Shirley's POV
I was constantly on guard as I made my way through the trees in the spooky woodland. I couldn't pinpoint why, but something felt strange today. But I followed Ryder's advice and was cautious. I could feel my senses becoming more acute during these silent times, and that weird energy resurfacing inside of me.
Elara and Lucien were conversing in low, whispered voices out in the woods, obscured by dense shadows. I had heard that Lucien was a strong, deadly, and vicious rogue leader. The mere notion of them collaborating chilled me to the bone.
Elara asked in an impatient tone, "Tell me again." "Won't you assist me in getting Shirley out of the pack?"
Lucien let out a deep, ominous laugh. "Elara, of course. I also have certain scores to pay with the Greenmoss Pack. Your small task is exactly in line with my plans.
Elara's eyes shone with contentment. "All right. Then we have an agreement. But keep in mind that I don't want her to suffer harm. I want her gone for good.
Lucien nodded and grinned. Think of it as finished. My rogues are devoted and skilled at persuasion.
I saw someone up ahead later that afternoon while I was meandering by a little clearing. I stopped, observing him intently. He appeared to be amiable, even laid back, with a charming smile on his face; he didn't resemble any of the rogues Ryder had forewarned me about.
He went closer and waved at me, saying, "Hey there." "Are you lost?"
I gave him a wary look. Not precisely. And you're..."
He answered nonchalantly, "Oh, I'm just a traveller, a rogue by the name of Lucien." "I've been moving around and never staying in one spot for too long. Since I haven't seen a friendly face in days, I thought I would say hello.
I didn't like something about him, even though he seemed kind almost too kind. Trying to be polite, though, I nodded. "My name is Shirley. I suppose it's nice to meet you.
Lucien grinned again and replied, "Likewise." What brings you out here by yourself, Shirley? Without allies, this woodland might be perilous.
I pretended not to be concerned and shrugged. "I appear weaker than I am. I've done fine by myself.
Lucien gave a quiet laugh. "I respect that. Nowadays, independence is uncommon. Well, I'll be here if you ever need assistance.
As I watched him go, I nodded. I felt a weird uneasiness creep over me as soon as he was out of sight. There was something off about that exchange. I felt that Lucien wasn't who he claimed to be, but I couldn't put my finger on it.
That night, Ryder was waiting for me when I got back to my little camp. He was sitting on a fallen log and was staring up at me with a serious expression.
"Didn't you run into someone? His eyes narrowed in worry as he asked.
I gave a nod. Yes, Lucien is a rogue. I suppose he was friendly.
Ryder's face grew serious. "Lucien? You must exercise caution around him, Shirley. He is a deadly rogue leader who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. It's hardly a coincidence if he's here.
I felt a chill go through me. He didn't appear to be a danger. However, now that you bring it up, he seemed a little too amiable.
"That's his style," Ryder cautioned. He seduces others, earns their trust, and then surprises them with an unexpected attack. Shirley, stay away from him. You shouldn't trust him.
I heeded his warning and nodded. If Ryder believed Lucien was trouble, I would be naive to overlook the fact that he was more dangerous than he appeared to be.
Unable to get rid of the uneasiness that night, I decided to go for a peaceful stroll to decompress. I heard faint sounds as I made my way through the trees voices I knew. I slipped closer out of curiosity, careful to hide behind the dense branches.
There they were, Lucien and Elara, deep in dialogue.
Elara muttered, a sly smile creeping across her face, "She's alone, vulnerable." "Now is the ideal moment to attack."
With a deep, assured voice, Lucien nodded. "Agreed. I have my rogues prepared. She won't anticipate it. It will be too late by the time she recognizes what is happening.
When I understood, they were referring to me, my heart began to race. To ensure that I wouldn't get away, they were preparing an ambush and a trap.
Lucien went on, "We'll get rid of her. "And then, without any... interference, you'll have your place as Luna."
Elara chuckled. "All right. I've already had enough trouble with her. I want her gone for good.
A sensation of betrayal swept over me. Elara was prepared to work with someone as deadly as Lucien to get rid of me. Lucien was also planning to ambush me with his rogues. In any case, they wouldn't stop until I was out of the way.
I took a trembling breath and silently moved away from the scene. Before they realized I had overheard them, I had to leave. As I hurried to get as far away from their hiding place as I could, my pulse was pounding.
However, a shadow appeared in front of me as I turned to go.
"Well, what are we dealing with here? A sneering voice said. A taller and more dangerous rogue than any I had ever seen blocked my escape by stepping in front of me.
I whirled around to see other rogues encircling me, rising from the darkness. Their eyes gleamed with malicious purpose as they stepped closer. There was nowhere for me to flee.
I tried to recall what Ryder had taught me, but panic swept over me. However, they were rapidly approaching and there were much too many of them.
"You didn't anticipate getting away with it so simply, did you? The renegade commander sneered, hate in his eyes.
Despite my racing thoughts and racing emotions, I made myself remain composed. That weird energy was becoming stronger inside of me than before. I needed to use it I needed to protect myself.
However, the rogues charged forward as I was preparing for their assault, and I realized I would have to confront them directly and by myself.
The last thing I saw was the rogues closing in, their shadows swallowing me whole as I readied myself for the fight of m