THE WOLF IN THE FOLD
The words struck James like a physical blow, the air leaving his lungs in a rush that left him gasping. Someone he trusted. Someone who had been close to him this whole time. The First's revelation cut through the dim light of the cave like a blade, severing his certainty and plunging him into a chasm of doubt. His mind raced through faces—Harper, David, Maria, Alexander, Katherine, Rachel, Claire. Each one a pillar of his world, each one now suspect. "No," James said, his voice barely a whisper. "That's not possible. Everyone in my inner circle has proven themselves. They've bled for this cause. They've sacrificed everything." The First's ancient eyes held no malice, only a weary sadness that seemed to seep from his very bones. "I understand your disbelief. I felt the same way when I d
- Writer
