Reborn in shadow

CHAPTER 3

Chapter 3: Shadows of Power

In my hands, the crimson rose seemed like a brand, a sharp reminder of Killian's enigmatic message. I'll see you at the waterfall. Why? What was it he desired?

And why did it seem like every exchange I had with him was a well-planned play in an incomprehensible game?

The stark velvet contrasted sharply with the cold steel of my blade as I stuffed the box into a concealed pocket in my cloak. I had to concentrate in order to collect data. Killian may put his games on hold.

I was planning to watch it tonight. I was supposed to learn tonight.

With the blaze illuminating the werewolves' features with a warm, flickering light, the pack meeting was in full swing. With my senses sharpened and my eyes sweeping the throng, I crept into the shadows.

At the heart of it all was Darius, whose presence demanded attention. His voice echoed with power, and he talked with a confidence I had never witnessed before.

As I saw him interacting with the pack members, I thought, He's changed. He is now a real alpha.

The members of the pack listened carefully, adoration and respect written on their features.

He spoke about bolstering their defenses, forming partnerships with other packs, and getting ready for winter.

In sharp contrast to the guy I recalled, his statements were full of resolve and courage.

With a bizarre whirlwind of feelings, I recognized that he's excellent at this. He is adept at becoming the alpha.

But then he stopped, looking around the throng. His gaze lingered on an area close to the clearing's edge, where I had been standing only a few seconds before. Something flickering—recognition?

His face crossed—suspicions?

My chest was thumping with my heart. He noticed me.

My breath caught in my throat as I hurried back into the darkness. I had to hide from him. Not right now. Not with the truth so near to my discovery.

I kept observing, listening to the discussions, and taking in the exchanges.

The pack members spoke of Darius's strength, leadership, and steadfast devotion to the Golden Claw.

They discussed the rising discomfort in the area and the previous rogue strikes.

With a tone of adoration, one pack member said, "He's been working tirelessly to protect us." "He hasn't had any sleep in days."

Another said, "He's even taken on extra patrols." "He consistently offers to go on the riskiest missions first."

I narrowed my eyes and thought, He's trying to prove himself. making an effort to change his ways.

Was it real, though? Or was it simply another ruse, another well-planned display to regain the pack's confidence?

Abruptly, there was a ruckus around the campfire. A young wolf, his face white and his eyes wide with terror, had been surrounded by pack members.

Someone added, "He was attacked," in a worried tone. "By an outlaw."

Darius moved forward right away, his face serious. With a hard but compassionate hand, he checked the young wolf's wounds.

His voice was comforting as he continued, "He'll be fine." "Only a scratch."

But there was fear in the young wolf's eyes. His voice was shaking as he said, "It wasn't just a rogue." "It was... distinct."

"In a different way?" Darius asked in a calm, quiet voice.

The little wolf muttered in a scarcely discernible voice, "It was... dark." similar to a shadow. It moved as if it weren't there at all.

The audience became silent. Darius's face became serious.

"What do you mean, a shadow?" he said in a suspicious tone.

The little wolf murmured, his eyes wide with terror, "I don't know." "It seemed as though it wasn't even alive."

Darius looked over the throng, trying to find anything or someone.

I realized he's concerned. He has some knowledge.

His voice was stern as he said, "We need to increase the patrols." And we must exercise caution.

There's going to be something. Something hazardous.

His eyes were full of urgency as he turned to face his beta. He instructed the nearby packs to spread the message. Inform them of what transpired.

We must be ready.

With a somber gaze, the beta nodded. "Alright, alpha."

With a voice full of power, Darius turned back to the audience. With resolute eyes, he said, "We will not be intimidated." "We're not going to lose.

As the Golden Claw Pack, we shall unite in the face of any danger.

The audience sent forth a shout, their voices full of redoubled resolve and courage. My heart was racing as I watched.

There was clearly a problem. Darius was obviously worried about the increasing number of rogue assaults.

What, however, was he concealing?

I saw a person sneaking away from the throng and heading toward the outside of the area as the group started to thin out.

It was Eva, one of the strongest fighters in the pack and my dearest friend from childhood. Her movements were rapid, and she seemed nervous.

I followed her out of curiosity while remaining concealed in the shadows. Her footsteps were hushed on the woodland floor as she hurried forward. She came to a halt in a remote area and looked about.

She reached into her pocket and took out a little, well carved box, which she opened. There was a stone within that was shimmering and pulsating slightly. As though listening, she kept it close while closing her eyes.

Then she said, hardly raising her voice beyond a whisper. "They're drawing nearer," she said in a terrified tone. "We must be prepared."

She put the package back in her pocket after closing it. She gasped and her eyes widened in surprise as she turned to go.

"Aria?" Her voice trembled as she whispered.

With my heart thumping in my chest, I emerged from the darkness. "Eva," I whispered in a voice that was almost audible. "What was that?"

Her look was one of dread as her eyes darted around the area. Her voice was filled with worry as she replied, "You shouldn't have seen that."

She then sprained at me before I could respond, a black, shimmering blade glinting in the moonlight as she lifted her hand.