Fate betrayal

CHAPTER 24

Chapter 24: Secrets in the Shadows

Senena POV

Long shadows were formed on the stone walls as the candlelight flickered and swirled across the room. Leaning back in my chair, I traced the edge of the fragile teacup with my fingertips. Although chamomile's customary relaxing effect did nothing to settle my anxiety today, its rich aroma permeated the air.

Like a whisper in the wind, Aria's name kept coming to mind. I had hoped she wouldn't pick up on the little changes in Killian's behavior, the way his jaw clinched at the mention of alliances, or the strain that tightened his shoulders whenever she was close.

However, Aria was too keen to ignore the fissures that were developing in his armor.

With a sigh, I put down the teacup and gazed at the fading flame. My gut told me that I had to act immediately. Although the truth was brittle, keeping it hidden may have far worse consequences.

---

I turned to see Aria enter as the door cracked open. Her face was a mixture of determination and fatigue, and her hair was still wet from the exercise that night.

"You were hoping to see me?" Her tone was guarded as she inquired.

"Yes," I said, pointing to the chair across from me. "We must speak."

After hesitating, she sat down and studied me with her keen eyes. "This seems like a serious situation."

"It is," I acknowledged.

I hesitated for a bit about where to start. Even I had always been secretive about Killian's ambitions. But my skin crawled at what little I had discovered.

"Have you observed anything... out of the ordinary about Killian lately, Aria?" I asked thoughtfully.

She leaned back in her chair and wrinkled her brows. "Unusual how?"

I purposefully picked my words. His actions and choices. Has he made any mention of partnerships or future plans for the pack?

She scowled as she looked within. "Not directly. However, I have a feeling. He has become more passionate and defensive. Additionally, there seems to be a weight he is unable to communicate in his eyes.

I gave a nod. "That burden might be connected to something much more harmful than you think."

She leaned closer, her face darkening. "Selena, don't hesitate to share your knowledge. What is happening?

I inhaled deeply and looked her in the eye. "I've spent weeks putting everything together. There have been murmurs from the outlying packs and rumors among the elders. Killian is dealing with a dangerous individual who is not typically an ally of our pack.

Her gaze expanded. "Who?"

"I'm not positive," I said, my words laced with resentment. However, they are strong enough to make even Killian exercise caution, regardless of who it is. A few nights back, I heard him talking to Darius. He made reference to an agreement that may "reshape the balance of power."

Aria's hands clenched into fists as her jaw became stiff. How come he wouldn't tell me? He is aware that I would never turn on him.

"Trust isn't the issue," I answered softly. Killian believes he is defending you. However, the reality is that this concealment might endanger us all more.

---

Abruptly, Aria rose up and began to pace the room like an animal in a cage. "How is this related to the Shadow Pack?"

"Isn't that the question?" My voice was quiet as I said. The timing couldn't be more ideal. It everything seems related—the assaults, the cautions, the damned shard bearing your name.

She paused, staring sharply. "Do you believe that Killian and them could form an alliance?"

It made me shudder to think about it. "I'd rather not believe it, but..."

"But what?" She pushed.

I paused, feeling as if my next words would weigh heavily on me.