Few days had passed after the attack, the Blackmoon pack became more intense. Alpha Kael doubled the guards. No one could enter or get out the pack without being check thoroughly. Kael had tightened security so much that even high-ranking pack members whispered their frustrations.
And because of this, the council meeting reflected the growing unease.
"This is too much, Alpha! Your warriors are being out of the line!" Mae said, a rich member of the pack, and a part of the council too. "My family has been part of this pack for generations, yet my son was questioned for over an hour at the gate!"
James, another council member, added, "The warriors went through my wife's belongings last night, including gifts for our daughter's birthday. Surely, there must be limits to this paranoia."
Kael sat at the head of the long oak table, his expression unreadable. His Beta, Albert, stood to his right, observing the council with his usual stoic demeanor.
"Is it true that the attack was because of your mate, Alpha?" Elder Maxwell asked.
Kael's eyes darkened, and his voice grew cold. "And where did you heard about that?"
Elder Maxwell smirked. "People talk. They notice the increased guards around your home. They notice that Luna hasn't been seen outside since the attack."
"Is it wrong that I protect the woman who will give us the next Alpha?"
The council members exchanged uneasy glances.
Mae muttered, "But the people need answers, Alpha."
Kael took a deep breath, reigning in his temper. "You all know that our pack has a lot of enemies. We are the strongest, and welthiest in the country. And having this reputation, you all also should already know that this attacks could happen," Kael explained. "But don't worry. We are already doing our best for our packs safety. Yes, there will be inconveniences, but this is for the safety of our pack. The discussion ends here."
The room fell silent, and one by one, the council members stood and left, their dissatisfaction evident in their stiff postures.
Albert approached Kael once the room emptied.
"You know we can't hide this for too long, Alpha. They will eventually learn that it was because of the Luna."
Kael sighed, rubbing his temples. "I know. But we need to end this before they piece it together. What's the latest from the Crimson Fang Pack?"
Albert hesitated. "Yes. But same with the previous answers. Their Alpha is thick headed. He really wanted you to give Lyra back to them."
Kael's fists clenched, and his voice was a low growl. "He thinks he can demand my mate like she's some object to trade?"
"He's not afraid, Alpha."
"Because he is crazy. And I will make sure he will see what he was looking for."
A knock on the door interrupted them.
"Come in," Kael commanded.
Elder Myra entered, bowing respectfully. "Alpha, I have news."
Kael's demeanor softened slightly. "Elder Myra. Do you have answers?"
"Yes," she said, her gaze shifting to Albert. "But I need to see the Luna."
Kael nodded, and Albert left to fetch Lyra. Minutes later, she entered, her face a mixture of curiosity and worry. Her soft brown eyes flicked to Elder Myra, then back to Kael.
"You called for me, Alpha?" she asked, her voice steady despite the tension in the room.
Kael gestured to the couch where Elder Myra sat. "Elder Myra has news about your wolf."
"About my wolf?"
Elder Myra nodded. "Yes."
Lyra's breath hitched. She will know the reason why her wolf was hidden now. Lyra sat at the couch in front of Elder Myra.
"W-What are we going to do?" she asked.
"I found an incantation for you to uncover something in your past. It might exhaust you, and won't reveal that much. But it will surely help us," Elder Myra said.
Lyra glanced at Kael, silently seeking his approval. He nodded reassuringly.
"What do I need to do?" she asked.
Elder Myra moved beside her, placing her hands gently on Lyra's temples. "Close your eyes and trust me. I will guide you into your memories. You may see things you don't understand, but it's important to stay calm."
Lyra nodded, closing her eyes. Kael sat beside her, his hand resting lightly on her arm, offering silent support.
Myra began murmuring an incantation under her breath.
Lyra's vision blurred as warmth spread through her head and down her spine. She gasped and her face look at the ceiling and her eyes opened. But her eyes were now only in color white.
Alpha Kael touched her arms while Elder Myra continued her incantation.
Images slowly flashed in her mind–feeting, fragmented pieces of a puzzle she couldn't quite grasp.
Lyra saw herself as a child, she was running through a forest, back in a time when her family was still complete and happy. Then the scene suddenly shifted–a dark room. Her parents were arguing about something she couldn't understand.
Her mother's voice sharp with anger rang to her ears, "We can't keep this a secret forever!"
"And what should we do? Let her become what they fear?" her father answered.
"But she's your child! Your daughter!"
Lyra moaned. Her head started to ache.
"Is this still okay?" Kael asked worriedly. "She's hurting!"
"I can't stop, Alpha. We're close!"
Lyra's vision continued.
The scene shifted and now she was standing in the middle of the forest. She was still a child, her age when her parents died.
A shadowy figure loomed before her, its voice cold and mocking.
"You'll never rise. You'll never fight back. Stay buried, and no one will know."
The figure raised a hand, and Lyra felt a searing pain in her chest. Her wolf, once a faint but comforting presence, was torn away, leaving her hollow and gasping.
Her eyes snapped open, and she collapsed into Kael's arms, trembling and sobbing.
"S-She was there, Kael! I felt her! My wolf… she's real!" Lyra said, crying.
Kael held her close, stroking her hair. "We'll get her back, Lyra. I promise."
Elder Myra sat back, looking weary but determined. "As I suspected, this is the result of a suppression spell. Ancient magic designed to bind her wolf and erase its presence."
"Who would do such a thing?" Kael growled, his voice filled with anger.
"The real question is why would someone went to great lengths to ensure your wolf was bound. This wasn't just an act of cruelty—it was calculated," Elder Myra explained.
Lyra wiped her tears, her voice trembling. "Why me? I was just a child. What could I have done to deserve this?"
"That's the mystery we must solve," Myra said. "This kind of spell doesn't come from nowhere. It's usually tied to bloodlines. One of your parents must have had connections to a powerful witch."
Lyra's eyes widened. "A witch? My parents never mentioned anything like that…"
"Perhaps they were trying to protect you," Myra suggested. "But the spell isn't unbreakable. It's anchored to a magical artifact. Destroying it will free your wolf."
Kael stood, his resolve evident. "Then we'll find it."
Myra raised a hand. "It won't be easy. The artifact is likely hidden, and tracing its magic will put you both at great risk. Those who cast spells like these don't give up their secrets willingly."
Kael's voice was firm. "We can handle whatever comes."
Lyra nodded, her determination matching his. "I need my wolf back. Whatever it takes."
Myra sighed. "I'll return tomorrow with my scrying mirror. It will help us locate the artifact. But be prepared—the journey ahead will test you both."