Angela and the group ventured further into the woods, noticing an unusual calmness that had fallen over the usually noisy forest. The atmosphere was dense, filled with stress and an unknown, ominous presence that eluded identification by all involved. Each movement seemed to lead them away from security and towards the hidden threat waiting nearby.
Angela walked in front, her senses heightened. She was overwhelmed, her thoughts racing as she tried to comprehend the magnitude of the situation. The Alpha King's power was growing, and if Kael and the others were correct, there were traitorous wolves within their own group trying to undermine them. The thought of an unseen foe caused a shiver to run down her spine, particularly one that could be hiding nearby.
However, the true burden weighing on her was not solely the fear of being betrayed. She had taken on the responsibility with reluctancy. Although she had agreed to assist, she understood that merely helping wouldn't suffice. Not at the conclusion. It was not simply about locating a small number of betrayers. It was being on the front lines of a conflict she had worked hard to stay away from for years.
"What is the distance?" Lia's gentle voice broke the quiet, with a hint of unease.
"Not too much more to go," Kael responded, his gaze moving along the path. He stood rigidly, staying vigilant. In risky circumstances, he consistently displayed a calm and alert demeanor, remaining vigilant for any potential threats. Angela admired his consistency, despite not always having faith in it.
Corin, staying at the back of the group, stayed quiet with a serious expression on his face. On the contrary, Alec appeared agitated, his muscles taut under his coat as if he was eager for a confrontation.
Angela also experienced it. The feeling that things were not quite right, that they were not as solitary as the deserted forest appeared.
"Can you point out our precise destination?" Angela inquired with a soft voice, turning to look at Kael.
Kael described a place we have been monitoring, speaking in a hushed tone. Several miles beyond the abandoned logging path. It is a place for people to come together. A secret meeting spot for a few of the wolves we are suspicious of."
"Do you believe we'll discover anything there?" she inquired.
"I am confident that we will."
Angela agreed with a sense of unease in her stomach. Betrayal within the group. The thought terrified her, but the Alpha King had methods of causing disagreement. She was certain he was orchestrating it, manipulating others covertly to turn against their own kind.
As they proceeded further into the forest, the brightness dimmed, and the shadows elongated and contorted. The dense covering of branches above blocked the majority of the sunlight, giving the impression that the path in front of them was leading into darkness. The temperature of the air decreased, causing Angela to sense the familiar tingling on her neck, indicating that they were under observation.
Her hand unconsciously moved towards the knife concealed under her jacket, her fingers touching the handle. After gaining experience, she learned to rely on her instincts, which were telling her to remain cautious.
All of a sudden, she heard a gentle noise—a rustling in the foliage, rapid and quiet, as if someone was moving discreetly. Her hand gripped the knife handle tightly as she stood still.
Her abrupt stop caught the attention of the rest, causing them to pause and also search the woods with tense bodies and scanning eyes.
"What is that?" Kael whispered softly, his voice almost inaudible.
Angela narrowed her eyes, concentrating on the noise. It was approaching from directly ahead, somewhere off the trail. The dense forest limited visibility, but it was unmistakable that someone or something was present.
"We are not solitary," she quietly replied.
Suddenly, Alec swiftly advanced, moving quietly with his body positioned close to the ground. He entered the trees and vanished into the shadows, resembling a predator hunting its prey. Angela and the rest stayed motionless, their awareness heightened, listening for any indication of what was approaching.
Time elapsed, although it seemed like hours. The quietness was drawn out, tight like a bowstring. Angela 's entire body was tense, poised to react immediately to any stimulus.
Suddenly, a muted noise could be heard— a thump, then a quiet groan of discomfort. It originated from the place where Alec had vanished.
Angela quickly moved ahead, with Kael and Lia following closely behind without any delay. They hurried, their steps silent on the ground of the woods. Upon arriving at the location of the sound, they discovered Alec standing over a person, holding the front of a man's shirt and pressing him against a tree.
The man appeared to be in his mid-twenties, with unkempt hair and eyes filled with fear. It was evident that he did not belong to their group. The smell coming from him was unfamiliar, and the noticeable fear he was emitting was tangible.
"Who do you think you are?" Alec snarled menacingly, his voice deep and threatening.
The man weakly resisted Alec's hold, but to no avail. Alec was more powerful and not interested in playing.
"Please," the man pleaded, his voice shaking. "I didn't intend to—"
"Respond to the inquiry," Alec growled, tightening his grip.
"I am nobody," the man stuttered, looking back and forth at the wolves encircling him. "I was only traveling through, I promise—"
"Kael accused, moving closer, suspicion evident in his eyes." "You have been trailing us for miles."
The man's breath caught, his complexion was ashen. "I beg your pardon, but I—"
"What was the reason for you trailing us?" Angela had a cold tone as she stared at the stranger with unwavering eyes.
The man glanced at her, his eyes filled with desperation. I wasn't... "I didn't intend to..."
Angela moved nearer, her patience running out. "Your statement is not truthful," she whispered, her voice calm yet exuding a threat. "You have been following us since we departed from the city. You are aware of something. Inform us.
Alec's grip made the man's lips quiver and his body tremble. At one point, he appeared on the verge of revealing something significant, but quickly shifted his gaze to the trees. At that moment, Angela realized.
"There are a greater number of them," she said sharply.
Right on time, a sharp cry echoed through the sky, accompanied by the noise of footsteps running through the woods. The wolves approached.
Alec cursed under his breath as he pushed the man to the ground.
Kael's gaze was steely as he looked around, his muscles tense. We have to relocate. At this moment."
The group quickly moved, their awareness sharpened as the noises approached, surrounding them from every direction. Angela felt her heart beating rapidly in her chest, with adrenaline flowing through her veins. They had been established. Whoever this individual may have been, he was the lure. The imminent danger was quickly approaching, and they were in the minority.
The unknown person on the floor quickly got up, his expression contorted with terror. "Please," he pleaded. You do not comprehend. "I will be murdered."
"Not my problem," Alec growled, but before he could act, Angela stepped forward.
"Wait," she said, her voice steady but urgent. Her eyes locked onto the man's. "Tell me everything. Right now. Or you'll wish you hadn't crossed us."
The man's breath came in short, frantic gasps as the sound of the approaching wolves grew louder. "I... I was sent to watch you," he stammered, his voice shaking. "But I didn't know it would come to this. I swear, I didn't know."
Angela 's eyes narrowed. "Who sent you?"
The man hesitated for a fraction of a second, but it was enough for Angela to see the truth in his eyes.
"The Alpha King," he whispered.
Before Angela could react, the first wolf burst from the trees.
And the battle began.