The light from the corner lantern flickered weakly, casting long shadows over the clutter of my room. Piles of papers, sketches, and rough diagrams surrounded me like the physical manifestation of my thoughts. My hands moved feverishly, scribbling notes and strategies about the werewolf hierarchy.
"Hierarchy isn't just structure," I muttered, almost to myself. "It's their weakness."
The Alpha—**Fenrir Bloodfang**—was the key. If he fell, the entire pack would fracture. But **how** to get close to him? That was the puzzle I couldn't yet solve.
A sharp knock at the door broke my focus.
"Sigrid! Einar wants to talk to you," came the voice of a child from outside.
I sighed, stacking my notes into a haphazard pile. If Einar was calling, it wasn't for idle conversation. "I'll be there," I replied curtly, slipping on my boots and heading out.
---
**The Hallway**
The air in the cave was cold and damp, the kind of chill that gnawed at your bones. My footsteps echoed faintly as I made my way through the narrow stone passage, my mind racing with unfinished plans. Whatever Einar had to say, it would either complicate things further or give me the clarity I desperately needed.
---
Einar's quarters were dimly lit, a small desk at the center covered in maps and documents. He stood behind it, his arms crossed, his expression as unreadable as ever. But his eyes… his eyes betrayed a weariness he rarely let anyone see.
"You called for me?" I asked, leaning against the doorway.
Einar motioned for me to sit. "Yes. There's something we need to discuss. It's about Fenrir."
The mention of his name sent a familiar jolt of anger through me. I sat, arms crossed, waiting for him to continue.
"Fenrir is hosting a mate selection in Lycandor," he said without preamble.
I blinked, caught off guard. "A mate selection? You're serious?"
Einar nodded, his expression grim. "It's a tradition among werewolves. The Alpha chooses a mate to solidify his rule and secure an heir. It's more than ceremony—it's a consolidation of power."
My mind reeled at the implications. An heir would mean Fenrir's dominance would continue long after his death. This wasn't just about survival anymore—it was about ensuring his legacy.
"Where did you hear this?" I asked sharply.
Einar leaned back slightly, his lips curling into a faint, tired smile. "From my ally in Lycandor."
I raised an eyebrow. "Your ally? They're still alive?"
"Yes," he said simply. "A human who's been living among the wolves, feeding us information for years. They've survived by pretending to submit. But they've always been loyal to our cause."
The thought of a human surviving in Lycandor was both remarkable and chilling. Whoever this ally was, they had risked everything for us.
---
Einar's voice grew heavier as he continued. "This mate selection isn't just about Lycandor. Kael, Fenrir's beta, is gathering human women from across the territories as candidates. One of the collection points is near us."
The words sent a shiver down my spine. "You want me to… what? Sneak into their collection point?"
"No," Einar said firmly, his gaze locking onto mine. "I want you to **be** one of the candidates."
I shot to my feet, my chair scraping loudly against the stone floor. "Are you insane, Einar? You're asking me to hand myself over to them! They'll know who I am!"
Einar remained calm, though I could see the steel in his eyes. "If you can infiltrate Lycandor, you'll be our eyes and ears in the heart of their power. It's our best chance to get close to Fenrir and end him."
"You don't understand," I said, my voice shaking with a mix of fear and anger. "They'll sense what I am. And when they do, they won't just kill me—they'll come after all of us."
Einar stepped closer, his voice soft but unyielding. "I do understand, Sigrid. But you must see the bigger picture. If we keep hiding, Fenrir will grow stronger. We're running out of time."
His words hit harder than I wanted to admit. For years, we had been hiding, surviving. But survival wasn't enough.
---
**The Plan**
"This isn't just about your revenge," Einar continued. "It's about the survival of humanity. You're the only one who can do this, Sigrid. You know their ways. You understand them better than anyone."
I stared at him, searching his face for any sign of doubt. But there was none.
"I'll think about it," I said finally, though I knew the answer in my heart.
Einar handed me a folded document, his expression softening slightly. "Take this. It has everything you need to prepare. You have three days."
I took the document, my hands trembling slightly. As I left the room, the weight of his words settled over me. This wasn't just about me anymore.
---
**End of Chapter**
As I walked back to my small room, the cold air seemed heavier than before. My thoughts churned with possibilities and fears. Could I do this? Could I really infiltrate Lycandor and face Fenrir without losing myself?
I paused at the entrance to my room, clutching the document tightly. This was more than a mission—it was the first step in a journey that would change everything.
"Three days," I muttered to myself, stepping inside and closing the door behind me. "Three days to decide who I'm willing to become."