Flora's world tilted as Bianca's words echoed in her mind. "Do you really think the pack will forgive you? That Maxwell will choose you over me?"
The smirk on Bianca's lips made Flora's blood boil, but it was the flicker of triumph in her eyes that sent a shiver down Flora's spine. She clenched her fists, fighting the urge to lash out. That's what Bianca wanted—a reaction.
"Say what you need to say and leave," Flora said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her.
Bianca stepped closer, her movements slow and deliberate, like a predator circling its prey. "Oh, sweet Flora," she cooed, "you've always been so naive. You think you're special because Maxwell is kind to you? Because the pack hasn't thrown you out yet?"
Flora didn't respond. She wouldn't give Bianca the satisfaction.
Bianca leaned in, her breath warm against Flora's ear. "You don't belong here," she whispered. "And when the time comes, they'll see it too."
With that, Bianca turned and sauntered away, leaving Flora standing alone in the corridor. The weight of her words pressed down on her, but Flora refused to let it crush her.
Instead, she squared her shoulders and walked back to her room, her mind racing. Bianca wasn't just a threat to her; she was a threat to the entire pack. And if no one else could see it, Flora would have to prove it herself.
The following morning, Flora joined Luke at the training grounds. The usual buzz of activity felt muted, the pack's members speaking in hushed tones and exchanging wary glances. The tension in the air was palpable.
"What's going on?" Flora asked as Luke handed her a training staff.
He frowned, glancing around before leaning in. "There was an attack on the southern border last night. Two of our scouts are missing."
Flora's stomach dropped. "Vampires?"
Luke nodded grimly. "Most likely. Damian is doubling patrols, but everyone's on edge."
Flora tightened her grip on the staff, her resolve hardening. This wasn't just about her anymore. The pack was in danger, and she couldn't afford to be distracted by Bianca's mind games.
But as the morning wore on, Bianca's smirk and venomous words continued to haunt her. When the session ended, Flora pulled Luke aside.
"I need your help," she said, her voice low.
Luke raised an eyebrow. "With what?"
"Bianca," Flora admitted. "She's hiding something, and I need to find out what it is."
Luke hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. "Flora, if she's dangerous, you shouldn't go poking around alone."
"I won't," Flora promised. "That's why I'm asking you. I need someone I can trust."
Luke studied her for a moment before nodding. "Alright. What's the plan?"
That evening, Flora and Luke crept through the darkened halls of the lodge, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpeting. Bianca's room was on the third floor, tucked away at the end of a quiet corridor.
"She's not here," Luke whispered, peeking around the corner.
Flora nodded, her heart pounding. She wasn't sure what they would find, but she knew they couldn't afford to waste this opportunity.
The door was locked, but Luke produced a thin metal tool from his pocket and began working on the mechanism.
"Where did you learn to pick locks?" Flora asked, keeping her voice low.
"Let's just say I wasn't always a model pack member," Luke replied with a grin.
The lock clicked, and Luke pushed the door open. The room was neat and orderly, with no immediate signs of anything suspicious. But Flora's instincts told her there was more to uncover.
They moved quickly, searching through drawers and cabinets. Flora's fingers brushed against a stack of papers, and she pulled them out, her eyes scanning the handwritten notes.
"What is it?" Luke asked, leaning over her shoulder.
Flora's blood ran cold as she read the words scrawled across the page. "It's a map," she whispered. "Of the southern border."
Luke frowned. "Why would she have this?"
Flora's heart sank as a terrible realization dawned on her. "She's working with the vampires," she said, her voice barely audible.
Before Luke could respond, a sound from the hallway made them both freeze. Footsteps.
"Someone's coming," Luke hissed.
Flora shoved the papers back into the drawer and closed it as quietly as she could. They slipped out of the room and ducked into a nearby alcove, holding their breath as the footsteps grew louder.
Bianca appeared, her silhouette illuminated by the dim hallway lights. She paused outside her door, her head tilting slightly as if sensing something was amiss.
Flora's heart pounded in her chest. If Bianca found them, there was no telling what she might do.
After a tense moment, Bianca entered her room and closed the door behind her. Flora and Luke waited a few minutes before sneaking away, their movements careful and silent.
Back in Flora's room, the tension between them was palpable.
"She's a traitor," Flora said, pacing back and forth. "I knew it."
Luke nodded, his expression grim. "But we can't accuse her without proof. The map isn't enough."
Flora stopped and turned to face him. "Then we need more. Whatever she's planning, we have to stop her before it's too late."
Luke sighed, running a hand through his hair. "This is dangerous, Flora. If she finds out what we're doing—"
"I don't care," Flora interrupted. "The pack is in danger, Luke. We can't just sit back and do nothing."
He stared at her for a long moment before nodding. "Alright. I'm with you."
The next day, Flora couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. Every time she turned a corner or entered a room, she felt Bianca's eyes on her.
At lunch, Maxwell joined her at the table, his presence both comforting and unnerving.
"You've been quiet lately," he said, his tone light but probing. "Something on your mind?"
Flora hesitated, unsure of how much to tell him. She wanted to trust him, but she also knew how close he was to Bianca.
"Just… worried about the pack," she said finally. "With the attacks and everything."
Maxwell nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We all are. But you're stronger than you think, Flora. Don't forget that."
His words were meant to reassure her, but they only deepened her resolve. She couldn't rely on Maxwell to save her. She had to save herself—and the pack.
That night, Flora and Luke met in the woods, away from prying eyes and ears.
"We need to follow her," Flora said, her voice steady despite the fear bubbling beneath the surface. "She's up to something, and we have to find out what."
Luke nodded, his expression serious. "Alright. But we need to be careful. If she catches us…"
"She won't," Flora said, more to convince herself than him.
As they began to plan their next move, Flora couldn't shake the feeling that they were running out of time. The pack was on the brink of disaster, and Bianca was at the center of it all.
But as the moonlight filte
red through the trees, casting eerie shadows around them, Flora couldn't help but wonder: Was she ready for the truth?