders tight with tension. There were others with him.
Angela decelerated her speed, squinting her eyes as she observed the situation. Two more men and one woman were also present, positioned in a loose formation around Kael. She knew who they were right away. People who used to be in her pack. Pack of wolves.
She felt a constriction in her chest. She was anticipating Kael, but this was unexpected. No, this was a different thing. Something much more intricate.
One of the individuals, a tall and strong wolf with dark hair and striking green eyes, was the first to spot her. He quickly looked at her, sharp and evaluating. Alec was his name, and he was considered one of the pack's most reliable fighters. Even after Angela had departed, he remained unwaveringly devoted to the Alpha.
Lia, a woman who was younger than the rest, displayed strength that Angela recognized despite her delicate features. With her auburn hair shining in the light, she turned towards Angela with an inscrutable expression.
Angela had only briefly met Corin, the third man. He was elderly, his hair turning gray and his eyes reflecting vast life experience. Angela felt uneasy because of the strong determination in his quiet presence.
As Angela neared, Kael looked towards her, his amber eyes showing a blend of relief and tension. "You arrived."
Angela remained silent initially, her eyes shifting towards the others. "I was surprised to have spectators."
Kael's demeanor stayed solemn. "You must listen to their words."
Angela gritted her teeth, but maintained a steady tone. "What is that, exactly?"
Alec advanced towards her, always keeping his green eyes fixed on hers. "We have arrived to alert you."
"Do you want to give me a warning?" Angela 's voice came out colder than she had planned. "What is the topic of discussion?"
Alec warned with a quiet yet strong voice that the group is at risk. "Beyond your understanding." The Alpha King's power is growing, and there are some among us who are joining forces with him.
Angela felt her heart race when the Alpha King was mentioned, but she didn't display her emotions. I departed from the group because of a specific motive, Alec. Your politics don't interest me.
"It isn't related to politics," Lia interrupted, her voice softer yet equally serious. "It's a matter of staying alive."
"Is continuation of existence?" Angela arched one eyebrow. "When did we start having to plead for our existence?"
Corin finally spoke, his voice weathered by age yet unwavering. There has been a change in balance, Angela . Situations have changed from how they were before.
Kael moved nearer to her, his gaze focused. We aren't requesting for you to rejoin the group. Still no. We require assistance from you. The Alpha King is forming partnerships with vampires, dark witches, and a few rogue werewolves. He's plotting a major endeavor. "If we don't put an end to it..."
Angela folded her arms across her chest, narrowing her eyes. "Do you believe I am able to assist?" "Why have I been chosen?"
"Since you're the only one capable," murmured Kael. Angela , you have more strength than you realize. More powerful than any individual among us. At this moment, we require that resilience.
Angela remained silent briefly. Their gaze was fixed on her, anticipating her choice to assume a duty she had always avoided. She felt the heaviness of it on her shoulders, yet she pushed herself to remain upright.
"What do you want me to do?" she inquired with a hint of doubt in her tone.
Lia moved forward, her reddish-brown hair shining in the light once more. We don't expect you to take charge. Not at this moment. However, we require your assistance in locating the wolves that have betrayed us. Those who have pledged allegiance to the Alpha King.
"Traitors," Angela whispered quietly.
Kael gave a nod of agreement. Betrayal. And they pose a threat. More risky than you think.
Angela 's teeth gritted together. Traitors were the most formidable adversaries. They were aware of your vulnerabilities, your confidential information. Once trusted, they became more treacherous as a result of that betrayal.
"What will you do when we locate them?" she inquired, speaking quietly.
"We will halt them," declared Alec, his determined green eyes glinting. "Using every possible method."
Angela looked from one face to another, considering her choices. She had departed from the group with a purpose, and she was hesitant to rejoin. But now, it wasn't solely about the group. This was related to something on a larger scale. The Monarch of Alphas. The conflict. The preservation of their species.
She inhaled deeply, her choice finalized.
"Okay," she replied, maintaining a calm voice. "I will assist you."
Kael's shoulders loosened a bit, and the atmosphere tension decreased. However, Angela was aware that this was just the start. The actual fight was still on the horizon.
Alec nodded in approval, and Lia offered a small, grateful smile. Corin remained silent, his eyes fixed on something in the distance, as if he could already see the storm that was coming.
As they stood together in the clearing, the wind rustling through the trees, Angela felt the weight of the path she had chosen. She was stepping into the unknown, into a world of danger and uncertainty. But one thing was clear: there was no turning back now.
The wolves of the pack had found themselves an unexpected ally.
And so had she.