Chapter 11: Unseen Betrayal
Melissa's POV
The weight of the scroll felt like a stone against my chest, making it feel heavier than it should have been. As I traced the ancient phrases engraved on its surface, my fingers shook.
A curse. In addition to being a symbol of love and hope, my child held the secret to terrible damage.
My eyes were hurting from the tears as I sagged against my room's wall. "How am I meant to keep them safe? I murmured to the void surrounding me, "How can I prevent them from meeting this end?"
The silence was broken by the sound of heavy feet, as Kane emerged from the doorway. With worry imprinted on his face, his black eyes met mine.
He moved closer and remarked, "You've been in here all day." "Speak with me, Melissa."
I cleaned my face quickly so he wouldn't know that I was crying. "Kane, there is nothing to say. My kid is doomed. Everyone will come for them, Damon and Lyra. How can I combat this? How can I protect them?"
He knelt next to me and said, "You're not alone in this." Despite the firmness of his voice, I had not heard such gentleness in a long time. "This pack is devoted to me, and I will do everything in my power to keep you two safe."
Although I wanted to believe him, I was plagued by persistent uncertainty. "What if we are betrayed by someone close to us? What if the adversary is already present and only waiting to attack?"
He clenched his jaw. He didn't respond right away, and I felt a chill go through me.
As we walked to the council chamber, Kane was unusually silent. Nervous, I kept a tight eye on him. His mood had changed due to our earlier talk, and he now moved with a purpose that made my stomach turn.
There was a lot of tension in the dimly lighted area. With his arms folded across his wide chest, Kane's Beta, Gregor, stood in the middle of the room. He appeared too composed.
"Gregor," Kane said in a firm, piercing voice. "I need answers."
The Beta's demeanour was almost arrogant as he lifted an eyebrow. "What are the answers, Alpha?"
Kane stepped forward and remarked, "You were supposed to lead the eastern flank during the last battle." However, you weren't present. Rather, you were spotted close to the armoury of the sanctuary. Explain.
Gregor's expression wavered, but he immediately covered it up with a casual smile. "I was making sure we had enough supplies and securing the armoury." Is that an issue?"
I took a step forward and broke the tension with my voice. You were aware of how important the eastern side was. If you didn't have another reason, why would you delete your post?"
Gregor's smile vanished as his gaze shifted to mine. "Luna, watch your tone. Even though you are Kane's partner, you are not my Alpha.
Kane's eyes blazed with anger, and he stepped forward menacingly. "Gregor, responds to her. Right now.
Gregor paused for a second. Then, in a tone full of defiance, he shrugged. "I took the action I believed would benefit the pack the most. Punish me if that is a crime. But without evidence, don't call me a traitor.
The questioning room had a chilly, stuffy atmosphere. As Kane shackled Gregor to the chair, I stood aside with my arms folded across my chest. As I saw the Beta's arrogant manner turn into something more sinister, my heart raced.
"You've been concealing something," Kane snarled in a lethal tone. "And we'll see what happens."
There was no humour in Gregor's laughter. "Alpha, you believe I'm the only one with secrets? The depth of this is beyond your comprehension.
Despite the anxiety churning in my chest, I took a step forward and spoke steadily. Then let us know. What plans does Damon have? What part does Lyra play in all of this?"
Gregor's eyes were bright with ill intent as he leaned forward. "Lyra and Damon desire more than just power. They are pursuing a god, Luna, a destructive deity connected to your lineage. The secret to awakening it is your child.
His words struck me hard. As the reality set in, I could feel the ground trembling beneath me. Why would you lend them a hand? I was able to inquire, hardly raising my voice beyond a whisper.
Gregor hissed, "Because Damon promised me something your Alpha never could." "A future."
The room shook as Kane's fist struck the wall with such force. "You betrayed your pack by making false claims?"
Gregor chuckled once more. "Not bare. Strategic.
There was a problem. A chilly fear crept over me as Gregor persisted in taunting us. I couldn't get rid of the impression that we were running out of time, and the air felt oppressive and thicker.
"Kane," I said in a hurried tone. "We must halt. He is delaying.
Kane's forehead furrowed as he turned to face me. "What are you saying?"
Gregor's laugh sent shivers down my spine as it reverberated throughout the room. "Wise girl," he remarked, his tone full of derision. "Unfortunately, you discovered it too late."
The room was filled with a low, rhythmic beeping sound. When I noticed a tiny gadget flickering in the corner, my blood ran cold.
"Kane! I grabbed his arm and yelled. It's a bomb!"
Kane jerked me to the door without thinking. "Everyone is out! Right now!"
The warriors dispersed across the corridor, their footsteps resonating amid the confusion. As Kane and I ran through the sanctuary, yelling warnings at everyone we came across, my heart was racing.
With a thunderous boom that rocked the earth beneath us, the explosion ripped into the atmosphere. Kane caught me as I tripped and used his body to protect me from the falling debris.
I had a hard time breathing after the dust cleared. "Is everyone secure? With a quivering voice, I inquired.
Kane gave a sombre nod. "The majority of them. However, Gregor
I glanced back to the destroyed room. Gregor had left, taking with him any more responses.
With rage and irritation brewing inside of me, my fists clenched. "This was only the beginning, wasn't it?"
Kane had a sombre face. Indeed. Additionally, we must be prepared for whatever happens next.
A terrifying thought began to creep into my head as I gazed at the debris. Our options and time were dwindling.
Two bright eyes watched us from the shadows of the burning wreckage. Calm, calculating, and full of hate. What fresh threat awaited them?